"However, under Kirchhoff's leadership, I think the group as a whole is moving away from this inconsistent double-identity," he continues.

HSS leaders view their style as simply another way to attract attention to the group.

"There is other stuff that we do, we're not just a group of pranksters," says HSS Executive Director Shankar Duraiswarmy '02.

Indeed, HSS participates in serious debates with campus religious organizations like the Harvard-Radcliffe Christian Fellowship (HRCF), in what Stevens describes as "a relationship that thrives on conflict."

Last spring, for instance, HSS and HRCF sparred over the existence of a Benevolent Creator in a "Does God Exist?" debate.

"We both share a passion for not shying away from discussions of spiritual truth and reality," Stevens says. "HSS provides a good forum for people who really do care about engaging these issues intellectually."

But beyond the cross-examination-style face-offs, HSS attracts a steady following of students interested in exploring the boundaries between science and theology.