Displaying the Natural History Museum's Diplodocus skeleton in Norwich Cathedral Nave as the focus of the "Dippy on Tour" exhibition, invites questions such as: "How should we relate what we read in the Bible to current scientific knowledge?" "Is the process of evolution compatible with creation by God?" “Were the dinosaurs created by God or by evolution – or both?" Since Darwin published his theory, many Christian scholars have argued the compatabiliity and complementarity of Scripture and evolutionary science. However, if evolution explains human origin how then do we understand biblical teaching that humans are created in the image and likeness of God? St. Paul writes that death came into the world through one man's, Adam’s, disobedience. What did he mean and how does this fit with the death of dinosaurs (and other now extinct species) before humans appeared on earth?
In his talk, Ernest Lucas will explore such questions from a Biblical perspective. He holds doctorates in both chemistry and theology, so is well qualified to speak from the joint perspectives of science and faith.
The Revd Dr Ernest Lucas undertook research in biochemistry at Oxford University before switching to theology and biblical studies. After serving as a Baptist Minister in Durham and Liverpool, he moved into theological education, first at the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity and then at Bristol Baptist College and Bristol University. He is currently Vice-Principal Emeritus at Bristol Baptist College and Associate Research Fellow at Spurgeon’s College, London. He has lectured for the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion at Cambridge. His books include “Can we believe Genesis today? The Bible and questions of science” (IVP, 2005).
This lecture is organised by Science and Faith in Norfolk (SFN), a Norwich-based group that exists to explore a wide range of contemporary scientific issues from a Christian perspective.
For further information, please sfnorfolk1@gmail.com.
