By GEORGE MARTZEN
Theologian-astrophysicist to explore
connection between faith and science
By GEORGE MARTZEN
IS SCIENCE in conflict with the
Bible? How should Christians think of the Big Bang and the possibility
of extraterrestrial life? Can scientific theories become bridges
for evangelism?
These are some of the issues to be tackled by the Rev Dr David
Wilkinson at the 2007 Aldersgate Convention from May 19-24, 2007.
A British Methodist pastor, astrophysicist and theologian, he
will address the theme "The Heavens Declare His Glory: Science
and Christian Faith".
The convention will be held at
the new Centre for Performing Arts at ACS (Independent) on Dover
Road. The state-of-the-art centre is located at the school's new
International Baccalaureate (IB) Building. ACS (Independent) is
located among a cluster of Methodist institutions, including Fairfield
Primary and Secondary schools, Aldersgate Methodist Church, Anglo-Chinese
Junior College and Living Waters Methodist Church.
The Aldersgate Convention is an
annual opportunity for Methodists in Singapore to affirm their
unity in Christ as they gather together to explore their Wesleyan
heritage. Topics have focused on Methodist understandings of the
Bible, Tradition, Reason and Experience. This year the focus will
be more on how the Christian faith is proclaimed and defended
in an age of science.
The 2007 convention will be spread out over several days to incorporate
numerous opportunities to hear the Rev Dr Wilkinson and engage
with the topic. He will lead a day-time seminar on May 19, covering
the topic, "Christian Apologetics in a Scientific World".
The following evening the Methodist School of Music will lead
a hymn festival celebrating the tercentennial of Charles Wesley.
Beginning on May 21, there will be three evening talks: "God,
the Big Bang and Stephen Hawking", "Are We Alone in
the Universe? SETI (Search For Extraterrestrial Intelligence)
and God,", and "Left Behind, Frozen or Fried?".
The convention will conclude with the Aldersgate Service on the
evening of May 24, during which the Rev Dr Wilkinson will preach
on "The Supremacy of Jesus".
Plans are also being considered to have him speak to specific
groups, such as the youth.
The 2007 convention will have an evangelistic thrust. Church members
are encouraged to invite friends and family members who may need
to hear these words of encouragement.
A recognised scientist and theologian, the Rev Dr Wilkinson is
Principal of St John's College, University of Durham, in the UK.
He has lectured in theology and science and held positions in
Christian apologetics and communications.
This will be the second time he is speaking in Singapore, having
previously spoken here in 2002. He encourages both science and
well-grounded faith to work side by side, but he does not allow
for false dichotomies, such as the "God of the gaps"
approaches to faith.
Both science and faith require evidence, he says, and he challenges
Christians to reject anything less than good scientific and good
theological method.
He has written numerous books and articles, including The Message
of Creation, a series of thoughtful expositions on the many creation
texts in the Bible, including Psalm 19, from which the theme is
taken. He has also written many books and articles relating faith
to popular media, including The Power of the Force: The Spirituality
of the Star Wars Films. 
Flashback:
Aldersgate Convention 2006 - A time of learning and sharing. -
Methodist Message picture.
The Rev George Martzen is Minister Attached to the Bishop's
Office.
QUOTE:
NO FALSE
DICHOTOMIES
The Rev Dr David Wilkinson (above) encourages both science and well-grounded faith to work side by side, but he does not allow for false dichotomies … He challenges Christians to reject anything less than good scientific and good theological method.