Winter 2017/Fuller Online

CH527

Feldmeth

CH527: CHRISTIANITY AND SCIENCE IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE (4 Units: 160 Hours). Nathan P. Feldmeth.

DESCRIPTION: Scientific development since the sixteenth century has affected nearly every aspect of human culture—including the Christian church. This course will examine both the ancient harmony and modern tension that have developed when Christian theology and scientific inquiry intersect. The scope of study will range from the foundations of Western science in ancient Greece, to recent developments in biology, cosmology, physics, psychology, and medicine.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have demonstrated (1) the ability to think critically on many key issues generated by the intersection of Christian theology and modern science; although not an apologetics course per se; (2) a knowledge and understanding of contemporary debates within the church, including creationism, intelligent design, cloning, and genetic engineering; and (3) a sympathetic appreciation for the breadth, unity, and diversity of opinion within the church in its interaction with modern science.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar for a total of 40 instructional hours, which is outlined below in the assignment and assessment section. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.

REQUIRED READING: 1,125 total pages required.

Collins, Francis S. The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief. Free Press, 2007. ISBN: 978-1416542742, Pub. Price $15.99 [235 pp.].

Dawkins, Richard. The Blind Watchmaker. W.W. Norton, 2015. ISBN: 978-0393351491, Pub. Price $18.95 [174 pp.].

Desmond, Adrian. Darwin: The Life of a Tormented Evolutionist. W.W. Norton, 1994. ISBN: 978-0393311501, Pub. Price $39.95 [228 pp.].

Dowe, Phil. Galileo, Darwin and Hawking. Eerdmans, 2005. ISBN: 978-0802826961, Pub. Price $24.00 [253 pp.].

Freud, Sigmund. The Future of an Illusion. W.W. Norton, 1989. ISBN: 978-0393008319, Pub. Price $13.95 [100 pp.].

Polkinghorne, John C. Science and Creation: The Search for Understanding. Templeton Foundation Press, 2005. ISBN: 978-1599471006, Pub. Price $14.95 [135 pp.].

RECOMMENDED READING:

Barbour, Ian G.When Science Meets Religion. HarperOne, 2000. ISBN: 978-0060603816, Pub. Price $16.99 [205 pp.].

Darwin, Charles. Autobiography. Dover Press (Out of print).

Darwin, Charles. The Voyage of the Beagle. Penguin Books, 1989. ISBN: 978-0140432688, Pub. Price $16.00 [448 pp.].

Dawkins, Richard. The Selfish Gene. Oxford University Press, 2006. ISBN: 978-0199291151, Pub. Price $19.95 [384 pp.].

Lindberg, David C., and Ronald L. Numbers. God and Nature: Historical Essays on the Encounter between Christianity and Science. University of California Press, 1986. ISBN: 978-0520056923, Pub. Price $38.95 [516 pp.].

Livingstone, David N. Darwin’s Forgotten Defenders. Eerdmans, 1987. ISBN: 978-1573830935, Pub. Price $19.95 [120 pp.].

Murphy, Nancey. Reconciling Theology and Science: A Radical Perspective. Pandora Press, 1997. ISBN: 978-0969876243, Pub. Price $14.50 [104 pp.].

Pais, Abraham. Subtle Is the Lord: The Science and Life of Albert Einstein. Oxford University Press, 2005. ISBN: 978-0192806727, Pub. Price $31.95 [576 pp.].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Assigned readings (1125 pp.) to be completed as preparation for lectures and student forums. [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, and 3]. [75 hours].

2. Instruction hours are as follows: recorded Keynote lectures and recorded video presentations [20 hours].

3. Weekly issues-based forums [250 words] and student responses [250 words] (25%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2, 3]. [20 hours, DLAs].

4. Two papers, the first of five to seven pages and the second ten to twelve pages will be due at stated intervals. The two papers will be weighted in determining the course graded as follows (25% and 50%). This assignment is related to learning outcome # 1,2 3] [45 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the TH4 requirement in the 120 MDiv and 80 MAT Programs (Fall 2015).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.