Science & Religion 101 from Coursera

This course examines the nature of both science and religion and attempts to explore the possible relationships between them. The primary purpose is to dispel the popular myth that science and religion are entrenched in a never-ending conflict. As a result, this course argues that if the limits of both science and religion are respected, then their relationship can be complementary.

Topics include: Science and Religion Categories and Foundational Principles, Definitions of Science and Religion, Science-Religion Models and Relationships, Intelligent Design and Natural Revelation, the Galileo Affair, Geology and Noah’s Flood, Evolution and Darwin’s Religious Beliefs, the Modern “Evolution” vs. “Creation” Debate, the Problem of Evil, and Interpretations of the Biblical Accounts of Origins in Genesis 1-11.

The course employs a Constructive Teaching Style in order that students can develop their personal views on the relationship between science and religion and on each of the topics listed above.

St. Joseph's College is a Catholic, undergraduate, liberal arts college on the University of Alberta campus. It is an independent institution that is affiliated with the University of Alberta.

Denis O. Lamoureux is Professor of Science and Religion at St. Joseph's College in the University of Alberta. He is the author of Evolutionary Creation: A Christian Approach to Evolution (2008), Evolution: Scripture and Nature Say Yes! (2016), and The Bible & Ancient Science: Principles of Interpretation (2020). Lamoureux is a Research Associate in Paleontology and has contributed to a dozen scientific papers. He is cited in the Who’s Who of Theology and Science and has delivered over 600 lectures throughout the United States and Canada. Lamoureux holds three earned

doctoral degrees—dentistry, theology, and biology.

What's inside

Syllabus

Pre-Course Videos, Course Materials & Pre-Course Survey

Introduction

Categories & Principles I

Categories & Principles II

Sci & Rel Models & Relationships

Nature & Intelligent Design

Religious Beliefs of Galileo

Religious Beliefs of Darwin

Genesis 1-3:Biblical Creation Accounts

Modern Origins Debate

Conclusion: Possible Peace?

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores topics that are important to Christian believers who seek to foster collaboration between the fields of science and religion

Helps learners form their own views on the relationship between science and religion and its influence on various topics

Taught by Denis Lamoureux, a renowned professor who has authored several books on the topic of science and religion

Examines the limits of both science and religion, fostering an understanding of their complementary nature

Suitable for learners with a curious mind and a desire to deepen their understanding of the relationship between science and religion

The course may require prerequisite knowledge in science and religion for a more comprehensive understanding

Reviews summary

Science & religion: balanced and enlightening

Learners say this course is a largely positive introduction to the topic of science and religion, providing engaging assignments and thought-provoking discussions. The course explores the conflicts and reconciliations between the two fields, offering a balanced perspective that respects both science and faith. While some learners found the course to be biased towards Christianity, others appreciated the clear explanations and thorough exploration of different viewpoints.

Explanations are clear and thorough.

"I really appreciate how beautifully he has organised the entire course and his crystal clear explanations."

Discussions are thought-provoking and engaging.

"The course provides engaging assignments and thought-provoking discussions."

Respects both science and faith.

"This course is a balanced introduction to the topic of science and religion."

"The course explores the conflicts and reconciliations between the two fields, offering a balanced perspective that respects both science and faith."

Some learners found the course to be biased towards Christianity.

"While some learners found the course to be biased towards Christianity"

"This course is very biased. It should be called Religion & Religion (or, even better, Christianity and Christianity)."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Science & Religion 101 with these activities:

Review 'Evolutionary Creation: A Christian Approach to Evolution'

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between evolution and Christianity, which will help you understand the course material better.

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Read the introduction and first chapter.
Summarize the main arguments in each chapter.
Identify the key points that relate to the course material.

Watch Video Lectures on the Galileo Affair

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These video lectures will provide you with a deeper understanding of the historical context of the relationship between science and religion.

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Watch the video lectures on the Galileo Affair.
Take notes on the key points.
Discuss the implications of the Galileo Affair for the course material.

Attend a Workshop on Science and Religion Dialogue

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Attending a workshop will provide you with an opportunity to engage in discussions with experts and practitioners in the field, deepening your understanding of the relationship between science and religion.

Browse courses on Interfaith Dialogue

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Research and find a workshop on science and religion dialogue.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the discussions.

Three other activities

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Participate in a Peer Discussion on Intelligent Design

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Engaging in discussions with peers will help you develop a deeper understanding of intelligent design and its relationship to science and religion.

Browse courses on Intelligent Design

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Find a peer group to discuss intelligent design with.
Prepare talking points based on the course material.
Actively participate in the discussion.
Reflect on the discussion and how it has informed your understanding of intelligent design.

Practice Identifying Fallacies in Science and Religion Debates

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This activity will help you develop critical thinking skills by identifying fallacies in science and religion debates.

Browse courses on Logical Fallacies

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Review the common logical fallacies.
Find examples of fallacies in science and religion debates.
Write a brief analysis of each fallacy.

Contribute to the Open Science Framework Project

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This activity will allow you to apply your knowledge of science and religion to a real-world project while also contributing to the open science community.

Browse courses on Open Science

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Explore the Open Science Framework website.
Find a project that interests you.
Contact the project leader to offer your help.
Make a meaningful contribution to the project.

Career center

Learners who complete Science & Religion 101 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific concepts to the general public. This course, which examines the nature of both science and religion, may be useful for Science Writers who wish to better understand the relationship between these two fields and how it has shaped our understanding of the natural world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Science Teacher

Science Teachers educate students about the natural world and the processes that shape it. This course, which examines the nature of both science and religion, may be useful for Science Teachers who wish to better understand the relationship between these two fields and how it has shaped our understanding of the natural world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Teacher

Minister

Ministers provide religious guidance and support to individuals and communities. This course, which examines the nature of both science and religion, may be useful for Ministers who wish to better understand the relationship between these two fields and how it has shaped our understanding of the divine.

See salaries and explore the career path for Minister

Religious Studies Professor

Religious Studies Professors teach and research the various aspects of religion, including its history, beliefs, practices, and impact on society. This course, which examines the nature of both science and religion, may be useful for Religious Studies Professors who wish to better understand the relationship between these two fields and how it has shaped our understanding of religion.

See salaries and explore the career path for Religious Studies Professor

Rabbi

Rabbis provide religious guidance and support to individuals and communities. This course, which examines the nature of both science and religion, may be useful for Rabbis who wish to better understand the relationship between these two fields and how it has shaped our understanding of the divine.

See salaries and explore the career path for Rabbi

Priest

Priests provide religious guidance and support to individuals and communities. This course, which examines the nature of both science and religion, may be useful for Priests who wish to better understand the relationship between these two fields and how it has shaped our understanding of the divine.

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Imam

Imams provide religious guidance and support to individuals and communities. This course, which examines the nature of both science and religion, may be useful for Imams who wish to better understand the relationship between these two fields and how it has shaped our understanding of the divine.

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Geologist

Geologists study the solid, liquid, and gaseous matter that constitutes the Earth and other planets, including their composition, structure, and history. This course, which examines the nature of both science and religion, may be useful for Geologists who wish to better understand the relationship between these two fields and how it has shaped our understanding of the Earth and its history.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geologist

Science Communicator

Science Communicators share scientific information with the public through various formats, such as articles, presentations, and videos. This course, which examines the nature of both science and religion, may be useful for Science Communicators who wish to better understand the relationship between these two fields and how it has shaped our understanding of the natural world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Communicator

Theology Professor

Theology Professors teach and research the nature of God and the relationship between God and the world. This course, which examines the nature of both science and religion, may be useful for Theology Professors who wish to better understand the relationship between these two fields and how it has shaped our understanding of God and the world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Theology Professor

Biologist

Biologists study the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms. This course, which examines the nature of both science and religion, may be useful for Biologists who wish to better understand the relationship between these two fields and how it has shaped our understanding of life on Earth.

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Museum Educator

Museum Educators develop and deliver educational programs for museums and other cultural institutions. This course, which examines the nature of both science and religion, may be useful for Museum Educators who wish to better understand the relationship between these two fields and how it has shaped our understanding of the world around us.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum Educator

Anthropologist

Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. This course, which examines the nature of both science and religion, may be useful for Anthropologists who wish to better understand the relationship between these two fields and how it has shaped our understanding of human evolution and behavior.

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Science Journalist

Science Journalists write, edit, and produce news stories and other content about science and technology for the general public. This course, which examines the nature of both science and religion, may be useful for Science Journalists who wish to better understand the relationship between these two fields and how it has shaped our understanding of the world around us.

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Paleontologist

Paleontologists study the history of life on Earth by examining fossils, which are the preserved remains or traces of animals, plants, and other organisms from the past. This course, which examines the nature of both science and religion, may be useful for Paleontologists who wish to better understand the relationship between these two fields and how it has shaped our understanding of the history of life on Earth.

See salaries and explore the career path for Paleontologist