What is Human?

The Center for Research and Science (CRIS) hosted the signature Science & Faith virtual event, “What is Human? An Exposition on Imago Dei,” on January 26. Packed in this title are questions such as, “Are humans just a collection of cells and DNAs? What about our purpose? And what does Imago Dei, [made in] the image of God, mean? In practice, what are the implications of being human? And have any of these questions changed in light of technological advancements? Our keynote speaker, Dr. Praveen Sethupathy (Cornell University) began his talk by explaining the three shared values among humans: curiosity, humanity and joy. According to Dr. Sethupathy, humans are meant to wonder and be in awe of God’s creation. While it is possible to explain humanity from a biological perspective and there are similarities between humans and other species, what sets humans apart from other species is that humans are created in the image of God; moreover, humans have a vocational calling from God to be good and moral. Lastly, God made humans with the ability to experience His joy through various expressions.

APU panelists Dr. Mihretu Guta (MS Biotechnology) and Dr. Regina Trammel (Social Work) expanded on the ontology and praxis of being human. The discussion covered a range of topics and questions raised by the audience from California, Ohio, New York, Massachusetts, and India. These topics included gene alterations, eugenics, mindfulness, artificial intelligence, and humanism. In summary, we were reminded of the importance of being in community, keeping a healthy perspective of productivity, the need to integrate science and faith, and the supreme goodness of God.

This webinar can be viewed on the CRIS website:

https://www.apu.edu/research-science/events/

In addition, Dr. Sethupathy spoke at the Biology & Chemistry Research Seminar on January 27 on “Small RNAs play a big role in Crohn's disease”; it was a joy that we were joined by 37 students from the Foothill Consortium's Medical Academy (Gladstone High School) at this seminar.

On the same day, Dr. Sethupathy shed light on how to incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion principles as he directs the Cornell University Center for Vertebrate Genomics at the Diversity Ambassador Master Class,

Last but not least, Dr. Sethupathy also spoke in Chapel on February 28 on building trust where God calls us. We are grateful to have learnt so much from Dr. Sethupathy and look forward to hosting him on campus in the near future.

Biology & Chemistry Research Seminar