9th Science and Faith in Norfolk Cathedral Lecture 2017

Wednesday 10th May 2017

19.00 – 20.30

Norwich Cathedral Nave, NR1 4DH

When people ask ‘are science and faith compatible?’ many questionners assume there is a fundamental conflict between them. Professor Tom McLeish suggests this is not supported by the historical evidence and that more helpful questions are ‘how should Christians understand science?’ or ‘What is the role of God’s gift of science within the Kingdom of God?’.

Professor McLeish will provide examples of scientific thinking that are deeply embedded in the expression of faith, and will use the Wisdom Literature of the Bible to illustrate how those who seek to be disciples of Christ should use science. This biblical understanding of science acknowledges the fragile relationship between humanity and the natural world and leads to some challenging questions about the practice of science and technology in the 21st century. Should we set limits on how new technologies are used to change our environment and us?

Professor McLeish suggests that these, and other, fundamental questions should encourage us to explore a theology of science. He argues that God loves science and that science needs God, and that the Christian Faith is perhaps the most natural home for science.

Professor Tom McLeish FRS is a distinguished scientist with a Christian faith. He is Professor of Physics at Durham University, a Fellow of the Royal Society and a Reader in the Anglican Diocese of York. In addition to his research publications, he has published two books on science and faith, in 2014 Faith and Wisdom in Science (Oxford University Press) and more recently Let there be Science! (co-written with physics teacher David Hutchinson) (Lion Publishing 2016).

All are welcome. No booking required. There will be a retiring collection.

For further information contact:

Professor Nick Brewin (07901 884114); sfnorfolk1@gmail.com