Science and Faith for the Rest of Us - AJ Poelarends - June 9th 2023 at Rochester L’Abri

Science and Faith -- for many Christians (and non-Christians) this can be a difficult combination. Major flashpoints are often around theories of origins (cosmology, evolution) and neuroscience, and are seen as the cause of doubt and the road to unbelief. And discussions about science, whether among Christians or with people who are not Christian, often devolve into rather technical discussions, scaring many people away.

AJ will make the case that it doesn't have to be this way. First of all, science opens up opportunities for wonder, not just for scientists, but for everyone. Besides that, the interface of science and faith also provides opportunities for questions that are relevant for everyone, and touch on the very essence of our existence. And these kinds of questions, for instance, about who we are, how we should live, and how we make decisions, can make discussions about science & faith inspiring, helpful and constructive for everyone.

Arend J. Poelarends is the director of the Center for Faith and Learning at Anselm House, a Christian study center serving the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities). He received a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Utrecht University in the Netherlands and an MDiv from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis (MO). Prior to moving to Minnesota, he taught Physics and Astronomy for 11 years at Wheaton College (IL), where he thought deeply about questions at the intersection of Science (cosmology) and the Christian faith.