Mere Science and Christian Faith

Is it possible for science to enhance faith and promote spiritual growth?

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We live in a science and technology-obsessed culture. It’s tempting to think both will make our faith obsolete. At the same time, how are we supposed to engage young adults who, more and more frequently, see the church as “anti-science?”

Is it possible for science to enhance faith and promote spiritual growth?

Not only is this possible, but understanding how is necessary.

What You'll Learn

  • How science and faith relate today and how they’ve interacted historically
  • The connections between contemporary science and biblical practices like forgiveness
  • Key areas of struggle and discovery—like evolution, Big Bang cosmology, and more
  • Critical issues of technology and faith, including social media, AI, and transhumanism

About this Course

  • Modules

4

  • Learning Elements

6

  • Videos

4

  • Practices & Activities

  • Time

4 hours, 30 minutes

  • Price

$55

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Here's What's Inside...

In this first self-guided session, you’ll gain a better understanding of the strategic need for the church to engage science right now. You’ll also learn the three ways science and faith relate today, as well as how they’ve been viewed historically.

With insights into the connections between contemporary science and key biblical doctrines, you’ll gain helpful ways of understanding and explaining evolution, Big Bang cosmology, and the Cosmic Anthropic Principle. Based on that foundation, the second session is a chance to formulate key outcomes for yourself and your congregation.

In this third session, you’ll learn how to select one critical area of science and Christian faith – for example, global climate change – and begin formulating an initiative for discussing the impacts on (and responsibilities of) your faith community.

As your self-guided course comes to an end, this final session is an opportunity to learn more about areas of interaction technology and faith that don’t always make the headlines. Those include Transhumanism, Artificial Intelligence, and the use of technology – like social media – to spread the Gospel.

You'll Learn How to Connect with God
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This course will provide theologically grounded spiritual practices that empower your day-to-day life as a follower of Jesus Christ, and help you see how God is present in everything—from private spiritual experiences to the majesty of the created cosmos.

Gain Instant Access

Here's everything you get for just $55:

  • Four 60-minute webcasts (4 contact hours)
  • Experiments and assignments to try in context
  • A safe space to learn and grow
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Meet Your Instructor

  • Dr. Greg Cootsona

    Dr. Greg Cootsona is a speaker and writer in science and faith, emerging adults, C. S. Lewis, and Christian life and thought. He teaches religion, humanities, and philosophy at California State University, Chico. Greg also currently co-directs Science for the Church, a project designed to bring science to Christian congregations as a resource for spiritual growth. His most recent books are Negotiating Science and Religion in America: Past, Present, and Future (Routledge, 2020) and Mere Science and Christian Faith: Bridging the Divide with Emerging Adults (InterVarsity, 2018). Greg studied comparative literature at U.C. Berkeley (B.A.); theology and biblical studies at Princeton Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity); and the philosophy of religion, Christian doctrine, as well as science and religion at the Universities of Tübingen and Heidelberg and Berkeley’s Graduate Theological Union (where he received his Ph.D.). He has appeared on the Today Show and has been interviewed by CNN, the Wall Street Journal, National Public Radio, the BBC, and the New York Times. He and his wife, Laura, live in Chico, California, and have two emerging adult daughters (22 and 25). Besides hanging out with his family, Greg loves to bike, read, write, and drink good coffee.

Connect as you learn

Connect inside the Faith+Lead Learning Lab

Learning happens best when you do it together with folks who are on the same journey as you are.

That's why our private social network, the Faith+Lead Learning Lab, hosts conversations about course content with other learners, instructors, TAs, and community leaders.

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Upcoming Live Workshop

  

Leading in an Age of Contempt: Explore faithful approaches during times of discord