'Origins' Talk to Probe Genesis and Science

Westmont professors Jeff Schloss and Tremper Longman III will explore a range of issues in the relationship between Genesis and science in a free, public lecture, Thursday, Nov. 8, from 5:30-7 p.m. at University Club, 1332 Santa Barbara St. Tickets are not needed, although the limited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please call 565-6051. The lecture, “Origins: A Biologist and a Biblical Scholar Discuss Genesis and Scientific Accounts,” is part of Westmont Downtown: Conversations about Things that Matter, which is sponsored by the Westmont Foundation.

Schloss, T.B. Walker professor in the natural and behavioral sciences and director of the Center for Faith, Ethics and the Life Sciences, says although the relationship between science and religion has generated prominent debate, there is room for enriching consonance. “Some theists and atheists assert that we must choose between evolution and the Christian faith,” he says. “Others claim there is no conflict or even any significant overlap between the two. Actually, there may be deep concord yet also some tensions, depending on the issue and how we interpret the science and the Scriptures.”

“Genesis celebrates God as Creator of everything, but it does not tell us how he did it,” says Longman, Robert Gundry professor of biblical studies.

Longman has written dozens of books, including “Science, Creation and the Bible: Reconciling Rival Theories of Origins,” “Making Sense of the Old Testament: Three Crucial Questions,” “How to Read Genesis” and “The Expanded Bible,” which includes the Old Testament. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University, a Master of Divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary and a Master of Philosophy and doctorate from Yale University. He has been teaching at Westmont since 1998.

Schloss has written and edited several major books about the interactions between evolutionary theory and religious faith, including “The Believing Primate: Scientific, Philosophical, and Theological Perspectives on the Origin of Religion,” “Evolution and Ethics: Human Morality in Biological and Religious Perspective” and “Altruism and Altruistic Love: Science, Philosophy, and Religion in Dialogue.” He earned a bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College and a doctorate from Washington University. He has been teaching at Westmont since 1981.

The lecture series is sponsored by the Westmont Foundation, which hosts the annual President’s Breakfast in Santa Barbara to promote discussion and consideration of current issues among local community leaders.