THEO 308 Theology in the Light of Science
Contrary to what people long believed, questions, not answers, are the building blocks of the universe. -Kenneth Arnold, Cross Currents It is no longer adequate to adopt the view that our responsibility as a society is to simply further scientific knowledge and enhance technological power. We must find a way of bringing fundamental humanitarian and ethical considerations to bear upon the direction of scientific development. -The14th Dalai Lama Course Description
This course is an investigation of the historical and evolving relationship between theology and the natural sciences. In this course we will consider the views of both scientists and theologians, looking at how recent theologies have taken account of major scientific advances, and at how recent scientific studies attempt to throw some light on our religious beliefs and practices. We will do this by considering several modern issues that require and bring together contributions from both theology and the natural sciences.
Goals of the Course The goals of the course will be for each student: 1. 2. 3. 4. to understand different models of how religion and science might interact to consider how religion and science embrace both different and similar ways of knowing to be able to place current debates about both science and religion in a larger context to confront the ethical questions raised by the applications of modern science and technology
Professor Dr. Noreen Herzfeld Computer Science Department Office: 207 P. Engel Hall Phone: 320-363-2693 E-mail: nherzfeld@csbsju.edu Office hours: 10:00-11:00 even days, but mostly by appointment
Course Format and Pedagogy This course is a seminar. Think of it as an intensive book group. Each week you will be responsible for from 200 to 300 pages of reading. Do the initial reading rather quickly, then go back to passages you have marked for more thoughtful re-reading and reflection. Keep a reading journal so that when you come to class and to your small group you will have questions, comments, and reflections handy. Discussion of readings will be supplemented by videos, guest speakers, and by occasional lectures. I will formally introduce each new topic, in order to prepare you for your reading.
Required Texts Harris, Sam. The Moral Landscape Smith, Huston. Why Religion Matters Peters, Ted, et al. Can You Believe in God and Evolution? Southgate, Christopher. The Groaning of Creation Newberg, Andrew, et al. Why God Wont Go Away Peterson, Greg. Minding God: Theology and the Cognitive Sciences Dalai Lama, The Universe in a Single Atom Herzfeld, Noreen. Technology and Religion Evaluation Because this class depends on discussion and participation, attendance at all classes is mandatory. In case of illness or other unavoidable extremities, contact me as soon as possible. Two unexcused absences are ok. After that, your grade will be lowered by three percentage points for each class that you miss. Class attendance also presumes that you come prepared and demonstrate completion of the reading assignments for each day. Lack of demonstrated preparation will lower your grade. To earn an A you must show consistent deep engagement with the material.
The following criteria will be used to assess your work in the course: -accuracy in representing an authors viewpoint or data -a clear thesis -organization and coherence of your argument -appropriate grammar, spelling, and proofreading -read the university policy on plagerism. Any plagerism will result in failure of the course.
Late papers will be accepted for up to one week but will lose points for each day they are late. Work that is more than one week late will not be accepted unless you have a prior arrangement with me. Your grade will be based on the following: Three exams Book review and discussion Participation in class discussion (and quizzes, only if necessary) Mini-debate
45% 20% 25% 10%
(15% each)
You may request S/U grading any time before the last day of class (May 6). Miscellaneous You may bring the beverage of your choice to class, but please, no food. No laptops.. E-mail and Facebook are just too distracting. Cell phones must be turned off.
Reading Schedule What has Athens to do with Jerusalem? Models for Science and Religion January 16 Introduction 21 Harris, intro, 1-2 22 Stephen Pope talk, Q264, 7:30 pm 23 Q and A with guest speaker, article on Moodle 28 Harris, 3-5 30 Smith, part 1 February 4 no class 6 Smith, part 2 ` 11` Smith vs. Harris debate 1 13 Barbours typologies 18 Exam 1
In the beginning . . . Evolution and Religion 20 Peters and Hewitt, 1-6 25 Peters and Hewitt, 7-14 27 Evolution, creation, intelligent design debate 2 March 11 Southgate, 1-3 13 Southgate, 4-5 18 Southgate, 6-7 20 Exam 2 I think, therefore I am. Religion and the Science of Consciousness 25 Newberg, 1-3 27 Newberg, 4-6 April 1 Newberg, 7-9 3 Peterson, parts 1 and 2 8 Peterson, parts 3 and 4 10 Dalai Lama, part 1 15 Dalai Lama part 2 17 Exam 3
To be is to do. Technology and Religion 22 Q and A with guest speaker 29 Herzfeld, 1-3 May 1 no class 6 Technology debate 3 8 Herzfeld, 4-5, Q and A with the author
