Science and Christianity

Can a Christian believe in evolution? This course will look at how science and faith can live in harmony together. It will also consider why tensions have arisen and how they can be resolved.

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Key course information

Date
10/03/12

Day(s)
Sat

Duration
1 week

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees ?
Full fee: £37
Senior fee: £23
Concession: £11

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HRS03

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished


Course outline

What is the course about?

Since the time of Galileo – and even more since the time of Darwin – Christianity and science have been opposed to one another. You have to choose: either science or faith. At least, that is the popular view put forward by many Christians as well as certain prominent scientists. But is that really the case? Do you have to choose? Can you be a Christian and a scientist? If you can, do you have to make compromises in what you believe?

What topics will we cover?

This course will explain how some of the tensions between science and Christianity have arisen. It will then consider how these tensions have been viewed and some of the ways in which they might be resolved. It will cover various positions including: conflict, contrast and confirmation. This course will also examine some of the assumptions underlying science and Christianity to reveal some fundamental differences and also some key similarities. At each stage, the course will keep in focus the major scientific issues which have sparked the debate including the big bang theory and the theory of evolution.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Identify the real differences between Christianity and science.
Explain why these tensions arise and how they might be resolved.
Think more critically about the views of both Christians and scientists.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course requires no previous knowledge, and will be accessible to anyone who has an interest in Christianity. You do not need to be a Christian, or belong to any faith group. You do need to have an open mind and be willing to respect the beliefs of others.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course will be delivered on a single Saturday comprising input from the tutor, class discussion and handouts.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There are no set texts for this course.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Other 'Religious studies' courses.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

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Contact us

Humanities

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

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