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: