Module: SRE6110-20 Issues in Contemporary Christianity Science and Religion

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Russell Re Manning

Module Tutor Contact Details: r.remanning@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module explores central issues in the thought and practice of contemporary Christianity, with a focus on the cluster of questions raised by the intersections of science and religion. The module is intended both as a higher level exploration of the core teachings and practices of the Christian religion and an opportunity to engage fundamental questions of the relations of science and religion in today’s world. Drawing on perspectives from a variety of disciplines, the module will probe key (and provocative) topics, including: the historical development of relations between science and Christianity; methodological questions about the role of Scripture, tradition, faith and reason in controversies in Christianity and science, including core philosophical issues around naturalism, reductionism and emergence; doctrinal issues at the interface of science with topics of creation, divine action, Christology, theological anthropology and eschatology; ethical matters related to questions of the beginnings and ends of human life and the situation of ecological crisis; and comparative issues focusing on different Christian denominations in a global perspective.

The module aims to:

• Promote systematic enquiry into issues in contemporary relations between Christianity and science

• Develop interdisciplinary reflection on a key theme in contemporary religious studies

• Engage critically with key thinkers and texts in contemporary Christian thought and practice

• Foster a recognition of the complexities behind the headlines of ‘science vs religion’

• Develop understanding of contemporary Christianity in a global perspective.

2.Outline syllabus:

The module is structured in 5 parts, reflecting the various disciplinary approaches to the topic.

The first part considers the history of the relations between Christianity and science as essential context for engagement with contemporary issues. We will look at: the historical negotiations between Christianity and ‘science’; the role of Christianity in the rise of modern science (‘natural philosophy’); the so-called ‘Newtonian settlement’ of eighteenth-century natural theology; the key controversies in the nineteenth century (notably, but not exclusively the impact of Darwin); the emergence of the contemporary academic field of ‘science-and-religion’ in the course of the twentieth century.

The second part engages methodological questions essential to understanding the nature of the debates in the area of Christianity and science – and to understanding contemporary Christianity. Key topics will include the role of the Bible in Christian thought and practice, especially concerning the engagement with science; the significance of Christian religious traditions and the apparent tensions caused with regard to science; the place of faith and reason in contemporary debates (including the role of faith in science). We will also probe some of the core philosophical issues raised by the sciences for contemporary Christian thought and practice, notably those around naturalism, reduction and emergence.

The third part focuses on doctrinal issues. We consider the issues raised by an engagement with sciences for core Christian doctrines, including creation (in particular in relation to contemporary scientific cosmology), divine action (notably, in relation to chaos theory), Christology (engaging with quantum theory), theological anthropology (in relation to evolutionary biology and psychology), and eschatology (with specific reference to cosmology).

The fourth part treats core ethical topics at the interface of science (and medicine) and Christianity. We will look at ethical questions relating to beginnings and ends of human life (notably concerning contraception, abortion, genetic engineering and assisted dying), as well as controversies about the environment and ecology in Christianity and science. Here we will draw on recent examples of public debate to apply the more theoretical considerations of the earlier parts.

The fifth part engages with global perspectives on the issues of Christianity and science, looking specifically to compare the British and North American contexts and further to go beyond to non-Western contexts. In addition, we will explore the different approaches to the issues of Christianity and science from different Christian denominations.

3.Teaching and learning activities:

Teaching and Learning is focused on a one hour lecture and two hour student-centred seminar in alternate weeks, complemented (where possible and appropriate) by documentaries, films, guest speakers and study trips. Lectures introduce key case studies, debates and theories. Seminars present an opportunity to explore the issues and material introduced in the lectures in greater depth and are supplemented by readings for discussion.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Presentation (15 minutes, equivalent to 1500 words)

• % Weighting: 30

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Research Project (3500 words)

• % Weighting: 70