Alister McGrath on Science & Faith: Enriching or Conflicting?

This major lecture looks at the relation of two of the most important elements of today’s culture – science and religion. Professor McGrath, one of the world’s leading authorities in the field, will speak of his own changing attitude towards science and religious faith, as he moved from atheism to Christianity. The lecture will focus on two main ways of understanding the relation of science and religious faith. The first is the “conflict” or “warfare” model, adopted by Richard Dawkins; the second is an “enrichment” model, adopted by McGrath himself which holds that, when seen in the right way, the natural sciences and religious faith can complement each other, and lead to a richer and deeper vision of life.

This event is free of charge.

Alister McGrath is the Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion at the University of Oxford, and is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading theologians. After an undergraduate degree in chemistry and a doctorate in molecular biophysics from Oxford, McGrath turned to the study of theology. He has a special interest in the relation of science and religion, and has published widely on this topic. As a former atheist, McGrath has an especial interest in the “New Atheism” of writers such as Richard Dawkins. McGrath’s bestselling books include the market leading Christian Theology: An Introduction (6th edition, 2017) and the award-winning C. S. Lewis—A Life: Eccentric Genius, Reluctant Prophet (2013).