Science and Christianity

Subject: Religious Education / Philosophy
Level: Secondary
Age Group: 16 - 18
Order Number: 14028

This pack contains comprehensive notes for teaching the modules concerning 'Science and Christianity' in the new RE AS and A2 syllabi. Detailed consideration is given to use each issue with summaries of the teaching of philosophers, scientists and theologians of the past and present, as well as an interaction with their views. Although it is primarily intended fir A-level teaching, the course can be taught as a unit in a general studies programme.

Topics covered:

Science and Christianity

Are science and Christianity in conflict? What is science? Natural theology

Origin of the Universe

Big Bang and Continuous Creation theories, the fine-tuning argument and the anthropic principle

Quantum Theory

The role of the mind in scientific experiments and links wit Idealist philosophy

Grand Unified Theories

Stephen Hawking, 'free lunch' hypothesis, string theories, G.U.T. or God?

The Classical Design Argument

Aquinas, Paley and Richard Swinbourne

Evolution

Darwin - life and development of evolution theory. Mendal, genetics and Richard Dawkins. Origin of life

Creation

Biblical story - its meaning and purpose. Christian responses to evolution - 'creationism', progressive creation, theistic evolution

Miracles

Nature and purpose, Hume's critique. Miracles and science