“Biology, Ethics and Belief: New Dialogues in Religion and Science”
A general lecture series, open and free to the public, sponsored
by the North Central Program in Science and Theology (a project of the
Minnesota Consortium of Theological Schools), on the Web @ www.luthersem.edu/NCPST; in co-operation with Luther
Seminary, the University of St. Thomas, and the University of Minnesota, St.
Paul campus.
Ten Week Series of Evening Lectures (7pm)
1. Feb. 11, (Wed), Phil Regal, “Biotechnology and the Future of Ethics”
Who: Dr. Regal is Professor of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior in the University of Minnesota. He is a respected expert on the environmental impact of new technology.
What: We are living in a new age for medicine, biology, and genetic technologies. What challenges do new innovations in biotechnology bring to our communities, and the larger ecology of which we are a part? Is the new biotechnology an unalloyed good?
Where: University of St. Thomas, John Roach Center, JRC 126.
2. Feb. 19 Jed Macosko, “Intelligent Design in Biology: A Beginner’s Guide”
Who: Dr. Macosko is a post-doctoral researcher at the University of New Mexico (Ph.D. in Chemistry, Cal Berkeley), and a prominent spokesperson for the Intelligent Design movement.
What: There is a new debate among those interested in creation, biology, and religion, surrounding the claim of some scientists that “intelligent design” provides us with a new approach. Come and learn from one such advocate, what this new movement claims about the origins of life on earth.
Where:
Cargill 105, Cargill Building—Microbial & Plant Genomics, 1500 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108. (U of M
@ St. Paul).
3. Feb. 26 7pm, John Deen, “Dominion or Stewardship? Christian Faith, Farming & the Care of Animals”
Who:
What: How does the Christian faith guide our moral responsibility in the care and farming of animals? What does it mean that God has given humans “dominion” over the earth?
Where: Cargill 105, Cargill Building—Microbial & Plant Genomics, 1500 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108. (U of M @ St. Paul
4. March 4 V. Elving Anderson, “Genetics and Human Freedom”
Who: Dr. Anderson is Professor Emeritus in the Institute of Human Genetics, University of Minnesota, and a respected author of works in biological science as well as religious and ethical issues in biology.
What: Some scientists have claimed that our behavior is dictated by our “selfish genes,” in other words, human freedom is an illusion. Is this what the science of genetics actually teaches? Come hear a respected geneticist debate this issue.
Where:
Cargill 105, Cargill Building—Microbial & Plant Genomics, 1500 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108. (U of M
@ St. Paul).
5. March 11. Alice Maung-Mercurio & Steve Mercurio, “Perceiving God: Religious Experience and the Human Brain”
Who: Dr. Steve
Mercurio is Professor of Biology at
What: We can “see” into the functioning of the human brain with new technologies, far beyond was possible even a few decades ago. Neuroscientists are discovering fascinating facts about the brain and its functioning during prayer and meditation, which raises questions about gender, religious truth, and human spirituality.
Where:
Cargill 105, Cargill Building—Microbial & Plant Genomics, 1500 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108. (U of M
@ St. Paul).
6. March 18 Greg Peterson, “Brain, Consciousness & the Soul”
Who: Dr. Peterson is Associate Professor of Religion and Philosophy at South Dakota State University.
What: How can we bring together new knowledge from science about the human brain and human consciousness, with the ancient religious wisdom concerning the “soul”? Can we believe in a human soul in an age of neuroscience?
Where: Luther Seminary, Chapel of the Incarnation, Olson Campus Center.
7. March 25 Daniel Philippon, “Wonderful Life: Religion and the Ethics of Conservation.”
Who: Dr. Philippon is Assistant Professor in the Department of Rhetoric, and Director of the Program in Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Ethics at the University of Minnesota.
What: Conservation biologists warn that population growth and consumption are ripping apart the fabric of life. What is the role of religious belief in a time of environmental crisis? What can science learn from religion, and vice-versa?
Where: Luther Seminary, Chapel of the Incarnation, Olson Campus Center.
8. April 1 Dianne Bartels, “The Ethics of Stem Cell Research”
Who: Dr. Dianne Bartels has been Associate Director of the Center for Bioethics since 1987. She is well known for her foundational work in medical ethics in Minnesota, especially as this affects families, and her expertise in the growing field of genetic counseling.
What:
We are faced with new genetic technologies, based upon the use of human
stem cells in biological research, which spark some heated ethical debates in
our nation. How has our public policy
responded to these challenges, and what should families and the general public
know about the moral issues being debated?
Where: Luther Seminary, Chapel of the Incarnation, Olson Campus Center.
9. April 15, Terry Nichols, “Science vs. Belief? The Challenge of Naturalism”
Who: Dr. Nichols is Chair and Professor in the Theology Department of the University of St. Thomas.
What: Religious belief has been challenged by those who claim science is incompatible with religion. Dr. Nichols demonstrates that far from undermining belief, current work in science fits well with Christian faith.
Where: Luther Seminary, Chapel of the Incarnation, Olson Campus Center.
10. April 21 (Wed):
Who: Dr. Haught is the Thomas Healy Professor of Theology at Georgetown University in Washington D.C., and a nationally recognized expert in theology and science.
What: How does the story of the Universe and life on earth, told by the sciences, fit with the story of God and creation? Is there any reason to believe that life has meaning and purpose, in the light of modern science?
Where: Luther Seminary, Chapel of the Incarnation, Olson Campus Center.
MAPS:
For a map to the St. Paul Campus, including the Cargill Building, visit:
www1.umn.edu/pts/maps/spcolr.htm
For a map to the Chapel of the
Incarnation, Olson Campus Center, Luther Seminary, visit:
http://www.luthersem.edu/campus/maps.asp