Jan 5-7, 2007

Westminster 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 top speakers in the field, covering topics such as the historical background to the debate, the various philosophical approaches being taken to relate science and faith, the anthropic principle, evolution, the debate about miracles, and environmental issues. 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.

  • Dr Denis Alexander : Significance of Evolution
  • John Hedley Brooke : Historical Interactions Between Science and Religion
  • Sir Colin Humphreys FRS : Miracles
  • Alister McGrath : Engagement with Richard Dawkins’ Views, and ‘A Scientific Theology’
  • Revd Dr John Polkinghorne KBE FRS: Models for Relating Science and Faith, and the Anthropic Principle
  • Bob White FRS : Environment

Venue

The course will be held at Westminster College, Madingley Rd, Cambridge, CB3 0AA. Click here to obtain further details about the College.

Westminster College is housed in an impressive late 19th century grade II listed building situated in two acres of gardens within easy walking distance of Cambridge City Centre, the celebrated ‘Backs’ and other University Colleges.

Westminster College is on the main ring road within easy access off the M11 and A14 and has limited on-site parking. The College is a short taxi ride from the train and bus stations. Airport coach or train from Stansted Airport (the most convenient airport for Cambridge) takes 30-40 minutes. Location map for Westminster College.

Course Schedule

Friday January 5
6.00 pm Arrival
6.45 pm Dinner
7.45 pm Introduction
8.00 pm Prof. John Hedley Brooke: Historical Interactions Between Science and Religion  Part 1
9.00 pm Questions and Discussion
9.30 pm Drinks Reception – Getting to Know You
 

Saturday January 6

8.00 am Breakfast
9.00 am Prof. John Hedley Brooke: Historical Interactions Between Science and Religion  Part 2
10.00 am Questions and Discussion
10.30 am Coffee Break
11.00 am Revd Dr John Polkinghorne: Models for Relating Science and Faith
12.00 pm Questions and Discussion
1.00 pm Lunch
2.00 pm Dr Denis Alexander: Does Evolution Have Any Religious Significance?
3.00 pm Questions and Discussion
3.30 pm Tea Break
4.00 pm Prof. Alister McGrath: Has Science Eliminated God? An Engagement with Richard Dawkins Views on Science and Religion
5.00 pm Questions and Discussion
5.30 pm Prof. Alister McGrath: A Scientific Theology? Parallels and Convergences in Science and Religion
6.30 pm Questions and Discussion
7.00 pm Gala Dinner
8.30 pm Panel Discussion – Questions and Discussion
10.00 pm Bar and more Discussion
 

Sunday January 7

8.00 am Breakfast
9.00 am Prof. Sir Colin Humphreys FRS: Science and the Question of Miracles
10.00 am Questions and Discussion
10.30 am Coffee Break
11.00 am Prof. Bob White FRS: Why Care About the Environment?
12.00 pm Questions and Discussion
1.00 pm Lunch
2.00 pm Revd Dr John Polkinghorne: Religion and the Anthropic Principle
3.00 pm Questions and Discussion
3.30 pm Tea Break
4.00 pm Concluding Remarks
4.30 pm Depart