Sciences changes not needed

The Los Alamos Faith and Science Forum has submitted the following letter to the New Mexico Public Education Department, related to the proposed changes to the Next Generation Science Standards.

“We, the undersigned members of the Board of Directors of the Los Alamos Faith and Science Forum, have reviewed the New Mexico Public Education Department’s proposed changes to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). As scientists and people of faith, we see no need for the proposed modifications. The NGSS, before New Mexico’s modifications, reflect the best current understanding of these subjects.

“Like the Psalmist, we believe that the heavens declare the glory of God. Like St. Augustine, we believe that we read about God in the pages of the Book of Nature, as we do in the pages of the Bible, and that these two books can never be inconsistent. Modern science has shown us how the Creator chose to create the cosmos, and thereby points to a much more subtle, intelligent, powerful, and loving God than many believers had suspected. We see great benefits in the constructive dialogue between science and scripture.”

Nelson Hoffman is president of the Los Alamos Faith and Science Forum, a scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory and a member of the First United Methodist Church of Los Alamos. This letter is signed by officers and board members of the forum, an organization of scientific professionals, clergy, and lay persons who are interested in the dialogue between science and religion, and the ways in which these two domains intersect with and inform each other. Its officers are current or retired employees of Los Alamos National Laboratory and members of churches in Los Alamos County.