How does belief in God shape the way one views the natural world? This course considers the relationship of thinking about God and thinking about nature from classical antiquity until the early twentieth century. It addresses the history, key themes, principles, terminologies and methodologies of multiple humanities disciplines regarding the relationship of religion to science in the Western world. It is a subject which has vexed scholars for nearly a century and a half and is one that can only properly be addressed from multiple perspectives. Since the nineteenth century, some scholars have conceived of religion and science as inherently antagonistic forces––the story they told was of science’s gradual—indeed, inevitable—victory over religion. Others countered that religion and science were often allies. Still others have contended that the relationship between religion and science cannot adequately be described in terms either of conflict or harmony. Their relations were, instead, complex and can only be appreciated properly when considered in their contingent historical contexts. Students who take this course will decide for themselves how thinking about God and thinking about the natural world have related to one another in Western thought. They will do so by reading and critically engaging with works from philosophy, theology natural science, psychology and history.
