Models of Geoscience for Current Faith-Based Outreach

Instead of the antagonism portrayed and sensationalized by popular media, geology has become an effective bridge from science/technology to culture/faith. The ethical foundation provided by religious conviction motivates individuals and groups to apply their geological expertise in service of humanity and environment. Recent disasters such as the 2004 tsunami, hurricanes in North and Central America, and earthquakes in Pakistan and China have mobilized religious NGOs practicing geoscience. Examples include The International Islamic Relief Organization, American Jewish World Service, Buddhist Compassion Relief, as well as many Christian groups (World Relief, World Vision, etc.)

Among Christian NGOs dedicated to sustainable human and environmental health are a growing number that emphasize geology. "Ministries" with focus on water resources range from professional, such as Lifewater International and Water-For-Life, to those conducted primarily by college students, such as Wheaton College's Honduras Project, Student Missionary Project and HNGR (Human Needs and Global Resources) Program. Other student projects have undertaken erosion control, soils and sanitation, artisanal mining and earth-science education. These opportunities offer proven models inspiring academic training through religious faith, commonly with the added goal of training indigenous people to spread the good work as trainers themselves. Perhaps the future of engagement between geology and religion is much more positive than commonly perceived.