God and the big bang

The author of a book on the spirituality of the Star Wars films will deliver a lecture at the University of St Andrews this week (Thursday 18 February 2010).

The Revd Dr David Wilkinson, a theoretical astrophysicist turned Methodist minister, will talk on ‘God and the Big Bang’ in the latest of the James Gregory Science and Religion lectures.

Dr Wilkinson, a lecturer in Theology and Science at the University of Durham, is interested in the relationship of the Christian faith with contemporary culture, from science to pop culture.  As a scientist, his research interests include the chemical evolution of galaxies and terrestrial mass extinctions such as the event that wiped out the dinosaurs.

Dr Wilkinson is author of ‘God, Time and Stephen Hawking’ and ‘Alone in the Universe: The X-Files, Aliens and God’.  Before working in Durham as a theologian, Dr Wilkinson was a scientist and then a Methodist minister in inner city Liverpool.

A leading proponent of the public understanding of science and religion, Dr Wilkinson commented, “My current work involves the relationship of the Christian theology to contemporary culture, from science to pop culture. I have had a long interest in the dialogue of science and religion, especially as it impacts the physical sciences.

“In addition, I am interested in the relationship of theology to contemporary culture in terms of preaching, missiology and apologetics. I have written on the spirituality in contemporary cinema in my book ‘The Power of the Force: The Spirituality of the Star Wars Films’.

Dr David Wilkinson will deliver “God and the Big Bang” as part of the James Gregory lecture series on Science and Religion, at 5.15pm on Thursday, 18 February 2010 at the Younger Hall, North Street, St Andrews.  The lecture will be followed by a Reception until 7pm.

ENDS

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Ref:  God & the Big Bang 150210.

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