Reconciling Science and Faith Seminar

“In a world saturated with technology, we as Christians are often fearful at best and disdainful at worst when we talk about science. It’s as if the Bible and creation are at odds with each other,” said Jaclyn Busch, pastor of McBain (Mich.) Christian Reformed Church.

(L-r) Joy Bonnema, Loren Haarsma, Jaclyn Busch, and Steve Datema

That was just one of the reasons Busch decided to hold a seminar this past February entitled “Reconciling Science and Faith” at Cadillac Christian Reformed Church.

Sixteen pastors, scientists, and Christian school teachers from across northern Michigan and the greater Muskegon area attended the seminar.

Loren Haarsma, associate professor of physics and astronomy at Calvin College, offered a science and theology lesson, revealing the often underlying tensions that can occur between scientific data and biblical interpretations.

Joy Bonnema, pastor of congregational life for Madison Square Church in Grand Rapids, Mich., and former biology professor at Calvin College, led a discussion with practical advice on integrating science and faith in the classroom as well as in worship.

Busch is one of about eight Christian Reformed pastors across the country who have held similar seminars on the topic of science and faith.

Busch was also part of a focus group of pastors from around North America that helped beta test the Ministry Theorem website recently created by Calvin Theological Seminary’s Center for Excellence in Preaching and the Science Division of Calvin College through a grant from the John Templeton Foundation.

The website offers resources in the area of science and theology.

“The overall goal is to have thoughtful conversations that move beyond the stereotypes of science as the enemy of the faith or of churches that are simply anti-science,” said Scott Hoezee, director of the center and codirector of the Ministry Theorem. “We want to highlight the positive contributions that science gives us in our appreciation for God’s work of creation and how science can be a fruitful partner in the celebration and exploration of God’s intricate universe.”