Science and faith: Questions / notes for groups

1	As you begin this discussion, share your backgrounds as members of this group. Is science important for you or an area of knowledge you gave up after school? If you have studied a scientific subject, how does this relate to your faith (if you have one)?

2	Consider the proposition of atheistic science in its baldest form: everything is the product of blind chance. This includes not just biological evolution but also the formation of the universe itself. If this is so, then is it possible to speak meaningfully at all about purpose, beauty, and morality? [I contend that the answer is: no. You have to import these concepts from elsewhere in a truly chance-driven universe.]

3	The origin of the universe. Consider again the fine-tuning data on the second page of these notes. Christian faith claims that this makes perfect sense if there is a Creator. Consider that claim and also ask the question: if there is no Creator, what is the source of the universe? And is the claim for a source other than a Creator a scientific claim or just a different “faith-based” statement?

4	The age of the universe. Personal experience of Young Earth Creationism is a video clip relating the experience of a biologist who wrestled with Young Earth Creationism. He looks at the dangers of this view & also explores some alternatives that take science seriously. Where do you stand on this issue? If you argue for a young Earth, what evidence can you produce?

5	Read Genesis chapters 1-3. You might want to watch this video clip again: Reading Genesis chapters 1-3. Whether you are a Christian or not, try to examine what these chapters are trying to say? If you are freed from having to take this as literal description, what are the main themes? How do they resonate with human life today?

Use the email address below to give feedback / ask questions to the author, whose views these pages reflect