The Role of Psychology in Advancing Dialogue between Science and Christianity

Abstract

Those interested in the intersection of science and Christianity, rightfully pay attention to specific issues in the landscape of science and religion. Despite progress made in science-religion scholarship, asking and answering thorny questions and unearthing new ones, it sometimes appears that these advances make little progress shifting the narrative in individuals or culture. In this article, I argue that for progress in difficult conversations, such as those between science and Christianity, we must acknowledge and account for the psychology of the individuals engaging in these conversations. This article discusses how normal psychological processes involved in reasoning may influence engagement with science-religion material. I conclude by offering several suggestions to increase the fruitfulness of these conversations.

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“…Smith states that these strategies on their own "will not change minds, but the evidence suggests that they will promote the psychological safety for minds to be open to hear and engage with otherwise threatening ideas and data." 53 Humans are social and stubborn animals. Without the first step of forming a relationship (partnership, friendship, or other), fruitful discussion may not proceed.…”

“…That means that we must face up, beyond theodicies, to the facts of this ambiguous world. 53 4 Wright and Collins, "A Christian Response to Coronavirus." 5 Various theodicies of natural evil have been proposed to engage with these difficulties.…”

“…What is explored here is why the natural world contains the possibility of such harms to humans. 42 53 Southgate, Theology, 3. 54 This research was generously funded through Grant TWCF-0185 from the Templeton World Charities Foundation Inc.…”