In July this year, ISCAST–Christians in Science and Technology will run its 12th Conference on Science and Christianity in Melbourne. The theme of the conference is “A Hopeful Future?” and it will focus on both the environmental crisis and the challenges of technological and biological advances.
ISCAST Director Reverend Dr Chris Mulherin, who teaches philosophy at Catholic Theological College, is keen for University colleagues to engage in the conversation with scientists and students at the conference, which will be held at Queen’s College from July 10 to 12.
The conference description points to the existential and theological questions this century holds:
Planet Earth and its inhabitants face a paradoxical future. Increasing threats to the creation sit alongside the extraordinary possibilities that science and technology offer: species extinction and climate change alongside gene editing and dreams of humanity 2.0. In the face of anxiety and bewilderment, Jesus Christ offers hope.
What does it mean to be a Christian in the 21st century? What does it mean to be faithful to Christ in a time of “eco-anxiety” when patterns of consumption seem unsustainable and damaging to the creation? What does it mean to be a Christian in a time when many people look forward optimistically to “the singularity” and the transhuman possibilities of overcoming the limitations of the human body? What does it mean to live in a time of climate change and CRISPR, of animal extinction and AI?
Under the overall theme of “A Hopeful Future?” this important Australian conference will take up these urgent global challenges. How do we think and live faithfully in such a world, and what sort of hope does Christian theology offer?
So far, around 20 excellent proposals for presentations have been received, however there is more room in the program and Chris would welcome further proposals. More details can be found at the conference website:www.ISCASTCOSAC.org
Chris can be contacted at Chris.Mulherin@ctc.edu.au for further information.
CTC is committed to the highest standards of teaching and research in philosophy and theology, within the Catholic tradition. It collaborates in the Church’s mission to spread the Gospel, and provides academic formation for people committed to the pastoral service of the Church.
Kerrie Burn
University of Divinity
Kevin Lenehan
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