COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SPEAKER TO LEAD DISCUSSION OF CONNECTION BETWEEN SCIENCE AND RELIGION

 

 

The Big Bang, Evolution, and the Soul -- Intelligent Design?

 

 

SUMMIT, New Jersey, (September 15, 2006) -Program Director at the Center for the Study of Science and Religion (CSSR) of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, Laura Bothwell, will hold an open forum on the relationship between science and religion as it unfolds in the context of human evolution and the theory of intelligent design.  Her talk, entitled  "The Big Bang, Evolution, and the Soul-- Intelligent Design?" will take place on Sunday, September 24 at 10:45 AM at Christ Church in Summit. 

The radical movement for the teaching of Intelligent Design in public schools indicates that for many in the United States, the discovery of the origin of the universe and of our species remains unsettling.  How can religion respond to the continuously expanding scientific encyclopedia of our universe? This discussion will explore the theoretical differences between science and religion, the science of the origins of our world and species, and how many modern and historical Christian theologians maintain robust faith in tandem with recognition of this information and the latest developments of science.

At the Center for the Study of Science and Religion, Bothwell has been working primarily on a project to advance dialogue between scientists and clergy. She has been drawn to this program through her abiding belief in the capacity and necessity of religion to remain connected to the natural world and contemporary society in order to maintain an accurate understanding of social justice needs. She is interested in the ability of cross-field interaction to address and dispel fears that religious people may have of science and that scientists may have of religion. Bothwell has an M.A. degree from Union Theological Seminary, with an emphasis on Science and Religion.

  This event is open to the community.  

 

WHAT:            An open forum on the connection between religion and science and the theory of intelligent design

 

WHERE:            Christ Church, Barnwell Hall, 561 Springfield Avenue, Summit, New Jersey.

 

WHEN:            Sunday, September 24, 2006 from 10:45 am to 12:00 noon. 

 

For more information, please call Cheryl Levy 

 

About Laura Bothwell

Laura is the Director of Programs at the Center for the Study of Science and Religion, (CSSR), at Columbia University.  She has an M.A. from Union Theological Seminary, where she focused on Science and Religion and a B.A. in History from the College of Saint Scholastica.  Her work at the Center is multifaceted, but areas of focus include/have included science and religion educational programs for religious leaders; a seminar series on Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Reproductive Health, and Religion; a research project on the science and social policy of ending poverty; and a science and religion discussion group.  She joined the CSSR staff in 2004 and has served as a T.A. for Dr. Robert Pollack's course, "DNA, Evolution, and the Soul."  She has also worked with Kate Wittenberg and Ann Miller of the Electronic Publishing Initiative at Columbia (EPIC) to develop a website with resources on science and religion, relevant to the course topics of consciousness, genetics, and how Darwinian evolution and theories of the origins of the universe can exist alongside the cosmology of Abrahamic faiths.

 

 

About Christ Church

 

Christ Church (www.ChristChurchSummit.org) is an interdenominational, and open and affirming, congregation that is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and the American Baptist Churches.  Located at 561 Springfield Avenue, the Christ Church faith community is engaged in numerous activities, including community service, adult education, children's and youth activities, Bible study, regional and global outreach and cultural events.  All are welcome at the Church's 9:30 family service (with Sunday school) or 11:15 jazz service, both taking place each Sunday morning.

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