Dr. John Polkinghorne is one of the most respected living writers and thinkers on science and religion. A former particle physicist at Cambridge University, Polkinghorne is an Anglican priest whose books include "Science and Creation," Science and Providence" and his Gifford Lectures, "The Faith of a Physicist." 

In 2002 he won the prestigious Templeton Prize which is awarded to those who, “particularly through scientific research, serve to supplement the wonderful ancient scriptures and traditions of all the world's religions.” He is traveling from England to Queens University of Charlotte to present for Queens’ Center for Ethics and Religion and the Witherspoon Lecture.

Dr. Polkinghorne’s topic was "Divine Action and Providence (‘Can a Scientist Pray?’)."  Dr. Polkinghorne also held small group discussions with invited guests and with the Queens community.

To read more about Rev. Dr. Polkinghorne, please click here.

Ursula Goodenough
"Exploring the Concepts of Religious Naturalism"

Thursday, April 6, 2006

The 2006 William and Margaret Witherspoon lecturer, Dr. Ursula Goodenough, spoke to a large crowd of Queens students and Charlotte community members on Thursday, April 6 in Accenture Auditorium on the campus of Queens. Her lecture, “Exploring the Concepts of Religious Naturalism,” focused on the intersection of science and religion.

Goodenough posed such questions as, “What is meant by religious?” and, “What is meant by naturalism?” She discussed the story of the evolution of the universe and suggested ways that this narrative can frame interpretive, spiritual and moral responses.

"The paradox we've struggled with," Goodenough said, "is ourselves - our spirits don't feel material, we experience them as virtual realities." She went on to explain that the human lineage is a "social" lineage where we are not only aware of ourselves, but also of others.

Goodenough addressed the issue that some think attention to science is to be feared because it reduces religion and faith to molecules, genes and neurons. She cited several studies and explained the various positions scientists take and although some claim only "non-God" findings, there are many who can see and live both sides. There are scientists who feel that to deny God is to deny a creator with a plan and a purpose. The scientific findings they conclude are merely evidence of a greater, larger being who controls us all.

Dean of CAS Betty Powell and Dr. Ursula Goodenough

Goodenough is the author of a best-selling textbook on genetics and the popular book, "The Sacred Depths of Nature," which received the Choice Award for Outstanding Academic Book of 1999. She has served as president of the Society of Cell Biologists and also as president of the Institute on Religion in an Age of Science.

For more information about this and other community programs at Queens, contact Carrie Carper at (704) 337-2499 or by email at carperc@queens.edu.

William Witherspoon established this free lecture series at Queens to address the religious and moral implications of developments in the sciences. Margaret Witherspoon was a 1932 alumna of Queens with majors in chemistry and biology who taught high school in St. Louis, Mo. William Witherspoon studied nuclear physics, chemistry and astronomy at the University College of Washington University in St. Louis while building a successful career in investment analysis. A sampling of Witherspoon's writings connecting philosphy, religion and the natural sciences can be found at www.wwitherspoon.org.

From left: Dr. Norris Frederick, Dr. Betty Powell, Reverend Anna Case-Winters, Chaplain Diane Mowrey and Dr. Kent Rhodes

The Reverend Dr. Anna Case-Winters

She also mentioned that traditional ways of understanding God may be called into question regarding miracles and signs, etc. She suggested that it could be possible that God works within the scientific process and doesn’t necessarily orchestrate a world of “puppet theater.”

In conclusion, Dr. Case-Winters said that theologians and scientists recognize the need to be cautious because they both know they are radically situated. “But,” she stated, “the quest for truth is upon us. Challenges are real and urgent and they are best addressed by theology and science uniting together.”

Dr. Case-Winters is the author of "Divine Power: Traditional Understandings and Contemporary Challenges," and is currently engaged in research and writing on the topic of theology and science. She is the recipient of the Templeton Exemplary Paper in Humility Theology for 1997, the 1998 recipient of the Religion and Science Course Award and was the 2000 grant recipient for the Templeton/USA Lecture Series. Dr. Case-Winters is a member of the American Academy of Religion and past president of the American Theological Society.

William Witherspoon established this free lecture series at Queens to address the religious and moral implications of developments in the sciences. Margaret Witherspoon was a 1932 alumna of Queens with majors in chemistry and biology who taught high school in St. Louis, Mo. William Witherspoon studied nuclear physics, chemistry and astronomy at the University College of Washington University in St. Louis while building a successful career in investment analysis. A sampling of Witherspoon's writings connecting philosphy, religion and the natural sciences can be found at www.wwitherspoon.org.