Calvin Seminars in Christian Scholarship - Natural Science in the Calvinist Tradition

Course Description:
In recent years, the peace of many segments of the church has been disturbed by intense debates about the interpretation of Scripture in light of the claims of contemporary natural science. In the midst of heated debates over the days of creation, intelligent design, evolution, the nature of scientific knowledge, methodological naturalism, and biblical hermeneutics, the contemporary church might profit from greater acquaintance with the views of Calvinistic thinkers in relation to science. To find out if this is so, participants in this seminar will briefly examine John Calvin's understanding of creation and providence in relation to the natural world before exploring the application of biblical principles by Calvin's theological descendants to the scientific issues of their own day. Participants will particularly examine selected writings of theologians and other scholars from the Dutch Reformed tradition (e.g. Kuyper, Bavinck, Hepp, Berkhof, Van Til, Spykman, Stek, and Plantinga) and the Scottish-American Presbyterian tradition (e.g. Hodge, Warfield, Orr, and Kline) that pertain to our understanding of the natural world. The seminar may also examine decisions by churches in the Calvinistic tradition relating to scientific issues. In summary, the seminar is dedicated to uncovering the resources that classic Reformed theology may provide for dealing with contemporary scientific issues.

Program Description:
This seminar, one in a series of Classic Christian Books Seminars sponsored by a grant from Fieldstead & Company, provides an opportunity for Calvin faculty and faculty from other colleges and universities in the Association of Reformed Institutions of Higher Education, to deepen their understanding of Reformed faith and thought and to develop the implications of Reformed worldview for their respective disciplines. Applicants to this seminar must be faculty members at Calvin College or at an institution in the Association of Reformed Institutions of Higher Education; preference will be given to members of the Calvin College faculty.