The Intersection of Science and Faith

The question “Where did we come from?” is at the core of both religious and scientific thought. In the popular imagination, religion and science are engaged in a cultural battle over the question. To help clarify the understandings and misunderstandings over where religion and science overlap, Susan Fisher (Department of Entomology) has partnered with COSI, WOSU, and Christopher Andersen (College of Arts and Sciences STEM Initiatives) to produce an annual discussion of faith-based and scientific views of evolution. Funded by a multiyear grant from the John Templeton Foundation, this project brings together international figures to discuss aspects of the intersection of faith and evolution before a live audience at the WOSU@COSI studios. The program is taped for broadcast on WOSU television.

The Evolution of Religion

 Watch Online at WOSU Public Media

Where do our religious beliefs come from? Have religious beliefs served an evolutionary purpose?

On Wednesday, October 5th, 2011, Neal Conan, host of the National Public Radio show Talk of the Nation, moderated a panel discussion in the WOSU@COSI Studios on the intersection of science and religion. The discussion was followed by a question-and-answer session. Speakers included:

• Nicholas Wade, New York Times science writer and author of "Before the Dawn," and "The Faith Instinct."

• Lionel Tiger, Charles Darwin Professor of Anthropology, Emeritus at Rutgers University, and author of "God's Brain"

In his most recent book, The Faith Instinct, Nicholas Wade looks at scientific evidence for the evolutionary basis of religion.  It’s been called a turning point in the science-religion debate. Wade writes for the Science Times section of The New York Times. Lionel Tiger is the author of books and articles about the biological origins of social interactions. His latest book, God’s Brain, has been called “the best book on the nature of religion to appear in some time.

More to Read and View:

Church's Lectures Link Evolution, Creation (Columbus Dispatch 2/10/12)
Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial (PBS/NOVA)
Beyond the Atheism-Religion Debate (NPR/Speaking of Faith)

Sponsors:

Department of Entomology
COSI Columbus
WOSU Public Media
College of Arts and Sciences STEM Initiatives
Supported by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation.