March 20-22, 2015

Murray Edwards College

Aim of Course

This weekend course is for busy people who would like to obtain a broad introductory overview of the big questions in science and religion from top speakers in the field. Philosophers, scientists, historians and theologians will tackle a wide range of topics such as the conflict myth, rationality and knowledge, the nature of matter, God’s action in the world, genetics and determinism, ethical challenges in science.  There will be plenty of opportunity for group discussion and to interact informally with the speakers over the course of the weekend.

We have experienced a problem with our booking system, if you booked between 7/1/205 and 20/1/2015 and have not heard from us please contact the office 01223 741281 or faraday.administrator@st-edmunds.cam.ac.uk

Speakers (listed in alphabetical order) and topics

See multimedia items for this course.

  • Dr Denis Alexander : Is it all in our Genes?
  • Dr James Hannam : Conflict or harmony? Relating science and religion
  • Revd Dr Rodney Holder : Is the Universe Designed?
  • Dr Cherryl Hunt : Bioethical issues at the beginning and end of life
  • Dr Elaine Storkey : Should we be worried about climate change?
  • Revd Dr Gillian Straine : Does Matter Matter? Divine action in the world
  • Revd Prof. Keith Ward : Has science remove the need for God?
  • Revd Prof. Keith Ward : Why does nature suffer?

Venue

The conference will be held in Murray Edwards College, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DF.

Murray Edwards (formerly New Hall), a modern and friendly college for women, provides excellent conference facilities with good access. The college is set in 11 acres of wooded grounds with informal lawns and gardens.

You can find more information about Murray Edwards here.

For maps and directions click here.

Course Schedule

Friday March 20
6.00 pm Arrival and Registration
6.45 pm Dinner
7.45 pm Introduction
8.00 pm Revd Prof. Keith Ward: Has science removed the need for God?
9.00 pm Questions and Discussion
9.30 pm Drinks Reception – Getting to Know You
 

Saturday March 21

8.00 am Breakfast
9.00 am Dr James Hannam: Can science and religion get on? Some lessons from history
9.50 am Questions and Group Discussion
10.30 am Coffee Break
11.00 am Revd Dr Rodney Holder: Is the universe designed? Cosmology and the anthropic principle
11.50 am Questions and Group Discussion
1.00 pm Lunch
2.00 pm Revd Dr Gillian Straine: Does matter matter? Fundamental physics and ideas about God
2.50 pm Questions and Group Discussion
3.30 pm Tea Break
4.00 pm Dr Denis Alexander: Did my genes make me do it? Genetics, determinism and God
4.50 pm Questions and Group Discussion
6.30 pm Gala Dinner
8.30 pm Any Questions?
9.30 pm Bar and more Discussion
 

Sunday March 22

8.00 am Breakfast
9.00 am Revd Prof. Keith Ward: Why does nature suffer? Evolution, evil and the goodness of God
9.50 am Questions and Group Discussion
10.30 am Coffee Break
11.00 am Dr Cherryl Hunt: What is a person? Bioethical issues at the beginning and end of life
11.50 am Questions and Group Discussion
1.00 pm Lunch
2.00 pm Dr Elaine Storkey: Should we be worried about climate change? Scientific, ethical and theological perspectives on the environment
2.50 pm Questions and Group Discussion
3.30 pm Tea and Depart