Dr. Robert J. Russell Talks About the Relationship Between Science and Religion
Laurinburg, NC, October 31, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Dr. Robert J. Russell presented the 2008 John Calvin McNair Lecture on Science and Theology on Tuesday at St. Andrews Presbyterian College (Oct. 21), marking 100 years since the first lecture was given in 1908.
Russell’s presentation on “Five Issues on the Frontier of Science and Theology” also came 150 years following the death of McNair, who set up the lecture series with an endowment that found its way to St. Andrews three years ago. The Rev. Dr. Nancey Murphy, professor of philosophy at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, Calif., and Owen Gingerich, professor emeritus of astronomy and history of science at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, preceded Russell in presenting McNair lectures at St. Andrews.
More than 80 people attended the annual lecture. Russell described the current issues that challenge scientists and theologians as they discuss possible bridges between their two disciplines.
The first area was the Big Bang Theory – called by J.A. Wheeler (one of the century’s most renowned physicists) as “the greatest paradox on the books of physics.” Because there was a beginning to the physical universe, many believe that the Big Bang proves the existence of God.
Russell then explored the notion that the Big Bang is tied to the Anthropic Principle where, out of all possible versions of a conceivable universe, the only kind in which life can develop is the kind in which we find ourselves. To create this universe, many believe there would need to be some fine-tuning by God. “Quantum mechanics helps make biological evolution possible (in this universe),” said Russell.
The third point dealt with the controversy of creation versus evolution. Some do not see these as conflicting issues. Evolution may be one of the tools that God uses in order to create.
The fourth point Russell explored was the existence of suffering in nature. He proposes that suffering is part of the very process of life. “If God creates through the processes of nature, what is God’s relation to suffering in nature?” asked Russell.
He said the theological response to the suffering issue is that God suffers with all creatures. “The future of humanity and the future of our world are commingled together,” he said.
The fifth area of controversy is the future of the universe as explained by cosmology or eschatology, the ultimate destiny of the universe. “Will we freeze or fry in the far future?” asked Russell. He submitted that based on theology, God will take the universe from the present creation to a new creation.
He pointed to the resurrection of Jesus. This was not resuscitation, but a bodily resurrection. God is not bound by the laws of nature. The laws of nature are an explanation by mankind for how the universe works.
“Let’s assume the regularities of nature which science describes are ultimately due to the regular and faithful action of God as ongoing Creator,” said Russell. “If God chooses to act in a new way, then the future will not be what science predicts.
“If God acted in a new way at Easter (with the resurrection) and promises to continue to do so, then the ‘freeze’ or ‘fry’ predictions for the cosmological future will not happen.”
St. Andrews will continue to examine the relationship between religion and science in early 2009. Dr. William Junkin, director of instructional technology and professor of physics at Eckerd College, will speak on Jan. 20. Dr. Nancy R. Howell, professor of theology and philosophy of religion at the Saint Paul School of Theology will speak on March 17 on campus.
To learn more about future presentations, contact Tim Van Hooser vanhoosert@sapc.edu at (910) 277-5258.
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About St. Andrews Presbyterian College
On Aug. 29, 1958, the merger between Presbyterian Junior College and Flora Macdonald College became official with the formation St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, N.C.
An innovative and bold academic venture to an interdisciplinary curriculum, a highly acclaimed college press, an award-winning pipe band, national champion equestrian teams, and first-rate scholarship have marked the distinctive character of St. Andrews. In 1991, the College branched out to form St. Andrews @ Sandhills, a continuing education opportunity hosted on the Sandhills Community College campus in Pinehurst, N.C. Further information may be obtained by visiting the College's website www.sapc.edu, calling 800-763-0198, or sending an e-mail to info@sapc.edu.
In early 2008 St. Andrews Presbyterian College initiated a partnership with The Learning House, Inc., a total online education solutions provider, to assist in the development and launch of its online campus. Learning House will provide a customized package of online services, including a learning management system for eCourses, Tier 1 hosting and Help Desk services, custom course consultation, online marketing services, faculty and staff training, and consulting services.
