Are science and religion diametrically opposed forces? Can people of faith also follow the evidence of science? Is it possible or right to "believe" in science?
In November, HNOJ is going to tackle these questions and more in a three-part series - Science and Religion.
At each session, a presenter from a field of the natural sciences will present a brief talk. Then a panelist of experts discuss the session's topic. The night will conclude with a period of questions and answers from those in attendance.
We will be addressing the intersection of science and religion within topics such as AI, cosmology, medicine, miracles, evolution, the Eucharist and more.
Mark your calendars for 6:30-8 pm on Nov. 11, 18, and 25 at HNOJ.
Topics
Nov. 11 - AI Revisited: A Catholic Discussion on AI a year later with Ian Sherman
Last year at Science and Religion Ian made a case for us not to be fearful of Artificial Intelligence. A lot has happened in the past year and the effects of AI are more and more felt in our daily experience. Is AI still under our control? Will it become self-aware? Ian, when are the robots taking over? Ian is a talented presenter and this discussion is likely to be lively and important!
Nov. 18 - The Replication Crisis - When scientific confidence falters - have confidence in Christ with Patrick Johnson
Replication crisis - Scientists have recently come under intense public scrutiny. With revelations of inadequate data, improper statistical methods, and occasional outright fraud; many regular people have called into question their past over-confidence in the scientific method to guide our lives. Patrick speaks to why we Catholics can know that, despite our faltering confidence in science, we can have total confidence in Jesus Christ.
Nov. 25 - The Heavens Declare: The Astronmical foundation for the Star of Bethlehem with Jon Hickman
Is the Bible myth or history? Is that even a fair question? What is "real" and what isn't in Scripture? Did the Star of Bethlehem really happen or is it simply metaphorical? Jon Hickman makes a scientific case for the Star and for why the Bible is trustworthy.
Basic Info
Time: 6:30-8 pm
Dates: Nov. 11, 18, 25
Where: Emmaus Rooms at HNOJ
Cost: Free!
Who: Any and all are welcome.
What: Presentation, large group discussion on topics of Science and Religion
Our Presenters
Jon Hickman
An avid amateur astronomer since age 10, Jon spent 35 years in engineering sales, with expertise in optics and light, astronomy and electrical engineering. His particular passion is the complementary nature of faith and science.
Patrick Johnson
Patrick is married to Constance and together they enjoy the blessing of 3 boys. He has a Bachelor of Science with an emphasis in Neuroscience from the U of Minnesota - College of Biological Sciences, and a Masters in Biological Sciences from the U of MN - College of Continuing and Professional Studies with an emphasis in biotechnology. Patrick has experience in multiple laboratory research settings from Child Development, Microbiology, Neuroscience, and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Sciences. He currently works in industrial scale biologics manufacturing for a major multi-national pharmaceutical company.
Ian Sherman
Ian Sherman is a data scientist with over 15 years of experience in applied analytics and AI, having held technical and leadership positions across several organizations including Land O'Lakes, G&K Services, Supervalu, and Best Buy. Ian holds an MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and a BS in Physics from Washington University in St. Louis.