Science & Christian Faith

Transcription

1 Science & Christian Faith Personal Reflections from a Christian Physicist Dr. Luke A. Corwin Assistant Professor of Physics South Dakota School of Mines & Technology United Campus Ministries Thursday Forum Apr. 2, 2015 L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22

2 Outline 1 Introduction Who am I? What is Science? What is Christian Faith? The Overlap 2 Naturalism/Atheism/Materialism 3 Nonoverlapping magisteria 4 ID, YEC 5 Collaborative Interaction L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22

3 Introduction Who am I? Who Am I? Born Dec. 20, 1980 in Wisconsin Follower of Christ since Dec. 20, 1997 Husband of Kelly since Dec. 12, 2009 Assistant Prof. of Physics at SDSM&T since Aug. 22, 2013 Amateur tuba player This means I am not: A theologian A climatologist, biologist, or any other kind of scientist An engineer or engineering student Why Am I Here? Kathleen Batchelder invited me. I seem to be gaining a reputation around here for these talks. L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22

4 Introduction Who am I? What have I to add? Question Throughout this talk, I will refer to many people who have dealt with these questions far better than I could. What could I possibly have to add to their contributions? L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22

5 Introduction Who am I? What have I to add? Question Throughout this talk, I will refer to many people who have dealt with these questions far better than I could. What could I possibly have to add to their contributions? Answer My story and experience are unique. I am here. L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22

6 Introduction What is Science? What is Science? Science Definition from The Oxford English Dictionary Online scientific method n. a method of procedure that has characterized natural science since the 17th century, consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses. L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22

7 Introduction What is Science? Scientific Method Ask a question Formulate a hypothesis (testable answer) Make a prediction Test the prediction Verify, Modify, or Reject Hypothesis Repeat Questions Addressed Who is most likely to win an election? What makes apples fall, oceans have tides, and planets orbit the sun? When did Supernova 1987A occur? Where is Malaysia Airlines Flight 370? Why is the sky blue? How does DNA replicate during mitosis? L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22

8 Introduction What is Christian Faith? What is Christian Faith? Christianity Definition from Webster s 3rd christianity n. the religion stemming from the the life, teachings and death of Jesus Christ Wikipedia... an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and oral teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in the New Testament. L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22

9 Introduction What is Christian Faith? Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed the profession of the Christian Faith common to the Catholic Church, to all the Eastern Churches... and to most of the Protestant denominations. a a Catholic Encyclopedia (1913), Vol. 11 Questions Addressed Who is my neighbor? (Luke 10:29) What must I do to inherit eternal life? (Luke 18:18) When is divorce lawful? (Matthew 19:3 12; Mark 10:2 12) Where do we go after we die? (Matthew 25) Why do bad things happen to good people? (Job; Luke 13) Which commandment is the first of all? (Mark 12:28-34) L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22

10 Introduction The Overlap We might conclude that since these sets of questions are very different, Christianity and Science do not come into conflict. 1 If I omit or misrepresent yours, I apologize L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22

11 Introduction The Overlap We might conclude that since these sets of questions are very different, Christianity and Science do not come into conflict.? What if they offer different answers to the same questions? Of course, from evolution to global climate change to vaccines we see conflict all around us. 1 If I omit or misrepresent yours, I apologize L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22

12 Introduction The Overlap We might conclude that since these sets of questions are very different, Christianity and Science do not come into conflict.? What if they offer different answers to the same questions? Of course, from evolution to global climate change to vaccines we see conflict all around us. One can approach this area of overlap in several ways. 1 1 If I omit or misrepresent yours, I apologize L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22

13 Naturalism/Atheism/Materialism Naturalism/Atheism/Materialism L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22

14 Naturalism/Atheism/Materialism Definition the belief that all phenomena are covered by laws of science and that all teleological explanations are therefore without value. 2 The Cosmos is all that is or ever was or ever will be. 3 Four Horsemen of the New Atheism: Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett, Christopher Hitchens Carl Sagan, Cosmos L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22

