Exceprt from a commentary in today’s NYT by the Dalai Lama:

I believe that we must find a way to bring ethical considerations to bear upon the direction of scientific development, especially in the life sciences. By invoking fundamental ethical principles, I am not advocating a fusion of religious ethics and scientific inquiry.

Rather, I am speaking of what I call “secular ethics,” which embrace the principles we share as human beings: compassion, tolerance, consideration of others, the responsible use of knowledge and power. These principles transcend the barriers between religious believers and non-believers; they belong not to one faith, but to all faiths.

Read more here.

I couldn’t agree more; I find it very frustrating when Christians seem to think that ethics and ethical behavior belong exclusively to Christianity. I’ve met ethical Christians. I’ve met (extrememly) unethical ones too. The same follows for people of other faith, and of no faith at all.

Where I really see this thought — that ethical behavior does not require Christianity — is in the education sector. It seems that many would believe that the only way to teach ethics (or good citizenship, or whatever you want to call it) is by teaching religion in school. I disagree. I’ve started listening to the new book by former president Carter, and he fairly eloquently expresses how science and religion don’t contradict each other; they’re simply not in competition. Now, if only I can express the same thoughts when/if any discussion of intelligent design comes up when my brother’s family is here to visit…

…but most likely, I’ll sit back, smile, and not say a damned thing. My sister-in-law is pretty strict on her ideas, and that’s fine. For her. As long as she stays out of my head (and my daughter’s), it’s all good!