Mar 12 : Not Just Science 1 – History

Edit: FINALLY the books are in! This is the real date, people. If anyone planning to join us needs a copy of the reading, please contact us at kristac (at) shaw (dot) ca

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We’ve had a taste of Behe, but I would like to also “mix it up” with some variety.

By the end of January, we’ll have group copies of “Not Just Science,” edited by Chappell & Cook. My suggestion: to select one chapter from each section and take a sampling of various sciences. On Jan 30, let’s start with a chapter from the Introduction.

The following bookstore page includes the table of contents and more detail:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ean=9780310263838&z=y

The first chapter is “1. How Have Christian Faith and Natural Science Interacted
in History?” Even a quick glance suggests to me that we will have plenty to discuss in that one chapter. One might also want to glance back at one of our early discussions on the same topic, on Aug 15, “Science Friend or Foe?” http://efaith.wordpress.com/2007/07/26/aug-15-the-history-of-science-and-christianity/

(Hint: keywords like “foe” in the search box to the right will find specific articles, or use the Past Meetings page at the top of the site to get a complete list by title.)

We can follow that up with readings later on biology, maths, physics, chemistry, applied sciences and technology, interspersed with Behe and web articles for variety.

Edit: Waiting for the book to arrive. We may need to put this reading over to February.

Oct 31: Darwin’s Black Box 1 ~ Lilliputian Biology

*** Note that there is a conference starting up at the church, KCC, at 7 pm Oct 24th. Please go to the conference!!! We’ll meet on the 31st instead.

On Wed. Oct 31, we will be meeting at 7:30 pm to discuss the first chapter of Darwin’s Black Box.

I will be making copies of this chapter and anyone interested in joining us that week can make a personal copy from the book, which is available in my box at Kelowna Christian Centre. It is about 12 copied pages long (ie 23 small book pages).

“Lilliputian Biology” provides background information on the history of biology, evolutionary theory, what biochemistry is, and the basis for Behe’s critique of standard evolution models. Hopefully it gives us a taste of Behe’s writing style and we can decide whether we wish to read more of his book in the future.

Aug 15: The history of science and Christianity

On August 15th, we will be discussing the article,

“Science – friend or foe?” by D. Alexander

If you think of questions to consider regarding this topic, please comment them here. For example, does the author refer to scripture? In what context should we use the bible, and are there contexts when we should refrain?

I also posed a question at the end of the Jul 25 meeting: What would we consider to be a “high standard of evidence” for spiritual truth or for resolving science / faith issues? I think it is good to articulate or discuss what we find persuasive. If we have a somewhat objective perspective on evidence, then it will be possible to test that standard against some of our readings.

So, do come with your own personal thoughts about evidence and persuasive / valid argumentation.

http://www.bethinking.org/resource.php?ID=192&TopicID=2&CategoryID=1

July 11: Wellness Gospel

We will finally get to discuss:

“The Wellness Gospel and the Future of Faith” by R.W. Dworkin.

http://www.hoover.org/publications/policyreview/3460706.html

While reading, look for both statements you like, and also for one or two points you disagree with. Also, how about proposing at least one scripture relevant to this reading.

Is it possible that those who are seeking healing, might make an invalid pursuit of religion in the absence of faith or sincerity? What about the role of a “wellness gospel” within Christianity, and how it changes the definition of our faith?

What is religion, and what does it mean for a person to be “spiritual?” Is Dworkin belittling all religious people as gullible? Is he saying we have no meaningful impact on science and society? I think we need to discuss what his biases are, and is he for or against Christianity (religion) ?

If you have trouble accessing the full text online, please contact me or stop by the KCC Office. We will be discussing this article on WED JULY 11.