the intersection of philosophy, science, and theology
TRANSCRIPT
The Intersection of Philosophy, Science, and Theology
DR. SARAH SALVIANDER
Defending ChristianityOctober, 2017
PHILOSOPHY
How do we know truth?How should we live?What is reality?
“Love of wisdom”
the rational investigation of logic, ethics, and metaphysics.
PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy = “organized speculation”
“Love of wisdom”
the rational investigation of logic, ethics, and metaphysics.
PHILOSOPHY
Deductive logic
Rules
If A = B and C = B, then A = C
PHILOSOPHYWhat is the basic structure of the world?
Plato: the material world is an illusionAristotle: the material world is real
How do we arrive at truth?Plato: reflection and deductive logicAristotle: observing and generalizing
SCIENCE
Science = “natural philosophy”
Latin scientia, “knowledge”
the systematic building of knowledge based on testableexplanations and predictions.
SCIENCE
ObserveAsk questionsHypothesizePredictTestAnalyzeTheorize
Rules (the scientific method)
“JUST A THEORY”?
Common usage of “theory”:A hunch, a guessUsually untestede.g. “I have a theory about that...”
Scientific usage of “theory”:Based on facts and observationRigorously testede.g. Einstein’s theory of relativity
PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE
the rational investigation of the foundations, methods, andimplications of science.
What qualifies as science?How reliable are scientific theories?What is the ultimate purpose of science?
THEOLOGY
Theology = “science of the divine”
“Study of God”
the rational investigation of God and the nature ofreligious ideas.
THEOLOGY
The word of GodScriptureDirect communication
The world of GodNatureHuman experience
PHILOSOPHY
Man and existence
SCIENCE
The natural world
THEOLOGY
Man and the divine
PHILOSOPHY
SCIENCE THEOLOGY
PHILOSOPHY
SCIENCE THEOLOGY
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE+RELIGION
Where do philosophy, science, and theology meet?
Origin ofthe universe
“’How it all began’ fits in with Bible story”
“The Bible was right”
POPULAR INTERPRETATION OF THE BIG BANG
Big bang theory is philosophically unacceptable.
Implies GodPhilosophically messy
My fellow astronomers are rushing off to join the First Church of Christ of the Big Bang.
So long, Genesis!
the multiverse
God
the multiverse
the Universe
“Universe 1”“Universe 2”
“Universe 3”
“Universe 4”
“Universe 5” “Universe 6”
THE MULTIVERSE
Based on scienceBut not testable“Science flavored”
SpeculativePhilosophy, not science
Used by atheists to sow seeds of doubt
Origin of life
Origin of consciousness
PHILOSOPHY
Existence is absurd
Make your own meaning
SCIENCE
MultiverseUnguided evolutionNo intelligenceNo designNo purpose
THEOLOGY
There is no God
Man is the measure of all things
ATHEIST RELIGION
Which religion is true?
We can’t know for certain, but we can compare and contrast.
KNOW A TREE BY ITS FRUITS
Matthew 7:17: “Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.”
How do we take measure of a religion? Its internal consistencyIts consistency with the worldThe fruit it bears
INTERNAL CONSISTENCY
No basis for moralityAssume the moral high ground and denounce Christianity as backwards and oppressive
There is no truthItself a truth statement
Boltzmann brainsHow do you know what’s real?
Who am I?What am I?
Why am I here?
CONSISTENCY WITH THE WORLD
Eternal universe: supernatural crisis
Principle of mediocrity: fine tuning crisis
Darwinian evolution: in the midst of quiet revolution
Marxism: total, abject economic failure
Freud: anti-science
LIFE IS ABSURD – SO WHAT DO WE DO?
Take the leap of faith Make your own meaning
If God does not exist, everything is permitted.
FRUITS OF ATHEISM
FRUITS OF ATHEISMDeclining birth ratesBreakdown of the familyAbortion rateSTD rateDepression and anxiety rateMass killing rateSuicide rateDetachment from realityOrwellian thought control:
Ontario and California pronoun lawsPush to criminalize denial of climate change
Absurdities coming out of academia
FRUITS OF CHRISTIANITYUniversitiesWidespread literacy ScienceIndustrial Revolution
Widespread prosperityRise of the middle class
Human rightsSanctity of lifeEnd of slavery
Greater happinessBetter healthGreater freedom and creativity
THE LEAP OF FAITH
despair
hope
THE LEAP OF FAITH
despair
hope