Christianity and Science
This course examines relations between Christianity and the sciences in the western world, from the seventeenth century to the present. Christianity and science have often been presented as mutually hostile or incommensurable entities. However, a more nuanced and scholarly approach – drawing on readings in science, history and theology – reveals complexities that go beyond adversarial over-simplifications. Key scientific figures such as Galileo, Newton and Darwin cannot be understood independently of their Christian context, while Christian thinkers have responded creatively (as well as, at times, defensively) to the challenges of modern science.