I was coincidentally reading a novel set during the bubonic plague, when the novel coronavirus outbreak began in China. A reminder that pandemics are not novel. Yet they raise the inevitable “big questions of life.” As Christians, we turn to the Bible for answers and find that stories of illness are common, as is teaching on suffering. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33; and check out Paul’s teaching on suffering: Rom 5:3, 8:18, 12:12). There is always hope amidst the trouble, but no guarantees of instant relief. Neither is there clear teaching regarding the …
October Conference with CATA
Biblical scholar Richard Middleton, one of the plenary speakers at “From Sea to Sea to Sky,” (see his lecture entitled “Human Distinctiveness and the Origin of Evil” here) is the conference liaison for the Canadian-American Theological Association (CATA; http://cata-catr.com). He liked our conference so much that he was inspired to make the science-faith dialogue a theme for CATA’s next conference, with the CSCA as a co-sponsor (along with ASA, BioLogos, and Northeastern Seminary). CATA was originally CETA (the Canadian Evangelical Theological Association)—beware of acronym overload syndrome! Formed in 1990, CETA has always been ecumenical, with a focus on deep engagement …
Psychology and Christianity: Friends or Foes?
One area in which the “war” between science and faith is manifest is the study of human mental processes and behaviour – commonly known as psychology. Some psychologists view Christianity as a “crutch” for weak people, or something that is obsolete given our advanced understanding of neuroscience. Some Christians view psychology as unnecessary – all we need to know about human minds is found in the Bible. And some Christians who are also psychologists compartmentalize their work and their faith. Yet, as with other areas of science, there is no need for conflict or separation. There are many areas of …