To: ASA Members interested in engineering or technology

From: John M. Osepchuk

Vice President of ASA CEST

Subject: Call for Papers for CEST Sessions

At the 1999 ASA meeting there was created a new organization within ASA: the affiliation of Christian Engineers and Scientists in Technology (CEST). This was the result of a merger between the Industrial Commission (IC) and the Affiliation of Christian Engineers (ACE). The organization and activities of CEST is still being developed. The initial officers include Dr. Ruth D. Miller, President; Prof. Jack C. Swearengen, Secretary and myself as Vice President. A small cadre of about 10 - 15 other people are involved also in the initial buildup of CEST.

The objectives of CEST can be described as follows:

1. To establish a network of Christians involved in the development of technology, which will enable the sharing of experiences in this common endeavor from a Christian viewpoint. (From ACE)

2. To investigate the scientific, technical and other aspects of technology and in particular , specific technologies or applications of such technologies when there is a perceived benefit to ASA for such investigations. The objective would be to establish the morals and ethical aspects of such technologies so as to permit assessment from a Christian viewpoint on the desirability of such technologies. All viewpoints would be solicited so that balanced assessment can be made of the potential benefits vs. the potential adverse consequences.(IC)

The cadre of people in CEST have decided to organize one or two sessions at the next ASA meeting which is at Gordon College, in Wenham Massachusetts on August 4 - 7, 2000. The theme is "Technology and Christianity". Enclosed is a Call for Papers for the CEST sessions along with a copy of the general call from ASA. We hope many will respond to this call.

I know that there are many members of ASA who have jobs in the real world dealing with practical issues and decisions. Though far removed from the debates on creation vs. evolution and other esoteric debates in theology or philosophy, issues with moral and ethical overtones are common. As Christians, we need to act responsibly. Yet on many issues there is not apparent unanimity amongst Christians or even ASA members(e.g., global warning, nuclear power, space exploration, the Endangered Species Act, etc.).

ASA has stated that it takes no official position on these matters. Nevertheless they should be addressed within ASA, not only for the enlightenment of ASA members but to eventually help the clergy and laity in churches to better understand these issues.

So please make an effort to volunteer your time and effort to make these initial sessions sponsored by CEST a success.

In HIS Service,

John M. Osepchuk

Vice President CEST

American Scientific Affiliation

For further information about CEST please contact any of the officers of CEST:

Telephone Fax E-Mail

Ruth Douglas Miller 913-532-4596 913-532-1188 rdmiller@eece.ksu.edu

John M. Osepchuk 978-287-5849 978-318-9303 jmosepchuk@compuserve.com