In light of our recent discussions on ecology and theology, we wanted to further explore the example of the Keystone Pipeline. Please watch the follow news clip, and consider the following discussion questions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q50BjKzK2fA

1. How do you feel about the Keystone Pipeline?

2. Do you believe its implementation is for the common good?

3. Do you think the Pipeline should be allowed to be built?

4. Which do you think is the more significant outcome, the potential environment ramifications, or the ability to provide cheaper oil for citizens, and lessening our dependence on the Middle East?

5. Do you think the construction of the Pipeline falls in line with Catholic Doctrine?

Please read the following article concerning Pope Francis and the environment and consider the following discussion question.

http://ncronline.org/blogs/eco-catholic/tracing-clues-pope-francis-ecology

6. Moving forward, how do you think Pope Francis will play a role in environment issues such as this?

In our class discussion on the New Atheist movement, we have seen polarized views spanning from the  "delusions of grandeur" put forth by Richard Dawkins to the Karen Armstrong's opinion that the New Atheist movement is based on "poor Theology," or the lack of religious education.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9DlT7m_0ew

In this video, we see the opinion of another New Atheist, Neil DeGrasse Tyson.  Neil DeGrasse Tyson is an American astrophysicist, who primarily focuses on questions of cosmology, evolution and galactic astronomy. (You might recognize his face from the video a few weeks ago- "Reflecting on Battlestar Galactica!")  However, in this particular video, we see him commenting on the relationship between religion and science.
How does DeGrasse Tyson's argument correlate with the arguments of New Atheist thinkers?  How does it depart?
Do you think his idea is idea is correct that "we would've never left the cave" without scientists questioning religion?