Jan 4-6, 2008

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, 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
  • Katherine Blundell : God and the Big Bang
  • Dr Allan Chapman : Historical Relationship between Science and Faith
  • Sir John Houghton FRS: Big Science – Big God
  • Sir Colin Humphreys FRS : Science and the Star of Bethlehem
  • Revd Dr John Polkinghorne KBE FRS: Models for Relating Science and Faith; Can a Scientist Pray?
  • Roger Trigg : Can Religion be as Rational as Science?
  • 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 4
6.00 pm Arrival
6.45 pm Dinner
7.45 pm Introduction
8.00 pm Prof. Sir John Houghton: Big Science – Big God
9.00 pm Questions and Discussion
9.30 pm Drinks Reception – Getting to Know You
Saturday January 5
8.00 am Breakfast
9.00 am Dr Allan Chapman: Why do Scientific Writers Sometimes React Irrationally when Faced with Religion? An Historical Survey from the Reformation to Reductionism
10.00 am Questions and Discussion
10.30 am Coffee Break
11.00 am Prof. Roger Trigg: Can Religion be as Rational as Science?
12.00 pm Questions and Discussion
1.00 pm Lunch
2.00 pm Revd Dr John Polkinghorne: Models for Relating Science and Religion
3.00 pm Questions and Discussion
3.30 pm Tea Break
4.00 pm Dr Denis Alexander: Does Evolution Have Any Religious Significance?
5.00 pm Questions and Discussion
5.30 pm Prof. Bob White FRS: Why Care About the Environment?
5.30 pm
6.30 pm Questions and Discussion
7.00 pm Gala Dinner
8.30 pm Panel Discussion with 4 Speakers Questions and Discussion
10.00 pm Bar and more Discussion
Sunday January 6
8.00 am Breakfast
9.00 am Prof. Sir Colin Humphreys FRS: Science and the Star of Bethlehem
10.00 am Questions and Discussion
10.30 am Coffee Break
11.00 am Prof. Katherine Blundell: God and the Big Bang
12.00 pm Questions and Discussion
1.00 pm Lunch
2.00 pm Revd Dr John Polkinghorne: Can a Scientist Pray?