Paths of Faith in the Landscape of Science

Paths of Faith in the Landscape of Science brings together the personal stories of three Quakers who have long been engaged in the dialogue between science and religion.

Through all the years of antagonism between religion and science, Quakerism has had a “compass” that spared it from becoming embroiled in this conflict. Founded in mid 17th century England, the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) has been guided by the concept of “continuing revelation.” Quakers have never been at odds with the unfolding of scientific knowledge.

Although the authors have each traveled distinct paths, their Quaker “compass” has provided essential guidance for the integration of scientific knowledge and religious experience that has stood the test of time. Paths of Faith in the Landscape of Science makes a lively contribution to the dialogue between science and religion, and to the quest for trustworthy guidance.

George M. Strunz

George Strunz (1938-2022) was born in Vienna and grew up in Ireland. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences from Trinity College, Dublin, he moved to Canada for graduate studies in organic chemistry at the University of New Brunswick. Subsequently, he held postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Michigan and Harvard University before returning to Fredericton, New Brunswick where he has since resided.

For most of his professional career he worked as a Research Scientist with the Canadian Forest Service and as Adjunct Professor of Chemistry at the University of New Brunswick. His scientific research focused on the chemistry of natural products, primarily in the context of their potential role in maintaining the health of the forest. He has published extensively on this and related topics.

He retired in 1999, which gave him the opportunity to devote time to other interests, especially the enjoyment of five grandchildren. Painting, a long time hobby, has become an important part of his life and he has held several solo art exhibitions. He has served on the Boards of the New Brunswick Choral Federation, Fredericton Arts Alliance, and the Fredericton Botanical Garden. He was a member of the New Brunswick Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).

Michael R. Miller

Michael R. Miller was born in Portugal where he lived until 1941, when his family moved to the New York City area. He holds a B.A. from New York University and an M.A. and Ph.D. from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. In 1967 he became Professor of Music at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick.

Michael is a composer and pianist. He taught at Mount Allison University until retirement in 1999. He now lives in Fredericton, NB. His many compositions include works for voice, choir, orchestra, and various chamber groups, which have been performed and recorded. His most recent work, "Marsh-Boy Music," is based on a selection of poems by Douglas Lochhead from his book High Marsh Road. A new chamber group, Atlantica, premiered "Marsh-Boy Music" in September 2013

He has served on the Boards of Symphony New Brunswick and the John Howard Society. He served on the Spiritual and Religious Care Committee of the Doctor Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton, and represented Quakers at the "Celebration of Faith in Diversity" at St. Thomas University in 2010. He is a member of the New Brunswick Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).

Keith Helmuth

Keith Helmuth was born in Ohio where he grew up working with his father in the family roofing business After graduating from the State University of Iowa, he managed bookstores in Iowa City, Syracuse, NY, and New York City. In 1967 he joined the faculty of Friends World College where he taught environmental studies and social ecology. He helped establish the College's Independent Studies Program and served as its first Coordinator.

From 1972 through the late 1990s, the Helmuth family operated a farm and market garden business near Woodstock, New Brunswick. During this time he worked with community economic development projects, including farm markets and credit unions. In 1991, Keith was the Canadian Quaker delegate to the World Council of Churches' Convocation on Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation in Seoul, Korea. He is a co-author of two books: Right Relationship: Building a Whole Earth Economy, and How on Earth Do We Live Now? Natural Capital, Deep Ecology, and the Commons, and author of Tracking Down Ecological Guidance: Presence • Beauty • Survival.

He was instrumental in founding Quaker Institute for the Future (2003) and served as its first Board Secretary and Coordinator of Publications. He served in an advisory capacity with Quaker International Affairs Programme (Ottawa) from 2005 to 2010. Although retired from farming, he still serves on the Board of the Woodstock Farm Market. He is a member of New Brunswick Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).