Genesis since Charles Darwin

A leading theologian will deliver a lecture on the `new atheism’ at the University of St Andrews today (Wednesday 15 July 2009).

David Fergusson, Professor of Divinity and Principal of New College at the University of Edinburgh, will give a talk entitled ‘Genesis since Charles Darwin’ as part of the Genesis and Christian Theology conference running this week.

Educated in philosophy and theology, David Fergusson worked for several years as a parish minister in the Church of Scotland.  His research interests include issues in Christian doctrine, theological ethics and the history of Reformed theology, especially in its Scottish context.

Professor Fergusson’s talk at Parliament Hall tonight will focus on Divine Providence and the subject of his recent book, `Faith and Its Critics’.

Organiser Dr Mark Elliott, a Lecturer in Church History at St Andrews, said, “In this Darwin year we aim to consider what the Book of Genesis has to say about God, humanity and the planet. Part of its message has to do, obviously with ‘origins’, but that is only the setting of the scene, and the story and the message continue and evolve.

“Today’s talk will deal with the `new atheism¿ of Richard Dawkins, an educated and devoutly theological response to this in the light of a post-Enlightenment understanding of Creation and Divine Providence.”

Professor David Fergusson will deliver the keynote lecture ‘Genesis since Charles Darwin’ at 8pm tonight at Parliament Hall, South Street, St Andrews.  The lecture is open to the public.

ENDS

Issued by the Press Office, University of St Andrews
Contact Gayle Cook, Senior Press Officer on 01334 467227 / 462529, mobile 07900 050 103, or email [email protected]

Ref:  Genesis 150709
View the latest University press releases at www.st-andrews.ac.uk