In the COVID-19 pandemic, good scientific information is at a premium. For Christians, so too is confidence in God’s faithfulness. Upper House is hosting a virtual conversation between two experts at the intersection of science and faith, exploring the complementary roles the two can play in this time of crisis. Ben McFarland, Professor of Biochemistry at Seattle Pacific University and a public commentator on the evolving COVID-19 situation, will be in dialogue with Greg Cootsona, Professor of Religion and Humanities at Chico State and author of Negotiating Science and Religion in America (Routledge, 2020). Together, they will discuss how to interpret science through a theological lens—from the science of chemical evolution to the science of viral transmission and disease.

Co-Sponsor

Upper House is partnering with Science for the Church, a new national initiative that is building a movement of Christian communities using science to invigorate the church.

Online Venue

This virtual event will be hosted on Zoom. Upon registering, you will receive an email confirmation with a link to the event webinar platform.

About the Speakers

Ben McFarland is Professor of Biochemistry and Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Seattle Pacific University, where he studies structural aspects of protein biochemistry and design. Dr. McFarland writes about science for general audiences, including his book, A World from Dust: How the Periodic Table Shaped Life (OUP, 2016). He is also a member of the BioLogos Voices speakers bureau.

Greg Cootsona co-leads Science for the Church and is a scholar, pastor, and author. He is Lecturer in Religion Studies and Humanities at Chico State University. Previously, he served 18 years as a Presbyterian pastor in New York City and Chico, California. He has authored multiple books, including Mere Science and Christian Faith (IVP, 2018) and Negotiating Science and Religion in America (Routledge, 2020).