Is the U.S. a scientifically advanced country? Of course it is. The U.S. claims far more Nobel Prizes than any other nation. Most of us carry our own personal computers in our purses or pockets and we would be lost without them. Yet, an unfortunate number of us question the safety and efficacy of vaccines, deny evolution, and question the reality of climate change. How can this be? What is it we don’t understand about science? I will share three stories that may shed some light on these issues.

Dick Smythe is an entomologist retired from the research division of the US Forest Service. Throughout his life he has maintained two dominant interests: first, his fascination with the natural world – our non-human environment and endless source of wonder; second, his abiding interest in religion/theology – a subject of continuing education and challenge.