Oak Ridge churches host professor, author on 'Science and Christianity' Sunday

Carolyn Krause
·2 min read

“Science and Christianity” will be the topic of a talk in the Science & Theology Lecture Series jointly sponsored by First Presbyterian and First United Methodist churches in Oak Ridge. The lecture will be presented by David Andrew "Drew" Crain, professor of biology at Maryville College and author of the 2019 book, "Science and Christianity: Past, Present, and Future," from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday in the fellowship hall of the sanctuary building of First Presbyterian, 1051 Oak Ridge Turnpike.

David Andrew "Drew" Crain, professor of biology at Maryville College and author of the 2019 book, "Science and Christianity: Past, Present, and Future."
David Andrew "Drew" Crain, professor of biology at Maryville College and author of the 2019 book, "Science and Christianity: Past, Present, and Future."

According to Crain, studies indicate that at least 30% of Americans perceive a conflict between science and their religious beliefs. As a result, some people abandon their faith and some people of faith dismiss scientific explanations as untrue.

“Many studies have shown that the majority of mainstream church members today are unaware of how to react to science in the 21st century,” said Crain, who describes himself as both an enthusiastic biologist and a devoted Christian. “I believe that this is a result of a lack of discussion about science in churches, which is a consequence of the time in which we live.”

In his lecture, Crain will provide scriptural considerations and scholarly information on some of the most fundamental, modern scientific concepts. They include creation of the universe, evolution of life on Earth, conservation and the climate crisis, and transhumanism - the theory that humans can evolve beyond their current physical and mental limitations, especially by means of science and technology.

“Both science and faith are committed to the endeavor of seeking truth, and both are committed to critical inquiry,” Crain said on the Maryville College website.

Crain’s book was published in 2020 by Smyth & Helwys Books. The book is also available on Amazon.com.

Crain holds a B.S. degree in biology from Clemson University and master’s and doctoral degrees in zoology from the University of Florida. He has taught at Maryville College since 1998 and received Maryville College’s “Teacher of the Year” in 2015.

This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Professor, author to speak on 'Science and Christianity' at Oak Ridge church