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Course
Where to Start: Faith & Science
~2 Hours
Are faith and science incompatible? In Where to Start: Faith & Science, you’ll learn how to approach this topic with humility and discernment, whether you’re in a classroom, at a dinner table, or in a Bible study.
2 instructors
About This Course
Are faith and science incompatible? In Where to Start: Faith & Science, you’ll learn how to approach this topic with humility and discernment, whether you’re in a classroom, at a dinner table, or in a Bible study. Led by BioLogos President and astronomer Deborah Haarsma, this is an introductory course to integrating faith and science, with optional “Going Deeper” sections throughout for a more thorough exploration of the topics. Discover the necessary relational and intellectual tools to navigate important scientific, theological, and philosophical questions surrounding faith and science. This course will provide you with a solid foundation for engaging in constructive and respectful conversations in pursuit of truth.
Learning Outcomes
- Articulate examples of both general and special revelation, and explain how the “two books” metaphor addresses science and faith
- Define the conflict thesis and evaluate the historical and contemporary relationship between science and faith based on it
- Describe how humility and empathy allow us to learn from God and others while engaging in challenging science and faith questions
Created in partnership with BioLogos and FULLER Equip.
- Faith & Science
- Theology & Biblical Studies
- Free
This course is designed to prepare participants to engage thoughtfully with the challenging questions that arise at the intersection of science and faith. It offers a concise introduction to integrating faith and science, with optional “Going Deeper” sections for a more thorough exploration of the topics.
Integrating Faith & Science
Before diving into the hot topic of faith and science, we must start in humility. The concept of humility in the Bible influences both our relationship with God and with others.
The two books metaphor, found in Jewish and Christian thought, views nature (God’s book of works) and the Bible (God’s book of words) as harmonious sources of knowledge about God and his creation. It posits that true revelations in one should align with the other, with any conflicts stemming from misinterpretations. Apparent conflicts are the result of mistaken interpretations of one or both. In The Origin of the Species, Charles Darwin included a quotation in which Francis Bacon encourages people not to think that they could ever go too far studying either the book of God’s work or the book of God’s word, but rather they should “endeavor an endless progress or proficience in both.”
The New Atheists, led by Richard Dawkins, criticize religion, particularly Christianity, for hindering scientific curiosity and rational thinking, challenging its role in government and education. Conversely, the organization Answers In Genesis insists on rejecting any scientific or historical findings that contradict biblical teachings, forcing a choice between biblical truth and scientific evidence, often seen as incompatible.
Conclusion
We hope that you enjoyed Where to Start: Faith & Science. If you would like to delve deeper into this topic, here are some great resources for you to be able to do so.
Your Instructor
BioLogos
BioLogos is an organization that invites the church and the world to see the harmony between science and biblical faith while presenting an evolutionary understanding of God’s creation.
Jim Stump
Vice President of Programs at BioLogos
Jim Stump is vice president of Programs at BioLogos. He oversees the editorial team, participates in strategic planning, and hosts the podcast Language of God. Jim also writes and speaks on behalf of BioLogos. He has a PhD in philosophy and was formerly a professor and academic administrator. His earlier books include Four Views on Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design; Science and Christianity: An Introduction to the Issues; and How I Changed My Mind about Evolution. Most recently, he has published The Sacred Chain: How Understanding Evolutions Leads to Deeper Faith (HarperOne, 2024).
