The Science Network elective is designed to give science graduates the opportunity to explore the implications of the Christian worldview for the practice of science. The elective will help you develop a theology of science that is deeply rooted in the gospel and grow in confidence addressing common objections faced by Christian scientists.
As a Relay Worker, you’ll be equipped to disciple scientists in your CU and effectively communicate the gospel to science students at your university.
For those considering a career in science after Relay, the elective will give you a firm foundation to build on as you seek to live and speak for Jesus among scientists in your workplace.
The elective study content is made up of a combination of books, articles, videos and podcasts, which should take up four hours of study time each week.
How do science and faith fit together? In the first term we’ll explore the history and philosophy of science, models for relating science and religion, and a biblical view of the natural world.
Is a faithful reading of the biblical creation narrative compatible with modern science? In term two, we’ll look at different theories explaining the origins of the universe and of life, including creationism, theistic evolution, and intelligent design.
If we’re created in God’s image, are there limits to what science should do? In term three we’ll dive into the topics of bioethics, transhumanism, and artificial intelligence.
“I’ve genuinely found it so helpful to have an elective programme to follow along with, and the content has been so interesting.” — Science Network Relay Worker 2020/21
Unlike core study, which is supervised by your Staff Worker, for the Science Network elective you’ll be supervised by the Science Network Coordinator. You’ll be part of monthly group supervisions via Zoom with other Relays taking the elective. Before each supervision you’ll be asked to work through the study materials for that month and prepare something – some reflections on a topic, an argument for a debate, a blog post, or a more formal written study response.
In the summer term, you'll spend two days away together with other Science Network Relays. This is an opportunity to process together what you've learned during the year, as well as to hone your apologetics skills by giving practice talks tailored to a scientific audience.
Alongside the elective study material, during your year on Relay there are many other opportunities to get stuck in with the Science Network as we seek to reach and disciple science students. These include creating content for the website, supporting a local Science Network group, meeting one-to-one with a science student, attending the seminar track at Word Alive, and helping to host online events.
It's important to us that you not only grow in your own knowledge and faith during your year as a Science Network Relay, but that you're also able to use what you've gained to serve others.
To join with the Science Network elective, simply download a Relay application pack as normal and fill out the additional Relay Leadership Network application form.
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