St. Mark’s Adult Education Meeting Summary
Faith, Science, and Understanding by John Polkinghorne
Discussion Led By Prof. George John
Sunday, September 18, 2005
1 Introductory Comments and Discuss Process for Study
a) Articles from Journals, Internet, and media
b) Polkinghorne’s book: “Faith, Science, and Understanding”
c) Other materials
2 Examine and Comment on. Printed Material
3 Begin with “Conflict in Cambridge” to indicate types of conflict.
It was noted that our textbooks had not yet arrived, however, George had prepared a series of handouts that were given to all in attendance. “Seeing is believing!” Science has a roll. Religion has a roll. Are they related or are they separate? Physical reality vs. spiritual reality.
Reviewed handout contents:
CONTENTS (please do not copy or distribute)
1. Clash in Cambridge, John Horgan
2. Science and Religious Fundamentalism in the 1920s, Edward B. Davis
3. CONTEXT, Martin Marty’ on Religion and Culture, September 2005, Part A
4. A Catechism of Creation, An Episcopal Understanding
5. A God Who Does Not Itemize Versus a Science of the Sacred, Edward B. Davis, Review of Belief in God in an Age of Science, John Polkinghome, and Skeptics and True Believers: The Exhilarating Connection between Science and Religion, Chet Raymo
6. Cosmic Design, Christian Century Magazine, Editor’s Desk, September 06, 2005
7. Article in Dayton Daily News on Science and Religion, 5 Aug 2005, Rodney W. Kennedy
8. Our Special Universe, Charles H. Towne, Wall Street Journal, March 11, 2005
9. Science Nourishes the Mind and Soul, Brian Greene, NPR Commentary, All Things Considered, May 30, 2005
10. A scholar’s View: The Long and Winding Road, Martin, E. Marty, Newsweek, September 12, 2005
11. In Search of the Spiritual, Jerry Adler, Newsweek, September 12, 2005
12. Definitions and Selected Elaborations
Article “Clash in Cambridge” by John Horgan read and discussed: The clash between science and religion is still ever present. A prominent group of scientists and journalists gathered for the Templeton-Cambridge Journalism Fellowship this past June 2005 discussed this topic for two weeks. Discussions included questions about the healing power of prayer, the role of religion and morality, and God’s role in the shaping of the universe. By the end of the conference, the participants agreed that no real common ground had been found, but everyone had thoroughly enjoyed the discussions.
Definitions and selected elaborations reviewed: This included definitions of science, theology, religion, deism, theism, pantheism, and panentheism.