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Are faith & science at odds? A five part online course with Stephen Barr
In these lectures Prof. Barr will show that the widespread idea that faith and science are opposed to each other is based on serious misconceptions about the history of science, about what the Catholic Church teaches, and about what science has actually discovered about the world. In the first lecture, he will show how fundamental Catholic beliefs about God dovetail with the basic assumptions of science. In the second lecture, he will show how the Catholic Church, Catholic clergy, and Catholic lay people powerfully contributed to the founding and development of science. In the third lecture, he will discuss the beginning and creation of the universe from the viewpoint of both Catholic theology and modern cosmology. In the fourth lecture, he will show that the idea of the human “spiritual soul” is not in conflict with modern science. In the final lecture he will show how the idea of biological evolution is perfectly consistent with a Christian conception of the universe.
Tuesdays February 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, March 2nd 7-8:30 PM (PT - San Francisco)
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About Dr. Stephen Barr
Stephen M. Barr is President of the Society of Catholic Scientists and Professor Emeritus of theoretical particle physics at the University of Delaware. His research has centered mainly on “grand unified theories” and the cosmology of the early universe. In 2011, he was elected to be a Fellow of the American Physical Society “for his original contributions to grand unification, CP violation, and baryogenesis”. He writes and lectures extensively on the relation of science and religion. He is the author of Modern Physics and Ancient Faith (Univ. of Notre Dame Press, 2003) and The Believing Scientist: essays on science and religion (Eerdmans, 2016). He was elected in 2010 to the Academy of Catholic Theology and was awarded the Benemerenti Medal by Pope Benedict XVI.
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Course Schedule
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February 2, 2021 Lecture 1. God and Natural Science, how they fit together
- The world as the Creation of God, not the abode of gods.
- God versus Nature? The “God of the gaps” mistake.
- The ultimate Cause and natural causes are not competing explanations.
- How Nature points to its Author.
- God and Cosmic Order.
- The Laws of Nature and God as Lawgiver.
- Miracles and the Laws of Nature.
February 9, 2021 Lecture 2. The Church and Science: a glorious history- The historical myth of a science-faith “warfare.”
- The medieval universities and the foundations of modern science.
- The pioneers and founders of science were religious.
- The Catholic Church as patron of science.
- Important scientists who were Catholic priests or devout laymen.
February 16, 2021 Lecture 3. The Big Bang, the Beginning, and Creation.- St. Augustine, the “beginning of time,” and the Big Bang.
- The “Beginning” and “Creation,” are they the same?
- Can Physics explain Creation without a Creator?
- God is outside of time.
February 23, 2021 Lecture 4. Science and the Human Soul.- The fallacy of “physicalism.”
- Physics and consciousness.
- The human difference: reason and free will.
- Does science say that free will is an illusion?
- The power of reason involves more than matter.
March 2, 2021 Lecture 5. Catholicism and Evolution.- The Church never condemned evolution.
- The key philosophical point: Primary and secondary causality.
- The key theological point: the spiritual soul.
- Some weak theological objections to evolution.
- The role of chance in evolution.
- Are we meant to be here?
- Adam and Eve and Original Sin.
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Frquently Asked Questions
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When do these online classes take place?
These classes will take place on the following Tuesdays at 7 P.M. Pacific Time (San Francisco). February 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, March 2nd.
What kind of computer do I need to attend?
Our course will be made interactive using a free video conferencing software called "Zoom". It is very to install and even easier to use. Typically, any inernet connected PC or Mac that is under 10 years old will work. You can also login to the course using a smart phone or personal device like an iPad. If you don't have a computer, you can also call in to the course. However, we highly recommend you use a computer as this course will include visuals that you will not be able to see if you call in. For a list of full requirements, visit here.
Will there be quizes, tests, or grades?
Be at peace! There will be no graded tests, though there may be some optional quizes for those who like to measure their knowledge retention!
If I can't make a class, will the lectures be available online later?
Yes. All courses will be recorded so that you can watch or re-watch at a later time.
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Can I get college credit for this course?
This will be a non-credit course. However, in the very near future we will be partnering with St. Patrick Seminary to provide course credits that can be used towards a certificate in Pastoral Leadership.
How much does this course cost?
Five weeks of online courses will cost $20 per person!
Are scholarships or grants available?
We have included in our registration payment form an option for persons who have the means to sponsor persons who cannot afford to enroll in this course. Please email Deacon Fred Totah and explain to him your extraordinary circumstances that would make you unable to pay for this course.
What is the School of Pastoral Leadership?
The Archdiocese of San Francisco will relaunch the School of Pastoral Leadership this Fall. The School will help form lay leaders in the Church to be effective catechists and evangelizers in the San Francisco Bay Area through providing quality college-level courses. These courses can count towards a certificate.
What if I have questions that aren't listed here?
Feel free to reach out to Deacon Fred Totah, Director of the Office of Pastoral Ministry by email or calling (415) 614-5504.
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