The last in a four-part series on science and its relationship to faith will be presented on Saturday at the Randolph United Presbyterian Church, 186 Main St.
More than 100 participants attended the first three workshops late last year with Dr. Marie Plumb, physics professor at JCC, and Dr. Darren Williams, associate professor of physics and astronomy at Erie's Behrend College.
Presenters at the final workshop will be Ruth Wahl, physics teacher at Allegany-Limestone Central School and Dick Chubon, a former physics teacher at Arkport Central School in Steuben County.
Article Photos
The presenters for the workshop, “Scientists in Congregations,” are shown. From left are: Dick Chubon, Ruth Wahl and The Rev. Leslie Latham.
Submitted photo
The series began with Dr. Plumb's topic, "How did the universe form and what are the theories for its fate? How does this fit into Christianity?"
Dr. Darren Williams conducted the following two workshops: "Galaxies, black holes, dark matter, parallel and multiple universes how are these parts of the cosmic creation?" and "Life may exist beyond Earth. What does this mean for Christianity?"
The final in the series "The God Particle: What's Up With That? The Higgs Bosons, Quantum Physics and Faith" will be presented jointly by Ms. Wahl and Mr. Chubon, and will include an introduction to the theories of quantum physics, the importance of the Higgs bosons, and how they reveal God's character in the microscopic world.
The Rev. Leslie Latham concluded each workshop with a message using several scriptures relating to science in our world today.
Several books are available in the church library and include "A Briefer History of Time"- Steven Hawkings; "The Language of Science and Faith: Straight Answers to Genuine Questions" - Karl Giberson and Francis Collins; "What's the Least I Can Believe and Still be a Christian? A guide to What Matters Most" - Martin Thielen; "The Wonders of the Universe: Hints of God in our Fine-Tuned Universe" - Karl W. Giberson.
Many more books are available and may be signed out.
The series will conclude with various small groups meeting at times that are convenient. Anyone interested should call the church for more information.
The Science and Faith workshops were made possible by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation and written jointly by Ms. Wahl and The Rev. Latham with input from committee members.
Saturday's workshop is free and includes a complimentary lunch and child care if needed.
To register call the church office at 358-4255.