Traditionally, theologians have drawn a sharp distinction between natural theology and special revelation. Increasingly, we understand the physical world through the process of scientific enquiry. Natural theology tries to describe what we can know about God through reasoning from our observations of the world. On the other hand, the Christian tradition is that special revelation is given to us by God, and especially expressed through God’s incarnation in the person of Jesus Christ, as attested in the Scriptures.

Dr Holder will argue that, in the twenty-first century, it is not reasonable simply to assert specifically Christian claims by saying that they are ‘revealed’. Rather, these claims should be argued for using evidence and reason.

Dr Holder was previously Course Director, and is now an Associate Fellow, at the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion in Cambridge. He began his scientific career as a mathematician and astronomer at the University of Oxford. Later in his career, he took a first-class degree in theology and re-trained for the ministry. Dr Holder writes and speaks on a wide range of matters relating to science and religion. In his recent book (Big Bang, Big God: A Universe Designed for Life?), he argues that the existence of the universe and its finely-tuned physical laws are best explained as the products of a divine mind.

Following the talk there will be an opportunity for questions and discussion. The number of participants will be limited so please register your interest as soon as possible.