Faith and Science: World Science Festival - 5 June 2010

Faith and Science: World Science Festival - 5 June 2010

MODERATOR: Bill Blakemore

PARTICIPANTS: Francisco Ayala, Elaine Pagels, Paul Davies, Thupten Jinpa

For all their historical tensions, scientists and religious scholars from a wide variety of faiths ponder many similar questions—how did the universe begin? How might it end? What is the origin of matter, energy, and life? The modes of inquiry and standards for judging progress are, to be sure, very different. But is there a common ground to be found? ABC News’ Bill Blakemore moderates a panel that includes evolutionary geneticist Francisco Ayala, astrobiologist Paul Davies, Biblical scholar Elaine Pagels and Buddhist scholar Thupten Jinpa. These leading thinkers who come at these issues from a range of perspectives address the evolving relationship between science and faith.

This program is part of The Big Idea Series, made possible with support from the John Templeton Foundation.

The World Science Festival gathers great minds in science and the arts to produce live and digital content that allows a broad general audience to engage with scientific discoveries. Our mission is to cultivate a general public informed by science, inspired by its wonder, convinced of its value, and prepared to engage with its implications for the future.

Original Program Date: June 5, 2010

MODERATOR: Bill Blakemore

PARTICIPANTS: Francisco Ayala, Elaine Pagels, Paul Davies, Thupten Jinpa

Bill Blakemore Introduction 00:00

Participant Introductions 06:11

Music and art connecting faith and science 09:26

Francisco Ayala are you religious ? 11:40

Paul Davies do you believe in God? 21:38

Elaine Pagels are you religious?  34:08

Thupten Jinpa are you religious? 43:35

The problem of evil 52:42

Belief vs trust 01:03:15

Can science speak to morality and ethics? 01:15:27

Can you find common ground in Super string theory and the roots of Gnosticism?  01:22:00

Is the real conflict the certainty of science and faith?  01:24:55

Will science prove religion is right or wrong? 01:31:26

How does perpetuating religious beliefs help science?  01:37:34

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