Date of Award

Spring 2022

Document Type

Thesis

College

College of Natural and Health Sciences

Primary Advisor

Dr. Aimee Franklin

Abstract

Scientific illiteracy is a widespread reality in the Christian church today. The observatory and evidentiary nature of science seems to strongly contradict the faith-based belief in religion that often lacks physical evidence. This contradiction has incited many different conflicts between the congregation of the church and proponents of scientific advancement. A potential cause of this division is that the current education provided for church leaders is severely lacking in exposure to scientific topics that would allow these leaders to effectively communicate with their congregation when scientific issues are raised. Therefore, this research proposes a supplementary curriculum in the form of a certificate program for undergraduate students pursuing leadership in church ministry that would improve their scientific understanding as well as their ability to confidently analyze scientific controversy while preserving a biblical stance. This curriculum was developed based on the opinions and responses of current church leadership across the country in order to be relevant, useful, and practical to implement. A survey was used to gain these insights and the main findings were that current leadership do believe that the church needs to improve its scientific literacy and is currently doing a poor job at reconciling scientific evidence with Christian beliefs. They also maintain that science and Christianity are able to be totally compatible, showing that this additional education would be effective and beneficial. The goal of this research is to begin to help bridge the gap between science and the church, ultimately increasing the church’s relevance in a modern, scientific world.

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