Greek Orthodox Church sponsors conversation on faith and science

Greek Orthodox Church sponsors conversation on faith and science

                                      

(Florence, SC – August 2, 2012) For centuries the Christian Church peacefully coexisted with the pursuit of science, at times even entering into conversation over the newest knowledge of our natural world. But something changed in recent centuries as science has seemingly taken a position of antagonism toward faith and faith toward science. But it wasn’t always the case. In recent centuries, some think, there has been a battle between faith and science and in recent years this battle has reached dangerous levels of rhetoric with “both sides” demonizing their opposition.

“The Orthodox Christian Church, understanding the call of God to be stewards of creation, has never been afraid to engage science in conversation to better understand our role as human beings,” said Father Athanasios C Haros, Pastor of the Transfiguration of Our Savior Greek Orthodox Church in Florence. “This is why we have invited Dr. Daniel Buxhoevden of the University of South Carolina to enter with the Church into a conversation on faith and science.”

The “Conversationon Faith and Science” will take place, Saturday, August 11, 2012, at 9:00am atthe Transfiguration of Our Savior Greek Orthodox Church Fellowship Hall locatedat 2990 S Cashua Dr in Florence. This event is free and open to the public.

Dr Daniel Paul Buxhoeveden, Research Associate Professor at the University of South Carolina, received an undergraduate degree in philosophy from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, a PhD in biological anthropology from the University of Chicago, and a JD from Loyola University. The last few years have been devoted to religion and science with emphasis on Orthodoxy and science. He formed and is the director of the religion and science initiative at the University of South Carolina and received a grant to study science and the Orthodox Church from the John Templeton Foundation as well as the Virginia Farah Foundation. He currently teaches honor’s college classes on religion and science and evolution and Christianity.  Last fall he edited a book with Gayle Woloschak entitled “Science and the Eastern Orthodox Church.

The “Conversation on Faith and Science” will include a synthesis of past centuries’ attitude of the Ancient Church toward science in general and a brief overview on the Orthodox Christian Church’s position on Creation. Following the formal presentations, an informal question and answer session will take place allowing members of the audience to interact with the presenters.