Science and the Sacred

Unit 1 – Science and Religion: Historical Perspectives

Unit 2 – Science and Religion: Philosophical Roots

Unit 3 – Cosmology & Creation Myths

Unit 4 – Evolution and Intelligent Design

Unit 5 – Neuroscience and the Soul

Unit 6 – Miracles: Nature's Laws and Exceptions

Unit 7 – Ethics in Science and Religion

Unit 8 – Science and Religion: Environmental Impact

Unit 9 – Science and Religion: Life's Meaning

Unit 10 – Science and Religion: A Future Perspective

## What do you learn in Science and the Sacred

Science and the Sacred explores the relationship between scientific knowledge and religious beliefs. You'll dive into topics like creation myths, the evolution debate, bioethics, and environmental stewardship. The course examines how different religions interpret scientific discoveries and how science impacts spiritual worldviews. You'll also learn about famous scientists who were religious and how they reconciled their faith with their work.

## Is Science and the Sacred hard?

It's not a walk in the park, but it's not impossibly tough either. The trickiest part is wrapping your head around some complex philosophical concepts and keeping an open mind. You'll need to do a fair bit of reading and be ready to engage in class discussions. The good news is, if you're interested in both science and religion, you'll probably find it pretty fascinating, which makes the work feel less like a chore.

## Tips for taking Science and the Sacred in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Keep an open mind - don't let your personal beliefs cloud your understanding of different perspectives
3. Stay on top of the readings - they're crucial for meaningful class discussions
4. Create a glossary of key terms like "intelligent design" and "theistic evolution"
5. Watch documentaries like "Cosmos" (both the Carl Sagan and Neil deGrasse Tyson versions) for broader context
6. Form study groups to discuss complex topics like the anthropic principle
7. Check out books like "The Language of God" by Francis Collins for extra insights

## Common pre-requisites for Science and the Sacred

1. Introduction to World Religions: This course provides an overview of major world religions, their beliefs, practices, and historical development. It's a great foundation for understanding different religious perspectives.

2. Philosophy of Science: This class explores the nature of scientific inquiry, scientific methods, and the philosophical implications of scientific discoveries. It helps you understand how science operates and its limitations.

## Classes similar to Science and the Sacred

1. Religion and Ecology: Examines the relationship between religious beliefs and environmental issues. You'll explore how different faith traditions view nature and their approach to environmental ethics.

2. Bioethics: Focuses on ethical issues arising from advances in biology and medicine. You'll discuss topics like genetic engineering, stem cell research, and end-of-life care from various religious and secular perspectives.

3. History of Science: Traces the development of scientific thought from ancient times to the present. You'll learn about major scientific discoveries and how they've shaped our understanding of the world.

4. Philosophy of Religion: Explores fundamental questions about the nature of religious belief, the existence of God, and the problem of evil. It's a great complement to Science and the Sacred, offering a more philosophical approach.

## Majors related to Science and the Sacred

1. Religious Studies: Focuses on the academic study of religions, their histories, beliefs, and practices. Students learn to analyze religious texts, rituals, and cultural impacts of various faith traditions.

2. Philosophy: Explores fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, and the nature of reality. Students develop critical thinking skills and engage with complex ideas from various philosophical traditions.

3. Anthropology: Studies human societies, cultures, and their development. Students learn about cultural practices, beliefs, and social structures across different human groups, including religious aspects.

4. History and Philosophy of Science: Combines historical and philosophical approaches to understanding scientific development. Students examine how scientific ideas have evolved and their impact on society and culture.

## What can you do with a degree in Science and the Sacred?

1. Science Journalist: Write articles and reports on scientific discoveries and their implications for a general audience. You'll need to understand both scientific concepts and their potential impacts on society and religious beliefs.

2. Bioethicist: Advise on ethical issues related to medical and scientific research. You'll work with hospitals, research institutions, or government agencies to navigate complex ethical dilemmas.

3. Interfaith Coordinator: Organize dialogues and collaborations between different religious groups. You'll use your understanding of various faith traditions and their interactions with science to foster mutual understanding.

4. Museum Curator: Design exhibits that explore the intersection of science and religion. You'll create engaging displays that educate the public about historical and contemporary issues in this field.

## Science and the Sacred FAQs

1. Do I need to be religious to take this course? Not at all! The course is designed for students of all backgrounds, religious or not. It's more about understanding different perspectives than promoting any particular belief.

2. Will this course try to prove or disprove religious beliefs? Nope, that's not the goal. Instead, it focuses on understanding how science and religion interact and influence each other.

3. Is there a lot of math involved? Generally, no. While you might encounter some basic scientific concepts, the course is more focused on the philosophical and cultural aspects of science and religion.

4. Can this course help me in a science career? Absolutely! Understanding the cultural and religious context of scientific work can be valuable in fields like science communication, policy, or research ethics.

Religious Studies

1.2 Isaac Newton

1.1 Galileo Galilei

1.5 The Conflict Thesis

1.3 Charles Darwin

1.6 The Harmony Thesis

1.7 The Independence Thesis

1.4 The Scopes Trial

2.1 Epistemology

2.4 Naturalism

2.6 Scientism

2.5 Reductionism

2.7 Fideism

2.2 Ontology

2.3 Natural theology

3.1 Big Bang theory

3.2 Fine-tuned universe

3.5 Hindu cosmology

3.4 Genesis creation narrative

3.3 Anthropic principle

3.6 Indigenous creation stories

4.7 Human origins

4.5 Irreducible complexity

4.3 Theistic evolution

4.1 Darwinian evolution

4.2 Neo-Darwinism

4.6 The Cambrian explosion

4.4 Intelligent design

5.1 Mind-body problem

5.4 Emergentism

5.5 Free will

5.6 Near-death experiences

5.7 Immortality of the soul

5.3 Materialism

5.2 Dualism

6.1 Definition of miracles

6.2 Hume's critique of miracles

6.3 Lourdes and medical miracles

6.4 Quantum indeterminacy

6.5 Chaos theory

6.6 Divine action

7.1 Bioethics

7.2 Stem cell research

7.3 Genetic engineering

7.6 Science and human values

7.4 Euthanasia

7.5 Animal rights

8.1 Stewardship

8.3 Eco-theology

8.2 Gaia hypothesis

8.5 Sustainability

8.6 Environmental ethics

8.4 Climate change

9.1 Existentialism

9.2 Absurdism

9.3 Nihilism

9.4 Secular humanism

9.5 Religious perspectives on meaning

9.6 Science and human flourishing

10.1 Secularization thesis

10.2 Post-secularism

10.3 New Atheism

10.4 Transhumanism

10.5 Artificial intelligence and religion

10.6 Science and interreligious dialogue

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