Seattle Initiative in Science and Religion Dialogue

Seattle Initiative in Science and Religion Dialogue

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Seattle Pacific University
Seattle, Washington

This Initiative is an effort to broaden and strengthen academic-based dialogue concerning the relationship of science and religion in the Seattle area, with an initial focus on Seattle Pacific University, Seattle University, and the University of Washington. The Initiative sponsors structures and events that provide opportunities for students and faculty to gather in interdisciplinary dialogue over issues where science and religion intersect. Among items encouraged and supported are student discussion groups, faculty reading groups, and regular opportunities for prominent figures in the science/religion dialogue to meet with these groups and with relevant classes. While most of the structures are situated on respective campuses, special attention is given to events that foster interaction between the institutions and that invite the larger Seattle area into the dialogue. Dynamic reading groups, bringing together students and faculty in each of the three campuses, are drawn together each semester through authors’ public lectures and informal discussion in smaller settings. Topics for their dialogue include Christian perspectives on origins of life issues, extra-terrestrial life, astrophysics, geoscience, genetics and biotechnology, neuroscience and the soul, and ecology. Matching funds are provided by Seattle Pacific University.