CHRISTIANITY AND MODERN SCIENCE: THE INTERSECTION OF FAITH AND SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY

About Course

This course delves into the intricate relationship between Christianity and modern science, scrutinizing the teachings of Christian beliefs and their far-reaching implications for understanding the natural world. Through a rigorous analysis of biblical texts, scientific theories, and philosophical perspectives, students will cultivate a profound understanding of the complex interplay between faith and reason. By engaging with the course material, students will develop a sophisticated appreciation for the reciprocal dialogue between Christian beliefs and scientific inquiry, exploring how each informs and enriches the other. This interdisciplinary approach will equip students to navigate the intersections of faith and science with clarity, nuance, and critical thinking.

Course Objectives:

Understand the historical development of the relationship between Christianity and modern science
Analyze the philosophical and theological implications of modern scientific theories and discoveries
Evaluate the interactions between Christianity and modern science in various fields, including cosmology, biology, and psychology
Develop a nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between science, theology, and Christian practice
Cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective communication in addressing the intersections of Christianity and modern science.

Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the historical development of the relationship between Christianity and modern science
Analyze and evaluate the philosophical and theological implications of modern scientific theories and discoveries
Apply critical thinking and analytical skills to address the interactions between Christianity and modern science in various fields
Develop effective communication skills in presenting complex ideas and arguments related to the intersections of Christianity and modern science
Cultivate a nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between science, theology, and Christian practice

Course Content

Module1: Introduction to Christianity and Modern Science

Topic: Understanding the Intersection of Christianity and Modern Science.
Objective: Understand the relationship between Christianity and modern science.
Learning Outcomes: Analyze the historical development of the relationship between Christianity and science.
Biblical Text: Psalm 19:1-6. The importance of wisdom and knowledge.
Book Reading: Barbour, I. G. (1997). Religion and science: Historical and contemporary issues. HarperSanFrancisco. (Chapters 1-2).
Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the relationship between Christianity and modern science. Research the historical development of the relationship between Christianity and science.

Module 2: Historical Development of the Relationship between Christianity and Science

Module 3: Cosmology and Christianity

Module 4: Biology and Christianity

Module 5: Psychology and Christianity

Module 6: Philosophy of Science and Christianity

Module 7: Theology and Science

Module 8: Creation and Evolution

Module 9: Intelligent Design

Module 10: Science and Christian Ethics

Module 11: Christianity and Technology

Module 12: Science and Christian Spirituality

Module 13: Christianity and Environmental Science

Module 14: Science and Christian Apologetics.

Module 15: Christianity and the Philosophy of Science.

Module 16: Final Research Project

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About Course

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Course Content

Module1: Introduction to Christianity and Modern Science

Topic: Understanding the Intersection of Christianity and Modern Science.

Objective: Understand the relationship between Christianity and modern science.

Learning Outcomes: Analyze the historical development of the relationship between Christianity and science.

Biblical Text: Psalm 19:1-6. The importance of wisdom and knowledge.

Book Reading: Barbour, I. G. (1997). Religion and science: Historical and contemporary issues. HarperSanFrancisco. (Chapters 1-2).

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the relationship between Christianity and modern science. Research the historical development of the relationship between Christianity and science.

Module 2: Historical Development of the Relationship between Christianity and Science

Topic: The Evolution of Christianity and Science.

Objective: Analyze the historical development of the relationship between Christianity and science.

Learning Outcomes: Understand the historical context of the relationship between Christianity and science.

Biblical Text: Genesis 1:1-31. The creation story.

Book Reading: Lindberg, D. C., & Numbers, R. L. (2003). When science and Christianity meet. University of Chicago Press. (Chapters 1-3).

Assignment: Write a short paper on the historical development of the relationship between Christianity and science. Create a timeline of the historical development of the relationship between Christianity and science.

Module 3: Cosmology and Christianity

Topic: The Cosmological Implications of Christianity.

Objective: Understand the implications of modern cosmology for Christian theology.

Learning Outcomes: Analyze the implications of modern cosmology for Christian theology.

Biblical Text: Psalm 8:1-9. The glory of God in creation.

