DESCRIPTION: Over the past three hundred years science and philosophy have had a profound effect on Christian theology. This course will provide an introduction to some important issues at the interface of theology and science, with attention given to the influences of philosophy on each. In particular, emphasis will be given to how modern and contemporary science (especially physics, cosmology, earth-science, and biology) have interacted with Christian theology, and vice versa. Foundations will be laid for further study.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: The student will confront various issues in this course through the required reading, the class sessions, and the written assignments. These three components have been designed to increase each student's skills in critical thinking, in academic writing, and the ability to engage intellectual problems. In doing so the student will engage scholars representing a number of viewpoints, some of which are not necessarily in agreement with those of the student.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Of the myriad possible topics that are consistent with the course title, topics will be chosen that are especially relevant for ministry in the local church--issues such as the creation/evolution issue, the question of whether or not intelligent design could be an appropriate part of the public school curriculum, whether there is scientific work that casts questions on important aspects of Christian theology, the question of divine action or how God interacts with the universe, etc. We will also consider criteria by which to evaluate both scientific and theological statements regarding issues of mutual interest to science and theology.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet weekly for three-and-a-half-hour sessions. The format of each class meeting will be a combination of lecture, discussion, small group discussion, class activities, short student oral reports, and an occasional video. Students will be expected to come to class having read the reading assignment, and hence ready to participate in class discussion.

REQUIRED READING:

Students are required to read 1000 pages from the following; extra credit will be given for additional reading up to a total of 1300 pages.

Carlson, Richard F., ed. Science and Christianity: Four Views. InterVarsity Press, 2000.

Davies, Paul. The Mind of God. Simon & Schuster, 1992.

McGrath, Alister E. Science and Religion: An Introduction. Blackwell, 1999.

Murphy, Nancey. Reconciling Theology and Science: A Radical Reformation Perspective. Pandora Press, 1997.

Polkinghorne, John. Science and Theology: An Introduction. SPCK/Fortress, 1998.

Wilcox, David L. God and Evolution: A Faith-Based Understanding. Judson, 2004.

Worthing, Mark William. God, Creation, and Contemporary Physics, Fortress, 1996.

Course Reader that includes readings from Zygon and biblical creation narratives.

1. Three papers of length 8-10 pages each. Each paper will determine 27.5% of the course grade.

2. Oral progress reports on each of the papers (2.5% of the course grade each).

3. Attendance, participation in class discussions (evidence of having engaged the required reading), and a reading log to be submitted at the last class meeting (10% of the course grade).