Studies and Issues index
God, Evolution, Intelligent Design and Dover, PA: A Practical Theology
3.5J06-2 God, Evolution, Intelligent Design and Dover, PA: A Practical Theology
J-term, January, 2006
Prof. Leonard
M. Hummel
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Office: Wentz
Library, Room 317;
Office Phone: 717-338-3000, *2157; Home Phone: 717-337-0340
email address: lhummel@ltsg.edu
Rationale:
Throughout history, the relationship between science and religion has been characterized by some as warlike and by others as peaceable. In recent times and especially in the United States, controversy has erupted about whether IDT (Intelligent Design Theory) is a scientific theory and also if it has any place in public higher education. One site of this controversy has been Dover, PA.
The field of practical theology attempts to bring recommendations for wise and faithful existence to bear on a number of social phenomena such as this recent controversy and to larger questions concerning the science and religion.
Objectives:
In this course, we will explore questions regarding the
relationship of religion and science, and the implications of that
relationship for contemporary ministry as they are reflected in current
controversies about God, Evolution, and Intelligent Design in Dover, PA.
Accordingly, the objectives of this course are for students
· To investigate the historical, social, political, and philosophical issues operative in discussions about science and religion, and more recent controversies surrounding Intelligent Design and Evolution
· To utilize theological resources (e.g. Biblical, Historical and Systematic Theology) to assess these discussions and controversies
· To begin to develop a practical theology about the relationship between science and religion in general and the controversies around evolution and intelligent design in particular
Strategies:
Through relevant readings, through discussion of those readings,
through various in-class panels and presentations, and through the
completion of projects regarding God, Evolution, Intelligent Design,
students will develop a practical theology in response to this controversy.
Course Requirements:
Regular Attendance and Participation in Classroom: all enrolled students, whether auditing the course or taking it for credit, are expected to attend every session. Those who miss more than one will be dismissed.
Final Project: an eight to ten page paper presenting some aspect of a practical theology of evolution and intelligent design. Most papers will fall roughly into one of three categories: (1) Papers examining some aspect of the phenomenon of public controversy regarding God, Evolution and Intelligent Design---either in Dover, PA or elsewhere in the world; (2) Papers examining some aspect of the theological and philosophical investigations into Evolution and Intelligent Design; (3) Papers which make some proposal for wise and faithful ecclesial existence given the current controversy.
Class Schedule: January 17-19 1:00-3:40 p.m.; 7-9:40 P.M.
January 17th
Session One, 1:00-3:40 p.m.
Dr. Steven James, Associate Professor of Biology, Gettysburg College. “A Scientist Looks at the Fundamentals of Evolution”
Introduction
to the Course
Introduction to Practical Theological Method
Session Two, 7-9:40 P.M.
Review of Assigned Readings:
George L. Murphy, The Cosmos in Light of the Cross (Harrisburg, PA.: Trinity Press International, 2003).
Ted Peters and Martinez Hewlett, Evolution: From Creation to New Creation: Conflict, Conversation, and Convergence, (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2003).
January 18th
Session Three, 1:00-3:40 p.m.
“I Love to Tell the Story: A Practical and Public Theology of Evolution and Intelligent Design in Dover, PA” Rev. Dr. Warren Eshbach, The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg.
Session Two, 7-9:40 P.M.
“Evolution and Intelligent Design: A Perspective From One Evangelical Christian” Edward B. Davis, Professor of History of Science, Messiah College, Grantham, PA.
Readings:
Phillip E. Johnson, "The Wedge: Breaking the Modernist Monopoly on
Science." Touchstone Magazine (July/August 1999): 25-28.
(http://www.touchstonemag.com/docs/issues/12.4docs/12-4pg18.html)
Nancy Pearcy, "Design & the Discriminating Public."
(http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/arn/pearcey/np_touchstone0899.htm)
William Dembski, "The Intelligent Design Movement."
(http://www.discovery.org/scripts/viewDB/index.php?command=view&id=121)
Edward B. Davis, "Debating Darwin: The Intelligent Design Movement."
(http://home.messiah.edu/~TDAVIS/gaps.htm)
John Wilson, "Unintelligent Debate: It's Time to Cool the Rhetoric in
the Intelligent Design Dispute."
(http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/009/24.62.html)
Edward T. Oakes, "Newman, Yes; Paley, No."
(http://www.firstthings.com/ftissues/ft0101/reviews/oakes.html)
Discussion of Student Proposed Projects
January 19th
Session Five, 1:00-3:40 p.m.
“Pastoral Leadership and Pastoral Care in the Midst of Controversy” A Panel discussion with some Dover Clergy
Continued Discussion of Student Proposed Projects
Session Six, 7-9:40 P.M.
“The Peaceable Kingdom?: Whence and Whither Dover, PA?” A Panel Discussion with some Civil and Educational Leaders in Dover
Reading: http://www.pamd.uscourts.gov/kitzmiller/kitzmiller_342.pdf
Continued Discussion of Student Proposed Projects
Concluding Remarks
Evaluation:
Regular Attendance and Participation in Classroom:
70 Percent of Final Grade
Final Project: An eight to ten page paper on one of the following: (1) an theological analysis of some topic or area within the Evolution/Intelligent Design Debate; (2) a practical theological analysis of some phenomenon/issue within the Evolution/Intelligent Design Debate. 30 Percent of Final Grade
Readings:
Michael Behe and William Dembski, Intelligent Design: The Bridge Between Science and Theology, (Downers Grove: IL.: Intervarsity Press, 1998).
Don S. Browning, A Fundamental Practical Theology: Descriptive and Strategic Proposals, (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1991).
John Haught, God after Darwin: A Theology of Evolution, (Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1999).
James B. Miller, ed., An Evolving Dialogue: Theological and Scientific Perspectives on Evolution (Harrisburg, PA.: Trinity International Press, 2001).
George L. Murphy, The Cosmos in Light of the Cross (Harrisburg, PA.: Trinity Press International, 2003).
Robert Pennock, ed., Intelligent Design Creationism and its Critics: Philosophical, Theological, and Scientific Perspectives (Cambridge, MA.,: MIT Press, 2001).
Ted Peters and Martinez Hewlett, Evolution: From Creation to New Creation: Conflict, Conversation, and Convergence (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2003).
David Wilcox, God and Evolution: A Faith-Based Understanding (Valley Forge, PA.: Judson Press, 2004).
