DESCRIPTION: The goal of this course will be to examine current intellectual
challenges to Christian belief in light of historical developments in modern
science and philosophy, as well as the theological responses that were made to
these developments. The theses of the course are: (1) the "new atheism" of our
day is but the most recent development of a large-scale rival to the Christian
tradition, which may be designated scientific materialism; (2) the liberal
Protestant strategy to insulate religion and theology from science is largely
responsible for the materialists' ability to promote their position as
singularly compatible with science; and (3) it is now possible to show that
much of current science actually provides striking support for Christian
theology.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Knowledge: to introduce students to aspects of the
development of philosophy and theology in the West, and to some of the major
intellectual problems facing Christian believers, along with strategies that
have been used to address them. Skills: to improve student's skills in
reasoning about their faith and in academic writing. Attitudes: to promote
confidence in the student's own abilities to address intellectual problems, as
well as sympathetic appreciation for scholars who have struggled with difficult
issues and have arrived at conclusions different from those of the student.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The issues that we deal with in class will also be
issues of concern for many church members; this will be an opportunity for
students to begin to prepare to address them.
COURSE FORMAT: Mostly lecture; some small group discussion. The class will
meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING: