Faith and Science
Class Time: Tuesdays, 11:05-12:20, Spring Semester
Grade Level: 11th - 12th (10th grade with permission)
Instructor: Laura Burke
Contact Information: liburkeieor@berkeley.edu
Course Description: In my experience, one of the greatest obstacles to faith for young people (and even older people) is the belief that science and faith are incompatible. Even some young schoolchildren, and many adults, absorb from the culture around them that evolution proves that God doesn’t exist, or that the Bible is a fairy tale. We are surrounded by those who think a loss of faith happens naturally to anyone who studies science to any extent. But those conclusions are simply wrong, and faithful young Catholics will benefit from understanding why. This class will strive to help them gain that understanding. Hopefully, then, students will be better prepared to defend what they believe and share this knowledge with others who are searching. Topics will include:
- Scientific evidence for God (and medical evidence for the transphysical soul)
- Philosophical proofs of His existence
- Historic support for Jesus, His miracles, and His Resurrection
- Aspects of scientific discovery that have the “fingerprints of God” all over them!
- Background on faithful scientists who were convinced by their studies of God’s existence
Understanding what the Catholic faith teaches about these things and how true science can never conflict with faith will enable us to better understand how the very truths of science - and its beauty - have converted and uplifted Christians for centuries. Classroom activities, discussion, and debate will be enhanced by reading and homework completed at home.
Tuition: $200
Course Materials: The Catholic Faith and Science by Fr. Robert Spitzer, Sophia Institute Press (to be purchased by student)
* Additional sources to be used - partial list (students need not purchase):
Excerpts from Evidential Power of Beauty by Fr. Thomas Dubay
Excerpts from Creator and Creation by Mary O. Daly
Teacher Qualifications: Laura Burke is a former Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering at Lehigh University. She earned her doctorate in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research at University of California, Berkeley. She retired from academia to homeschool her children. For thirteen years she was a catechist at her parish, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. For the past twelve years, she has enjoyed teaching Physics, Physical Science, and Math to middle and high school students as a community homeschool instructor.