Abstract
Dealing with crises of conscience for Christians in science requires a prophetic approach. Although there are serious crises arising from areas related to the theme of this conference on "Science, Weapons, and Hope: Christian Perspectives," the subject itself has far greater significance and implications. The possibility for crises of conscience implies an authentic responsibility borne by Christians in science based upon a fundamental stewardship that is ours as Christians. Crises arise out of the tension between the realization that in a sinful world any increase in knowledge is potentially dangerous, and the realization that if science did not exist, Christians would have to invent it to fulfill their obligations in the world. Crises of conscience appear when Christians in science see directly the probable harm that will result from their work. We pose the guideline question: "If a scientist would not approve the use of a process or device if developed, shouldn't he refuse to work on its development?" We consider examples of crises of conscience in several different areas of science, with particular attention to weapons research and development as a response to evil in the world. A constant pitfall is "religious pragmatism," which is based on a religious context and admits the direction of the biblical teaching on a particular issue, but concludes that this direction is not practical in the sinful world in which we live.