Sept 14-16, 2007

Westminster College

Aim of Course

This short week-end course is for biologists who want to explore the philosophical, theological and ethical implications of biological ideas. We have brought together a group of world experts as speakers and together will be exploring fundamental questions of human existence which arise out of biology, including especially the theory of evolution. We are expecting strong competition to get on this course (as places are limited) and early application is therefore recommended. Applications will only be accepted from those with a significant background in biology, and the nature of that background should be made clear in the ‘Reasons for Attending the Course’ section of the application form.

Speakers (listed in alphabetical order) and topics

See multimedia items for this course.

  • Dr Francis Collins : Faith and the Human Genome
  • Simon Conway Morris FRS : Is Biological Evolution Inevitable?; The Cambrian Explosion
  • Revd Dr Ernest Lucas : Genesis & Evolution
  • Ronald Numbers : Why is Creationism So Popular in the US?
  • Michael Ruse : Can a Christian be a Darwinian?
  • Jeff Schloss : Does Biology Explain Religion?; Can an evolving creation reflect a good God?

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

6.00 pm Arrival
6.45 pm Dinner
8.00 pm Introduction
8.15 pm Prof. Michael Ruse: Can a Christian be a Darwinian?
9.15 pm Questions and Discussion
9.45 pm Drinks Reception – Getting to Know You
 

Saturday September 15

8.00 am Breakfast
9.00 am Prof. Ronald Numbers: Why is Creationism so Popular in America?
10.00 am Questions and Discussion
10.30 am Coffee Break
11.00 am Dr Francis Collins: The Language of God: A Believer Looks at the Human Genome
12.00 pm Questions and Discussion
1.00 pm Lunch
2.00 pm Prof. Simon Conway Morris FRS: Is Biological Evolution Inevitable?
3.00 pm Questions and Discussion
3.30 pm Tea Break
4.00 pm Dr Francis Collins: Bioethical Challenges in the Genome Era
5.00 pm Questions and Discussion
5.30 pm Prof. Simon Conway Morris FRS: The Cambrian Explosion
6.30 pm Questions and Discussion
7.30 pm Gala Dinner
9.00 pm Panel Discussion with 3 Speakers  Questions and Discussion
10.00 pm Bar and more Discussion
 

Sunday September 16

8.00 am Breakfast
9.00 am Revd Dr Ernest Lucas: Genesis and Evolution
10.00 am Questions and Discussion
10.30 am Coffee Break
11.00 am Prof. Jeff Schloss: Does Biology Explain Religion?
12.00 pm Questions and Discussion
1.00 pm Lunch
2.00 pm Prof. Jeff Schloss: Can an evolving creation reflect a good God?
3.00 pm Questions and Discussion
3.30 pm Tea Break
4.00 pm Depart