Students are sometimes called on to represent points of other than their own. The teacher is Christopher Macosko, professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Minnesota, our current Westminster Scholar in Residence. Professor Macosko, Ph.D. from Princeton University, is internationally recognized for his research in reactive polymer processing. He has also been awarded a Templeton Grant for his innovative course in the relationship of Science and Faith. Barbour sees both similarities and differences between the two ways of forming beliefs, but more similarities than people often think.
Science begins with observation of data, religion with religious experiences and sacred stories.
Both use imagination to build models and draw analogies. Science has theories, religion has beliefs. Barbour says that scientists' theories influence their observation of data. I have never seen one, but there are good reasons for believing in them. Macosko tries to get students to read all sides of the issues in science and faith, including the controversial topic of evolution.