On Monday, Feb. 18 at noon, Physics Professor Jeff Schoonmaker will moderate an open discussion for students on the subject of God and science on the second floor of the Siek Campus Center.
Here is a list of questions to spark discussion:
1. Has science proven that there is no longer a need to appeal to a god to explain existence?
2. If science cannot answer the big “why” questions (Why are we here? etc.), can faith coexist with science without conflict?
3. Untestable speculations aside, if God exists, shouldn’t scientific truth be in harmony with God’s existence?
4. Are there compelling modern-day scientific discoveries and theories for which the existence of God is the best explanation?
5. Is it intellectually defensible to require scientists to only consider naturalistic explanations for observed phenomena?
6. Would believing in God necessarily hinder scientific inquiry?
7. Do scientist sometimes have beliefs (worldviews, ideologies) which influence how they interpret scientific data?
8. Is it possible for both theistic and atheistic scientists to look at data (facts, observations) objectively and formulate the best possible explanations?
This is the second in a series of open discussions sponsored by the Student Christian Association for students. Remaining discussions, all from noon to 12:45 p.m. in the dining area on the second floor of the Siek Campus Center are:
February 25 — Do all religions teach basically the same thing? If so, does it really matter which one you embrace, if any? Should upbringing and culture dictate what you believe, so you can be at peace with your family and surroundings?
March 4 — Are the purported divine revelations of the different religions credible? How can thinking people weigh such matters? Is a rational, objective, systematic analysis of supernatural claims even possible, or is blind faith the only option?
Published: Mon, 18 Feb 2019 13:00:04 +0000 by j.schoonmaker