Book Reading: Hawking, S. (2005). A brief history of time: From the big bang to black holes. Bantam Books. (Chapters 1-3).

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the implications of modern cosmology for Christian theology. Research the implications of modern cosmology for Christian theology.

Module 4: Biology and Christianity

Topic: The Biological Implications of Christianity.

Objective: Understand the implications of modern biology for Christian theology.

Learning Outcomes: Analyze the implications of modern biology for Christian theology.

Biblical Text: Genesis 2:7. The creation of humanity.

Book Reading: Dawkins, R. (2006). The God delusion. Houghton Mifflin. (Chapters 1-3).

Assignment: Write a short paper on the implications of modern biology for Christian theology. Research the implications of modern biology for Christian theology.

Module 5: Psychology and Christianity

Topic: The Psychological Implications of Christianity.

Objective: Understand the implications of modern psychology for Christian theology.

Learning Outcomes: Analyze the implications of modern psychology for Christian theology.

Biblical Text: Psalm 139:13-16. The nature of humanity.

Book Reading: Freud, S. (2010). The future of an illusion. Penguin Books. (Chapters 1-3).

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the implications of modern psychology for Christian theology. Research the implications of modern psychology for Christian theology.

Module 6: Philosophy of Science and Christianity

Topic: The Philosophical Implications of Christianity and Science.

Objective: Understand the philosophical implications of modern science for Christian theology.

Learning Outcomes: Analyze the philosophical implications of modern science for Christian theology.

Biblical Text: Proverbs 1:7. The fear of the Lord.

Book Reading: Kuhn, T. S. (2012). The structure of scientific revolutions. University of Chicago Press. (Chapters 1-3).

Assignment: Write a short paper on the philosophical implications of modern science for Christian theology. Research the philosophical implications of modern science for Christian theology.

Module 7: Theology and Science

Topic: The Intersection of Theology and Science.

Objective: Understand the relationship between theology and science.

Learning Outcomes: Analyze the relationship between theology and science.

Biblical Text: Romans 1:19-20. The revelation of God in nature.

Book Reading: Polkinghorne, J. (2009). Theology in the context of science. Yale University Press. (Chapters 1-3).

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the relationship between theology and science. Research the relationship between theology and science.

Module 8: Creation and Evolution

Topic: Examining the Creation-Evolution Debate.

Objective: Understand the debate over creation and evolution.

Learning Outcomes: Analyze the debate over creation and evolution.

Biblical Text: Genesis 1:1-31. The creation story.

Book Reading: Behe, M. J. (1996). Darwin’s black box: The biochemical challenge to evolution. Free Press. (Chapters 1-3).

Assignment: Write a short paper on the debate over creation and evolution. Research the debate over creation and evolution.

Module 9: Intelligent Design

Topic: Exploring the Concept of Intelligent Design.

Objective: Understand the concept of intelligent design.

Learning Outcomes: Analyze the concept of intelligent design.

Biblical Text: Psalm 19:1-6. The glory of God in creation.

Book Reading: Dembski, W. A. (2004). The design revolution: Answering the toughest questions about intelligent design. InterVarsity Press. (Chapters 1-3).

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the concept of intelligent design. Research the concept of intelligent design.

Module 10: Science and Christian Ethics

Topic: Applying Christian Ethics to Scientific Issues.

Objective: Understand the implications of modern science for Christian ethics.

Learning Outcomes: Analyze the implications of modern science for Christian ethics.

Biblical Text: Matthew 25:31-46. The judgment of the nations.

Book Reading: Gustafson, J. M. (2013). Can ethics be Christian? University of Chicago Press. (Chapters 1-3).

Assignment: Write a short paper on the implications of modern science for Christian ethics. Research the implications of modern science for Christian ethics.

Module 11: Christianity and Technology

Topic: The Intersection of Christianity and Technology.

Objective: Understand the relationship between Christianity and technology.

Biblical Text: Genesis 4:22. The technological advancements of humanity.

Book Reading: Ellul, J. (1964). The technological society. Vintage Books. (Chapters 1-3).

Assignment: Write a reflection paper on the relationship between Christianity and technology. Research the relationship between Christianity and technology.

Learning Outcomes: Analyze the relationship between Christianity and technology.