Between Intelligent Design and the New Atheism: Science and Religion at the Crossroads

About the Speaker

Philip Clayton has taught or held research professorships at Williams College, California State University, Harvard University, Cambridge University, and the University of Munich. His research focuses on biological emergence, religion and science, process studies, and contemporary issues in ecology, religion, and ethics. He is the recipient of multiple research grants and international lectureships, as well as the author of numerous books, including The Predicament of Belief: Science, Philosophy, Faith (2011); Religion and Science: The Basics (2011); Transforming Christian Theology: For Church and Society (2009); and In Quest of Freedom: The Emergence of Spirit in the Natural World (2009). He also edited The Oxford Handbook of Religion and Science (2006).

In books and lectures, Clayton works to formulate constructive theological responses to developments in contemporary science and philosophy. He has also been a leading advocate for comparative theology and the internationalization of the science-religion dialogue. As P.I. of the “Science and the Spiritual Quest” program and as Provost of a multi-faith university, he worked to expand these fields to include Muslim and Jewish scholars, the Dharma traditions of India, and the religious traditions of Southeast Asia.

Location

Fort Howard Theater, Bemis International Center, St. Norbert College

Start Date

9-25-2014 7:00 PM

Description

In his lecture, Dr. Clayton notes that, historically, the Catholic (and catholic) Christian tradition has been able to find harmony between the growth of knowledge and Christian faith. Over the past decade, however, tension has grown between the so-called “New Atheism” and “Intelligent Design” movements. Dr. Clayton recommends a break with extremists on both sides. Awe and wonder, even reverence, are the daily bread of the world’s greatest scientific discoverers. At the same time, religion is not about excluding scientific advances; it’s about practicing faith and compassion in the face of our encounter with divine Mystery. To embrace both of these attitudes simultaneously is to experience a reenchanted world, a world worth preserving.

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Sep 25th, 7:00 PM

Between Intelligent Design and the New Atheism: Science and Religion at the Crossroads

Fort Howard Theater, Bemis International Center, St. Norbert College

In his lecture, Dr. Clayton notes that, historically, the Catholic (and catholic) Christian tradition has been able to find harmony between the growth of knowledge and Christian faith. Over the past decade, however, tension has grown between the so-called “New Atheism” and “Intelligent Design” movements. Dr. Clayton recommends a break with extremists on both sides. Awe and wonder, even reverence, are the daily bread of the world’s greatest scientific discoverers. At the same time, religion is not about excluding scientific advances; it’s about practicing faith and compassion in the face of our encounter with divine Mystery. To embrace both of these attitudes simultaneously is to experience a reenchanted world, a world worth preserving.