FREE PUBLIC EVENT: Providence Theological Seminary and the CSCA present a free public lecture by Patrick Franklin (Associate Professor of Theology and Ethics, Providence Theological Seminary).
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Note!
Patrick is giving this same talk in Winnipeg (Feb 24), Steinbach (Feb 27), and Otterburne (Mar 1). More details here.
The Beginning in Light of the End: Re-Thinking Evolution Theologically
Does accepting evolutionary theory require the abandonment of Christian Scripture and theology? Drawing from the Bible and from the theological tradition of the church, this presentation proposes an interpretive lens to help us to make theological sense of evolution. From this perspective, the Holy Spirit incessantly draws creation to the Father’s intended destination for it through the cosmic, creative-redemptive work of the Son. This approach helps us to address three important issues in the science-faith dialogue concerning evolution: (1) it challenges a dichotomous approach to understanding God’s intervention in the world (natural vs. supernatural); (2) it provides a rich theology of nature while avoiding the pitfalls of pantheism; and (3) it helps us to account theologically for the existence of death as a naturally occurring phenomenon intrinsic to creation, yet still in some sense the ‘final enemy’ ultimately to be overcome.
Patrick Franklin, PhD, is Associate Professor of Theology and Ethics at Providence Theological Seminary (Manitoba, Canada). He has been a CSCA/ASA member since 2008 and currently serves as Book Review Editor for Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith. He is the author of Being Human, Being Church: The Significance of Theological Anthropology for Ecclesiology (Paternoster, 2016) and several academic articles and book chapters. He and his wife lead a small church community in Mitchell, Manitoba affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church of Canada. An experienced pastor, church leader, professor, and scholar, Patrick is passionate about encouraging and facilitating deeper dialogue between the scientific community and local churches and pastors. To this end, he is intentional about building relationships, networking, and providing opportunities to host genuine conversations and nurture ongoing friendships and partnerships.