FAITH AND REASON
The intuitive mind is a gift, the rational mind its servant.
Albert Einstein
This course will follow some of the recent debates on faith and reason
that have been popularized in best-selling books, magazines
and TV and will explore the arguments provided by both sides of the
issue. Attention will also be paid to the often troubled relationship
between religion and science. Although faith and reason are clearly
separate, can they coexist particularly in addressing social and moral
questions? Do faith and reason stand in a complementary relation
or must we assume a priority of the one over the other? Is it possible
to have a rational faith as some argue and what does that entail? In
our dangerously polarized and secular world can we abandon our
modern need for certainty and live the tension required for a perception
of “God” that points beyond itself to an ineffable reality?
Course readings will include selections from The Case for God K. Armstrong, Reason, Faith and Revolution T. Eagleton, The End
of Faith S. Harris, Science and Spirituality M. Ruse, and others.
COURSE LENGTH: 12 weeks
DISCUSSION TEAM: Laura Grunberg, Anthony Joseph,Barbara Rolston
FIRST SESSION: Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 6:15 pm
This course will also be offered in Pointe-Claire