Bridging the Science Divide with New Documentary on Bill Nye

Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. (1Sam 2:3)

One of the most critical questions of our age is “How do we engage people with the process of accepting science?” In this current era of “populism” wherein feelings are given priority over scientific knowledge, how do we engage people in the difficult task of exploring scientific fact? This is particularly challenging in the case of Climate Science as it may well mean we have to change how we live. How do we do this?

Well, perhaps, we use the Church’s historically most effective tool at engaging people with a difficult truth: we wrap it in a story.

PBS broadcasting is offering churches a unique opportunity to do just that by hosting a free sneak-preview screening of PBS documentary Bill Nye: Science Guy.

Bill Nye is a man on a mission: to stop the spread of what he calls “anti-scientific” thinking. The former star of the popular kid’s show: “Bill Nye The Science Guy” has become an outspoken science advocate, engaging with those who deny climate change, evolution, and other evidence-based scientific findings. The film raises important questions about the role of science research and education in public life, and about how to engage productively with people across ideological divides.

The documentary Bill Nye: Science Guy will premiere on April 18 on PBS’ POV, American television’s longest-running independent documentary series. Through POV’s free DVD Lending Library, organizations can host sneak-preview screenings of the film. Interested in hosting a screening? Join the POV Community Network and access their free companion materials (discussion guide, lesson plan and reading list) in the Partner Toolkit. 

I’ve used the POV resources with other subjects and found them to be worthwhile and easy to use.

So why would a Church want to host such an event which attempts to bridge the science divide on the most critical issue of our time? Well, perhaps, because we are uniquely qualified to help people with the follow-up question: How would God have us respond to this crisis?

Prayer: God of us all, help us to walk humbly with you to do justice with loving kindness in the saving of your Creation. Help us to do this soon Dear God, while there’s yet still time, Amen.