Science and Faith in Harmony

Are science and faith compatible? Christians engaged in science would respond with an emphatic “yes”. This class will explore several ways that modern science reveals the grandeur of our God’s creation. Following a foundational discussion of the doctrine of creation, topics will range from how language and culture affect our view of nature, science, and the Bible to the beauty experienced in the sound of music, with a discussion of origins (of the universe and of life) and the fine tuning of creation for life’s existence in between. Training in science will not be required to understand the significance of the topics discussed.

Note: this class was not recorded, but this page gives access to the resources mentioned in the class.

Class Outline

Theological Perspectives on Science – 11/9 (Stan Anderson)

Foundational Principles for Harmonizing Scripture and Christianity – 11/16 (Dean Arnold)

Sources of Conflict between Bible and Science – 11/23 (Dean Arnold)

Origin of the Universe- - 11/30 (Larry Funck)

Limitations of Science; Fine Tuning of the Universe – 12/7 (Stan Anderson)

How Special is Life? – 12/14 (Larry Funck)

How Math and Physics Underlie the Magnificent Gift of Music - 12/21 (Howie Whitaker)

Additional Resources

Books

1. Sy Garte, Science and Faith in Harmony: Contemplations on a Distilled Doxology, Kregel, 2024

2. Harry Lee Poe and Jimmy H. Davis, God and the Cosmos: Divine Activity in Space, Time and History, IVP, 2012

3. Robert Fischer, God Did It, But How?, ASA press, 1997

4. When God and Science Meet: Surprising Discoveries of Agreement, https://www.nae.org/godandscience/, Nat. Assn. of Evangelicals, 2015. Essays by a number of well-known people, including Mark Noll:

   1. The History of Science and Christianity Mark A. Noll

   2. The Wonder of Creation Dorothy Boorse

   3. The Competencies and Limitations of Science Katharine Hayhoe and W. Douglas Hayhoe

   4. Questions That Faith Asks Science John Ortberg

   5. Worshipping God Through Discovery and Science Dorothy F. Chappell

   6. Science as Christian Calling Ian Hutchinson

   7. Creativity and the Development of Technology Randy Isaac

   8. Genetics, Medicine and the Image of God Jay Hollman

   9. Tending God’s Earth Christopher J. H. Wright

   10. Reasons to Engage in Science Ed Stetzer

Organizations with Resources on Science and Faith

American Scientific Affiliation

The ASA is a scholarly and professional society. We are an international community and fellowship of Christians engaged in the interface of vital faith-science questions.

The ASA is not an advocacy organization. Where there is honest disagreement on an aspect of science, Christian faith, or the relationship between the two, the ASA strives to create a safe environment in which dialogue can flourish and diverse, even contrasting, ideas can be discussed with courtesy and respect.

BioLogos

BioLogos explores God’s Word and God’s World to inspire authentic faith for today.

Our vision is faith and science working hand in hand. Francis Collins was one of the founders.