DiscoveryU

For a limited time, this course is available at a special discounted price of $249. Register now, before the price returns to $300!

Did Christianity help or hinder the rise of science? Join Dr. Melissa Cain Travis as she leads a six-week exploration of the historical relationship between science and Christianity, beginning with natural philosophers and theologians of antiquity and ending with the Twenty-First century. The course runs from July 10 – August 19, 2023 and will include readings, videos, online resources, weekly discussion forums, and four live Zoom discussion sessions with Dr. Travis. In addition, students will be guided through the development of a polished capstone project that can be used in their respective ministry or vocational contexts. Class size is limited, so register early!

Participants will examine topics such as ancient cosmologies, early Christian attitudes towards natural philosophy, the complexities introduced by the scientific revolution, the pre-Darwin heyday of natural theology, the religious and political dynamics surrounding the rise of Darwinism in America, and the Twentieth Century physics revolution. Along the way, special attention will be given to long-enduring myths and misconceptions that underpin the so-called “warfare thesis,” which claims that Christianity and science are mortal enemies rather than allies. This will include analyses of episodes such as the infamous Galileo Affair and the Scopes “Monkey Trial” of 1925. 

Students will come away with a foundational understanding of the complexities of the history of Christianity and science and the skill to address the distorted historical narratives that persist in the contemporary conversation.

Schedule of Live Sessions

• Monday, July 10, 7:00-8:30 pm (CT)
• Saturday, July 22, 10:00-11:30 am (CT)
• Saturday, August 5, 10:00-11:30 am (CT)
• Saturday, August 19, 10:00-11:30 am (CT)

Required Texts

• Science & Religion: A Historical Introduction, 2nd edition, edited by Gary B. Ferngren
• The Book of the Cosmos: Imagining the Universe from Heraclitus to Hawking, edited by Dennis Danielson
• Dictionary of Christianity and Science: The Definitive Reference for the Intersection of Christian Faith and Contemporary Science, edited by Paul Copan, et al.
• All supplemental materials such as articles, book excerpts, videos, and links to online content will be provided.