Science & Christianity:
Complementary Perspectives?
The relationship between modern science and religious belief has been conceived in a number of different ways over the course of history: as warring opponents, as paths to complementary, but separate, spheres of truth, as partners in the quest to unlock the mysteries of the universe. This unit will undertake a broad survey to major topics and areas of debate which have shaped the relationship between science and religion, with special emphasis on the dialogue between science and Christianity.
The first part of the unit will focus on the historical, theological, methodological and sociological factors which have shaped the interactions between science and religion in the modern world. In the second part of the unit, students will investigate particular key debates in major areas of scientific enquiry, including cosmology, astronomy, geology, physics, biology, psychology, biotechnology and environmental science. In the process, students will gain a greater understanding of the methods and assumptions of science and theology, as well as new insights into important topics of contemporary scientific and religious debate. Where possible, special attention will be given to Australian contributions to the dialogue.
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When & Where Offered
This subject is offered in Semester 2 2008, at Macquarie University Campus. Classes will be held over 13 weeks on Monday evenings from 6-9pm commencing in early August.
This unit will include presentations, issue-oriented case studies, debates, guest speakers and video extracts, as well as small group dialogue for at least one out of each three hour period. In particular, the second part of the unit (case studies) will involve invited specialists in the relevant fields of scientific enquiry. Special emphasis will be placed in involving the students themselves directly in debating the issues, based on the existing knowledge and course readings.
Lecturers
Dr Frank Stootman
B.Sc.(Hons), Dip.Ed(Tertiary)(STC), Ph.D Frank is currently Associate Professor - Physics, School of Computing & Information Technology, University of Western Sydney and Director, Adolon Computer Services Pty. Ltd He also serves as Director, L'AbriFellowship (Australia) Ltd.
Mr Ron Winestock
B.Econ., M.A. University of Sydney Ron works as Director, Vinitex Ltd. He is a Board Member and a sessional Lecturer for MCSI. He is particularly interested how philosophy and theology relate to science.
Unit Code and Details
IN432 (MCSI 270/370) Sciene & Christianity: Complementary Perspectives?
This unit is equivalent to a standard semester unit at advanced level. For example it is worth:
3 credit points at 200* level towards Maccquarie University undergraduate degrees
4 credit points at 400 level towards Australian College of Theology undergraduate degrees.
For advice on how to credit this subject to other institutions please contact our advisor.
*Note: from January 2008 MCSI units are no longer able to be credited at 300 level towards Macquarie Undergraduate Degree programs. Students enrolling in this unit will receive 3 credit points at 200 level.
Prerequisites: the equivalent of 6 months (1 semester) full time study (4 subjects) of university level study should be completed before enrolling in this subject, including 6 credit points (2 subjects) in a science discipline. (Students not meeting this prerequisite can request permission from MCSI Dean to enrol)
It is recommended but not required that students have completed either or both of:
Worldview Survey: IN301 (MCSI 100) or
Bible Survey: IN302: (MCSI 101)
Unit Content /Lecture Topics
Part I: History and Theory of the Dialogue between Science and Religion
1. "Doing Science" and "Doing Theology": some methodological ground-rules
2. Diverse Ways of Relating Science and Religion
3. Historical Turning Points in the Dialogue between Science and Christianity
4. Religious Fundamentalism and the World of Science
5. Truth, Belief and Subjectivity within the World of Science
Part II: Case Studies in the Dialogue between Science and Religion
6. Cosmology/Astronomy: God vs Matter
7. Physics: God and the New Physics
8. Chaos Theory and Complexity: New Questions about Divine Action
9. Biology: Evolution vs Intelligent Design
10. Psychology: Body, Mind and Soul
11. Molecular Biology: The Ethics of Genetic Engineering
12. Environmental Science: Spiritual, Utilitarian and Creational Approaches
Conclusion
13. Conclusion: Is there Still Room for God in a Modern Scientific Worldview?
Assessment:
1. Concept map, describing and analysing the major approaches to relating science and religion, with accompanying 1200-1500 word essay to explain and justify the conceptual framework used: 30%
2. Major research essay on a specific topic from Part II of the unit content, 2500 words: 60%
3. Class participation: 10%
Texts and Readings
Required Texts:
Barbour, Ian G. 2000. When Science Meets Religion. Enemies, Strangers or Partners? San Francisco: Harper SanFrancisco.
Stannard, Russell, ed. 2000. God for the 21st Century. London: SPCK; Radnor, PA: Templeton Foundation Press.
Suggested Additional Reading:
Barnes, Barry, Bloor, David & Henry, John. 1996. Scientific Knowledge. A Sociological Analysis. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Barrow, John D. 1998. Impossibility. The Limits of Science and the Science of Limits. Oxford: OUP, 1998.
Birkett, Kirsten. 1997. Unnatural Enemies. An Introduction to Science and Christianity. Sydney: Matthias Media.
Davies, Paul. 1983. God and the New Physics. London: Dent.
Davies, Paul. 1992. The Mind of God. Science and the Search for Ultimate Meaning. London: Simon & Schuster.
Dembski, William. 1999. Intelligent Design. The Bridge between Science and Theology. Downers Grove: Intervarsity.
Haught, John F. 1996. Science and Religion. From Conflict to Conversation. Paulist Press.
Jeeves, Malcolm A. & R.J. Berry, eds. 1998. Science, Life and Christian Belief. A Survey and Assessment. Leicester: Apollos.
Losee, John. 2001. A Historical Introduction to the Philosophy of Science. Oxford: OUP.
McErlean, Jennifer. 2000. Philosophies of Science. From Foundations to Contemporary Issues. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
McGrath, Alister E. 1998. Science and Religion: An Introduction. Oxford: Blackwell.
McGrath, Alister E. 2002. A Scientific Theology. Vol 1: Nature. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.
Numbers, Ronald L. 1993. The Creationists. The Evolution of Scientific Creationism. University of California Press.
Pearcey, Nancy R. and Thaxton, Charles B. 1994. The Soul of Science: Christian Faith and Natural Philosophy. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway.
Plimer, Ian. 1994. Telling Lies for God. Reason vs Creationism. Melbourne: Random House Australia.
Polkinghorne, John. 1999. Science and Theology: An Introduction. Minneapolis: Fortress.
Polkinghorne, John & Michael Welker. 2000. The End of the World and the Ends of God. Science and Theology on Eschatology. Trinity Press International.
Ratzsch, Del. 2000. Science and its Limits. The Natural Sciences in Christian Perspective. Downers Grove: Intervarsity.
Richardson, Barry. 2001. Christianity, Evolution and the Environment. Fitting it Together. Sydney: University of New South Wales Press.
Rolston, Holmes. 1999. Genes, Genesis and God: Values and their Origin in Natural and Human History. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Rosenberg, Alexander. 2000. The Philosophy of Science: A Contemporary Introduction. London: Routledge.
Ruse, Michael. 2001. Mystery of Mysteries. Is Evolution a Social Construction? Harvard University Press.
Van Huysteen, Wentzel. 1998. Duet or Duel? Theology and Science in a Postmodern Age. Trinity Press International.
Worthing, M.W. 1995. God, Creation and Contemporary Physics. Minneapolis: Fortress