THEO 308 Theology in the Light of Science
“Contrary to what people of science and religion 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: 10-11 T and Th, and 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 Won’t 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 author’s 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
Participation in class discussion and quizzes
Group debates
45%
20%
25%
10%
(15% each)
You may request S/U grading any time before the last day of class (December 12).
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 (this is my best guess and will probably change a bit as we go on)
“What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?” Models for Science and Religion
August
27
Why bring together religion and science?
29
Harris, 1-2
September
3
Harris, 3-5
5
Smith, part 1
10
Smith, part 2
12
Barbour’s typologies
17
Smith vs. Harris: debate 1
19
Exam 1
“In the beginning . . .” Evolution and Religion
24
Peters and Hewitt, 1-6
26
Peters and Hewitt, 7-14
October
1
Q and A with guest speaker
3
10
Evolution, creation, intelligent design: debate 2
15
Southgate, 1-3
17
Southgate, 4-5
22
Southgate, 6-7
24
Exam 2
“I think, therefore I am.” Religion and the Science of Consciousness
29
Newberg, 1-3
31
Newberg, 4-6
November
5
Newberg, 7-9
7
Peterson, parts 1 and 2
12
Peterson, parts 3 and 4
14
Q and A with guest speaker
19
Dalai Lama, part 1
21
Dalai Lama part 2
26
Exam 3
“To be is to do.” Technology and Religion
December
3
Herzfeld, 1-3
5
Herzfeld, 4-5
10
Technology: debate 3
12
Q and A with the author