A Letter to a Southern Baptist Minister

Edward Wilson, a professor at Harvard University writes a letter to a Southern Baptist minister self titled “A Letter to a Southern Baptist Minister.” He introduces the piece by introducing himself as man not so different from him, and states they could possibly even be friends. He begins to ask the Minister for help and acknowledges the major difference between them, how one is a literal interpreter of scripture while Wilson describes himself as a secular humanist. He then tries to make the big connection, “You and I and everyone other human being strive for the same imperatives of security freedom of choice, personal dignity and the cause to belief in that is larger than ourselves”(464). Wilson then surfaces the point of his letter, to set aside their differences and to save creation.
He starts to discuss some scientific facts about the environment suggesting that it is heading in a downward spiral. He tries to rationalize with the minister, suggesting that nature is not a matter of science or religion; it is one of humanity. Wilson then goes on to explain the reasoning he is writing to him, making the strong statement that “If religion and science can be united on the common ground of biological conservation, the problem would soon be solved”(465). He then explains his confusion why many religious leaders hesitate to take action on the cause. He begins to suggest that it’s the way that theses religions work and how the environment won’t matter in the end. He then begins to back off and challenges him to consider his words. He then concludes with a very interesting example of Charles Darwin. Once a religious minded individual, he was eventually changed into putting his faith in science. He closes with a statement of respect and hopes that they can find common ground to help save the environment.
This paper gives a very interesting perspective of the mind of a secular humanist. I find this paper very convincing for numerous reasons. Wilson does a good job of making himself sounding open minded. His arguments are well constructed and supported. The ability to unite religion and science to solve a common problem is a great idea. Religion has an amazing power to unite people and coupled with the interest of science our environment issues can be solved. Wilson addresses this directly stating, “[Nature] is a masterpiece of biology and well worth saving” (464). Coming from a religious background I understand how religion can appear selfish to the environment. I grew up going to Catholic schools and I also noticed the exclusion of the environment which I found bothersome. Sometimes a religion has a tunnel vision effect on people until they put things into perspective. I agree with Wilson’s points how puzzling it is that many people believe the world will end in their lifetime and that only the well being of humans will matter.
Putting that aside, a bigger picture emerges. “The great challenge of the twenty-first century is to raise people to a decent standard of living while preserving as much of rest of life as possible”, is a great way to look at it, said by Wilson(465). Although religion and science on surface appear to be enemies, when put together they can have a powerful influence on this planet.