September 3, 2006 by Dr. Mc.

“They who have presumed to dogmatize on nature, as on some well investigated subject, either from self-conceit or arrogance, and in the professorial style, have inflicted the greatest injury on philosophy and learning. For they have tended to stifle and interrupt inquiry exactly in proportion as they have prevailed in bringing others to their opinion; and their own activity has not counterbalanced the mischief they have occasioned by corrupting and destroying that of others.” Francis Bacon, first sentences of the Preface to Novum Organum, 1620. Though I can’t agree with Bacon on everything (for one thing, science has advanced since his writing), I can support much of his philosophy about the proper relation of science (natural philosophy) and religion. I take his theme throughout this piece to be that any predetermined viewpoint, used to stifle the investigation of natural causes, hurts not only learning but a proper understanding of God, because all truth is ultimately God’s truth (Advancement of Learning, First Book, Section VI-1).

Posted in Science and faith | No Comments »

September 3, 2006 by Dr. Mc.

While in my PhD program I completely lost my belief in God–not because of the facts, but because of the cultural environment. You can read about my experience in this article. I have now recovered, and am passionate about the abuse I experienced.

Posted in Science and faith, Personal story | No Comments »