Science, Religion, and the Church

A Conference for Pastors, Ministerial Staff, and Church Members

Sponsored by the Samford University Center for Science and Religion

Saturday, October 20, 2012 (9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, Birmingham, AL

Overview

Perceived incompatibilities between theological and scientific perspectives of the world pose a potential dilemma for Christians and form a barrier for many outside the church for whom Christianity might otherwise appear viable. If the church is to maintain its relevance without sacrificing its core values, however, it cannot ignore these issues. This conference provides the chance for pastors and ministerial staff of all denominations plus scientists and other interested church members to explore ways to engage their congregations in science and religion dialogue as a means to

1. form a coherent response to critical questions at the interface of science and religion,

2. produce a more informed, conversant membership,

3. reach those outside the church who think it impossible to reconcile science with Christianity,

4. make the mind a full partner with the heart, soul, and strength with respect to loving and serving God.

Schedule

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Registration

9:00 a.m. – 9:10 a.m. Welcome and Introduction

9:10 a.m. – 10:25 a.m. Keynote Address: Is Science at War with Christianity? (Dr. Karl Giberson)

10:25 a.m. – 10:40 a.m. Break

10:40 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. Session 1: Can there be Purpose in a World of Chance? (Dr. Tom Woolley)

11:35 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Session 2: Where Do We Come From? (Dr. Wilton Bunch)

12:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch

1:30 p.m. – 2:25 p.m. Session 3: Is There a Place for the Soul in a Physical Brain? (Dr. George Keller)

2:25 p.m. – 2:40 p.m. Break

2:40 p.m. – 3:35 p.m. Session 4: What Difference Does Interpretation Make? (Dr. Todd Harrington)

3:35 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Session 5: The Seven Deadly Sins of Science and Religion (Dr. Steve Donaldson)

The conference is free and lunch will be provided for up to five ministers and members per congregation if registered by October 12.

Contact Mandy Hewitt (mandy.hewitt@dawsonchurch.org or (205) 871-7324) to make reservations.

Speakers: The keynote address will be delivered by internationally recognized author and speaker Karl Giberson, former professor at Eastern Nazarene College and previously vice-president of the BioLogos Foundation. Karl has written or co-authored a number of books including Saving Darwin, The Language of Faith and Science (with Francis Collins), and The Wonder of the Universe.

Tom Woolley, George Keller, Wilton Bunch, and Steve Donaldson are Senior Fellows with the Samford University Center for Science and Religion. Todd Harrington is Minister of Spiritual Formation at Dawson.