Panel debate to explore science and faith

A panel of scientists is to explore the relationship between science and faith at the National Museum of Scotland next month.

Panellists will explore questions such as whether science and faith are enemies, and whether having science means we do not need God.

The debate on 9 April has been organised by the Church of Scotland's Society, Religion and Technology (SRT) Project, and is part of the Edinburgh International Science Festival.

The Rev Ian Galloway, Convener of the Church and Society Council, which oversees the work of the SRT Project said: “The portrayal of science and faith as being essentially opposites is unhelpful as well as being inaccurate.

"A good number of scientists, prominent and otherwise, are people of faith.

"Mainstream faith communities are keen to learn from science and to see humanity benefit from the world of scientific knowledge, particularly where those benefits prioritise the poor of the world.”

The debate, “Putting our faith in God or science?”, will be chaired by the Rev Ewan Aitken, Secretary of the Church and Society Council.

The panellists are: the Rev Dr Michael Fuller, Provincial Ministry Development Officer at the Scottish Episcopal Church; Dr Charlotte Methuen, lecturer in Church History at Glasgow University; Prof Stuart Monro, Scientific Director at Our Dynamic Earth; Prof Eric Priest , James Gregory Professor of Mathematics at St Andrews University; and Prof Roger Sturrock, Emeritus Professor of Rheumatology at Glasgow University.