“We can’t ignore conflict if we care about the needs of students and seekers”
What is the effect of the Church’s approach to science? In this session, Dr. Swamidass explores the pastoral challenge of science with an eye towards seekers and students.
Key Terms
Epistemological Challenge: How do you know that what you believe is true?
The Scopes Monkey Trial: A 1925 legal case in Dayton, Tennessee in which a public school teacher was found guilty of violating a state prohibition against teaching evolution.
Main Points
- There is a long history of conflict between Christians and scientists.
- Among the top reasons young Christians give for leaving the faith is a perceived conflict between mainstream science and their faith.
- We live in a scientific world, and science matters. Science presents a real pastoral challenge that we can’t ignore, and we need to engage.
- Rather than avoiding scientific conflict or opposing science altogether, Christians can directly engage with students and seekers who are asking questions about faith and science with intellectual humility and confidence in Christ.
Content Questions
- Have you experienced what Dr. Swamidass refers to as an epistemological challenge? In what ways have you reckoned or wrestled with how you know what you believe is true?
- What issues other than human origins have you observed leading to perceived conflicts between Christianity and science?
- Dr. Swamidass outlines two ways many churches approach scientific issues: avoidance and opposition. How have you seen these two approaches used in your Christian communities?
Application Questions
- Think about the students and seekers in your community. How could your church/school/family/etc. engage with the perceived conflicts between Christianity and science and make them feel welcome and loved?
- The “further resources” document available for this course includes multiple resources that are helpful for students and seekers navigating scientific conflict. Consider whether you know anyone other than yourself or the people in your group who might benefit from exploring some of these resources.