Science & Theology in Human Sexuality Professor Chris Cook

Most of those who agree that a dialogue between science and Christian faith is valid and vital are not defenders of the traditional sexual morality of the church. Jones & Yarhouse 2000 Homosexuality: Scientific Research

the Royal College’s arguments are not only unconvincing, but have to twist the evidence in order to make it fit the narrative. Core Issues Trust 2013 Beyond Critique

The exorcisms by Jesus

Galileo Galilei (1564-1642)

Galileo Galilei (1564-1642)

Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) We conclude that God is known first through Nature, and then again, more particularly, by doctrine, by Nature in His works, and by doctrine in His revealed word. Letter to the Grand Duchess Christina of Tuscany, 1615

Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) From this I do not mean to infer that we need not have an extraordinary esteem for the passages of holy Scripture. On the contrary, having arrived at any certainties in physics, we ought to utilize these as the most appropriate aids in the true exposition of the Bible Letter to the Grand Duchess Christina of Tuscany, 1615

Charles Darwin (1809-1882)

Charles Darwin (1809-1882)

Charles Darwin (1809-1882)

The Book of Nature & The Book of Scripture

Science and Scripture We don’t always share 1st Century (or earlier) pre- scientific views of the world which are embedded in scripture There have always been multiple possible interpretations of scriptural texts Science can help us to better interpret scripture

The Science of Human Sexuality Definition and clarification of concepts Descriptive accounts of sexual orientation and practice Origins/development of sexual orientation Explanation of the increased psychological morbidity experienced by homosexual people Outcome studies of sexual orientation change “therapies”

Augustine of Hippo (354-430) Whoever, then, thinks that he understands the Holy Scriptures, or any part of them, but puts such an interpretation upon them as does not tend to build up this twofold love of God and our neighbour, does not yet understand them as he ought. On Christian Doctrine

Science & Theology in Human Sexuality The End