June 24-26, 2011

Union Theological College

Aim of Course

This short weekend course is for busy people who would like to obtain a broad introductory overview of the science-religion debate from leading spcialists in the field, covering topics such as the ‘conflict model’ of the science-faith relationship, how the debate is perceived in the media, how religious beliefs might be justified in the light of science, and the issue of miracles. The impact of particular sciences such as modern cosmology and neuroscience on faith will also be addressed, as will ‘animal theology’. There will be plenty of opportunity for interactions with speakers during the periods set aside for questions and discussion.

Speakers (listed in alphabetical order) and topics

See multimedia items for this course.

  • Dame Ingrid Allen : The Neuroscience Correlates of Religious Faith and Practice
  • Dr William Crawley : A Media Perspective on Science-Religion Issues
  • Revd Dr Rodney Holder : Science and the Justification of Religious Belief
  • David Livingstone OBE FBA: The Demise of the Conflict Model in Science and Religion?
  • Tom Millar : Multiple Universes, One Faith?
  • Stephen Williams : The Day the Sun Stood Still: Biblical Miracles and Modern Science

Venue

The Course will be held at Union Theological College, Belfast.

Course Schedule

Friday June 24
6.00 pm Registration
6.45 pm Dinner
7.45 pm Introduction
8.00 pm Prof. David Livingstone: The Demise of the Conflict Model in Science and Religion?
9.00 pm Questions and Discussion
9.30 pm Getting to Know You
 

Saturday June 25

8.00 am Breakfast
9.00 am Dr William Crawley: A Media Perspective on Science-Religion Issues
10.00 am Questions and Discussion
10.30 am Coffee Break
11.00 am Revd Dr Rodney Holder: Science and the Justification of Religious Belief
12.00 pm Questions and Discussion
1.00 pm Lunch
2.00 pm Free time
3.30 pm Tea Break
4.00 pm Prof. Tom Millar: Multiple Universes, One Faith?
5.00 pm Questions and Discussion
5.30 pm Prof. Stephen Williams, Prof. David Livingstone: Recollecting Ernan McMullin: Historian, Philosopher, Friend
6.30 pm Free time
7.00 pm Gala Dinner
9.00 pm Speakers Panel – Questions and Discussion
10.00 pm Further Discussion
 

Sunday June 26

8.00 am Breakfast
9.00 am Prof. Stephen Williams: The Day the Sun Stood Still: Biblical Miracles and Modern Science
10.00 am Questions and Discussion
10.30 am Coffee Break
11.00 am Prof. Dame Ingrid Allen: The Neuroscience Correlates of Religious Faith and Practice
12.00 pm Questions and Discussion
1.00 pm Lunch
2.00 pm Depart