Russell’s presentation on “Five Issues on the Frontier of Science and Theology” also came 150 years following the death of McNair, who set up the lecture series with an endowment that found its way to St. Andrews three years ago. The Rev. Dr. Nancey Murphy, professor of philosophy at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, Calif., and Owen Gingerich, professor emeritus of astronomy and history of science at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, preceded Russell in presenting McNair lectures at St. Andrews.
More than 80 people attended the annual lecture. Russell described the current issues that challenge scientists and theologians as they discuss possible bridges between their two disciplines.
The first area was the Big Bang Theory – called by J.A. Wheeler (one of the century’s most renowned physicists) as “the greatest paradox on the books of physics.” Because there was a beginning to the physical universe, many believe that the Big Bang proves the existence of God.
Russell then explored the notion that the Big Bang is tied to the Anthropic Principle where, out of all possible versions of a conceivable universe, the only kind in which life can develop is the kind in which we find ourselves. To create this universe, many believe there would need to be some fine-tuning by God. “Quantum mechanics helps make biological evolution possible (in this universe),” said Russell.
The third point dealt with the controversy of creation versus evolution. Some do not see these as conflicting issues. Evolution may be one of the tools that God uses in order to create.
The fourth point Russell explored was the existence of suffering in nature. He proposes that suffering is part of the very process of life. “If God creates through the processes of nature, what is God’s relation to suffering in nature?” asked Russell.
He said the theological response to the suffering issue is that God suffers with all creatures. “The future of humanity and the future of our world are commingled together,” he said.
The fifth area of controversy is the future of the universe as explained by cosmology or eschatology, the ultimate destiny of the universe. “Will we freeze or fry in the far future?” asked Russell. He submitted that based on theology, God will take the universe from the present creation to a new creation.
He pointed to the resurrection of Jesus. This was not resuscitation, but a bodily resurrection. God is not bound by the laws of nature. The laws of nature are an explanation by mankind for how the universe works.
“Let’s assume the regularities of nature which science describes are ultimately due to the regular and faithful action of God as ongoing Creator,” said Russell. “If God chooses to act in a new way, then the future will not be what science predicts.
“If God acted in a new way at Easter (with the resurrection) and promises to continue to do so, then the ‘freeze’ or ‘fry’ predictions for the cosmological future will not happen.”
St. Andrews will continue to examine the relationship between religion and science in early 2009. Dr. William Junkin, director of instructional technology and professor of physics at Eckerd College, will speak on Jan. 20. Dr. Nancy R. Howell, professor of theology and philosophy of religion at the Saint Paul School of Theology will speak on March 17 on campus.
To learn more about future presentations, contact Tim Van Hooser vanhoosert@sapc.edu at (910) 277-5258.
###
About St. Andrews Presbyterian College
On Aug. 29, 1958, the merger between Presbyterian Junior College and Flora Macdonald College became official with the formation St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, N.C.
An innovative and bold academic venture to an interdisciplinary curriculum, a highly acclaimed college press, an award-winning pipe band, national champion equestrian teams, and first-rate scholarship have marked the distinctive character of St. Andrews. In 1991, the College branched out to form St. Andrews @ Sandhills, a continuing education opportunity hosted on the Sandhills Community College campus in Pinehurst, N.C. Further information may be obtained by visiting the College's website www.sapc.edu, calling 800-763-0198, or sending an e-mail to info@sapc.edu.
In early 2008 St. Andrews Presbyterian College initiated a partnership with The Learning House, Inc., a total online education solutions provider, to assist in the development and launch of its online campus. Learning House will provide a customized package of online services, including a learning management system for eCourses, Tier 1 hosting and Help Desk services, custom course consultation, online marketing services, faculty and staff training, and consulting services.
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Erica Berger
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www.elearnportal.com/sapc
502-589-9878
www.elearnportal.com/sapc
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