This course introduces students to the many important issues raised by the various intersections of science and religion. It incorporates study of technology because technology is often where science and religion “meet,” though often unwittingly, because human flourishing is inherently bound up with technological advance and motivations for pursuing certain technological advances (as opposed to others) derive from deeply religious assumptions, narratives, and beliefs, because meaning is also essential to human flourishing. Ultimately the purpose of the course is two-fold: to enhance our knowledge of current technologies emerging from scientific work so that we might think theologically about (and along with) technology. No specialized knowledge of science required!
1.
Historical Knowledge
: Introduction to the emergence of modern science and the ways in which Christian theology and religious practices shaped the scientific questions natural philosophers (as scientists were called then) pursued. The dialogue between science and religion is much more complicated that simply deciding whether Genesis is “false” because the world was not created in six days by an all-knowing, all powerful deity.
2.
Improved Scientific Literacy:
The American Association for the Advancement of Science is in the midst of offering small grants to seminaries (like Iliff), because they are concerned about the general lack of scientific literacy among the public. They believe that opportunities to learn more about contemporary science technology could improve public understanding. (Ironically, scientists are as much under assault as humanists from certain sectors who see their work as comprised of nothing more than made-up theories. )
3.
Theological Reflection
: To think theologically about current technologies (a selection of them), and to see if current science and technology might be fodder for theological and spiritual creativity. Is it possible to develop a critical spirituality of technology?
4.
Ethical Reflection:
To understand the ethical complexities of many modern technologies and imagine how as religious leaders they may have something to contribute.
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