15 Naturalism/Atheism/Materialism Attractive Features Science can know everything. Any supernatural or spiritual explanation can be automatically discarded. We decide our own meaning and ethics. Rigorously demands evidence. Difficulties Questions of ethics have no bedrock answers. Death is the end Hard to avoid determinism Leaves many questions unanswered Why does the universe obey natural laws? Why are those laws what they are? Why is there something rather than nothing? L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22

16 Nonoverlapping magisteria Nonoverlapping magisteria 21% of evangelicals 4 4 Elaine Howard Ecklund, Perceptions Project, majority-evangelical-christians-survey-see-no-conflict-between-science-and-religio L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22

17 Nonoverlapping magisteria Definition The net of science covers the empirical universe: what is it made of (fact) and why does it work this way (theory). The net of religion extends over questions of moral meaning and value. These two magisteria do not overlap, nor do they encompass all inquiry (consider, for starters, the magisterium of art and the meaning of beauty). 5 Name inspired by an encyclical of Pope Piux XII 6 5 Stephen J. Gould, Nonoverlapping magisteria, Natural History Magazine 106 (1997). 6 Pope Pius XII, Encyclical Humani generis, Vatican City (1950) L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22

18 Nonoverlapping magisteria Attractive Features Removes all the conflicts Clearly tells you from which source to seek the answers to which questions Requires humility from both scientists and believers Difficulties the two magisteria bump right up against each other, interdigitating in wondrously complex ways along their joint border. Many of our deepest questions call upon aspects of both for different parts of a full answer and the sorting of legitimate domains can become quite complex and difficult. Who decides where they are or which magisterium has authority? (e.g. Pope Pius XII vs. Polygenism) Miracles are either very problematic or excluded L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22

19 ID, YEC Intelligent Design/Young-Earth Creationism 29% of evangelicals 7 7 Elaine Howard Ecklund, Perceptions Project L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22

20 ID, YEC NCSE Common theme: either the Bible contradicts modern science or real science vindicates the Biblical Creation account. YEC: Answers in Genesis, Institute for Creation Research Old Earth: Reasons to Believe ID: Discovery Institute L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22

21 ID, YEC Attractive Features Brooks no compromise or slippery slope Clear, direct, and simple answers By far the best public relations and marketing prowess Strongly opposes the overreach of science into the magisterium of ethics and morality. Difficulties Many findings of modern science are false as a result of fraud, bias, or incompotence. Often in opposition to seemingly overwhelming empirical evidence. How did trout survive the flood? Where on the spectrum do you choose? L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22

22 Collaborative Interaction Collaborative Interaction 48% of evangelicals see them as complementary, capable of offering support for each other. 8 8 Elaine Howard Ecklund, Perceptions Project L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22

23 Collaborative Interaction Definition... science develops best when its concepts and conclusions are integrated into the broader human culture and its concerns for ultimate meaning and value. 9 For topics like evolution, medical ethics, and climate change, we need to consider both science and faith when seeking out Gods truth. 10 With regard to biological evolution, Evolutionary Creation is The view that all life on earth came about by the God-ordained process of evolution with common descent. Evolution is a means by which God providentially achieves his purposes in creation Pope John Paul II documents/hf_jp-ii_let_ _padre-coyne.html L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22

24 Collaborative Interaction Attractive Features We can accept scientific results without fear. Science can purify religion from error and superstition; religion can purify science from idolatry and false absolutes. a Many good examples: Fracis Collins, Deborah Haarsma, Katharine Hayhoe, John Polkinghorne, Jennifer Wiseman Interact with people rather than stereotypes a John Paul II, ibid. Difficulties Requires the most intellectual work Answers are not often easy or clear Arguing that Evolution Atheism Often not the loudest voice L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22

25 Collaborative Interaction Going Forward As you may have guessed, I favor collaborative interaction. Almost by definition, taking this path requires much community support. Helpful Organizations InterVarsity, which has been invaluable to my growth as a follower of Christ. Emerging Scholars Network: American Scientific Affiliation BioLogos AAAS Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion Me: luke.corwin@sdsmt.edu, EEP 120 L. Corwin (UCM Thu. Forum) Science & Christian Faith Apr. 2, / 22