christianity and science

Question 1

Empirical approach (enlightenment period)

Answer 1

Refers to evidence and observation based approach

Question 2

Rationalist approach (enlightenment period)

Answer 2

Refers to an approach that uses reasoned thought

Question 3

Deism

Answer 3

God created the universe but does not intervene in its ongoing operation - he set things off through the big bang and left without acting on it any further

Question 4

Immanence

Answer 4

Related to God’s presence and involvement in the universe. It depicts God’s nature as personal

Question 5

Existentialism

Answer 5

The view that humans define their own meaning in life; their choices make them what they are

Question 6

Darwins theory of evolution is based on…

Answer 6

Inductive reasoning

Question 7

What is natural selection?

Answer 7

Natural selection is the process by which organisms with advantageous traits for their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the gradual adaptation and evolution of species over time

Question 8

Charles Darwin book

Answer 8

on the origin of Species
1859

Question 9

fundamentalist christians on theory of evolution

Answer 9

dismissed it as human error since it conflicted with the word of God to be found in the Bible

Question 10

which christians welcomed the theory of evolution

Answer 10

liberal christians as they had long rejected any literalist interpretation of the Genesis creation stories

Question 11

Many in the church of england ridicules the theory of evolution, who

Answer 11

Bishop wilberforce asked whether his descent from a monkey came through his grandmother or grandfather

Question 12

who rejects the theory of evolution totally

Answer 12

YEC OLC as it is incompatible with the genesis creation stories, which are the infallible word of God

Question 13

why do some OLC accept the theory in diluted form

Answer 13

Evolution explains the development of simpler life forms but humanity is the result of special creation by God

Question 14

big bang theory

Answer 14

The Big Bang theory is the scientific explanation that the universe originated from a hot and dense initial state and has been expanding and evolving over the course of approximately 13.8 billion years.

Question 15

The god of the gaps approach

Answer 15

Christians attribute anything they cannot explain scientifically to God

Question 16

Critique of God of the gaps

Answer 16

Becomes increasingly irrelevant as scientific understanding advances

Question 17

The Catholic Church on the big bang theory

Answer 17

Fully accepts it

Question 18

Pope Francis Big bang theory quote

Answer 18

“The Big Bang, which today we hold go be the origin of the world, does not contradict the intervention of the divine creator but, rather, requires it

Question 19

John Polkinghorn says that the __________ principle needs explaining

Answer 19

Anthropic

Question 20

Anthropic principle

Answer 20

Refers to the incredibly precise fine-tuning of the elements in the universe that are absolutely essential at that particular degree or point for human life to exist

Question 21

John Polkinghorn on the relationship between science and religion

Answer 21

John Polkinghorne, a physicist and theologian, advocated for a constructive relationship between science and religion, emphasizing that they are complementary ways of understanding reality. He argued that both disciplines explore different aspects of the world, with science addressing the “how” questions while religion delves into the “why” questions, allowing for a fruitful dialogue between the two domains. Polkinghorne highlighted the importance of maintaining intellectual integrity in both science and theology, acknowledging their distinct methodologies while recognizing their shared pursuit of truth.

Question 22

John Polkinghorne quote

Answer 22

God “is at work within the flexibility of its process”

Question 23

what is genetic engineering

Answer 23

Genetic engineering in simple terms, refers to the deliberate modification of an organism’s genetic material (DNA) to introduce specific desirable traits or make changes to its characteristics

Question 24

what is a danger of genetic engineering

Answer 24

Modifying an organism’s genetic code can have unpredictable outcomes, and there is a risk of unintended changes or impacts on other aspects of the organism’s biology

This could lead to unexpected health issues, ecological disruptions, or unintended effects on biodiversity

Additionally, there are ethical concerns surrounding genetic engineering, including the potential for misuse, unequal access to genetic modifications, and the potential for unintended long-term consequences on future generations or the environment

Question 25

what are some currently incurable diseases

Answer 25

Alzheimer’s disease, down syndrome, cystic fibrosis

Question 26

Transhumans

Answer 26

Transhumans refer to individuals who have undergone significant enhancements or modifications to their physical, intellectual, or psychological capacities through the integration of advanced technologies or biological interventions

Question 27

somatic cell therapy and germline therapy

Answer 27

intended to correct genetic disorders and only affects the individual being

this affects not only the one being treated but their descendants as it genetically modified the sex cells

Question 28

enhancement therapy

Answer 28

social not medical purpose aimed at “improving” the human race

Question 29

catholics and protestants on genetically modified crops

Answer 29

some support given their potential in relation to global hunger, but there is also concern about possibly reducing biodiversity

Question 30

enhancement therapy would promote …

Answer 30

idolatry
humans no longer in image of god
children a commodity not a gift