Conversation on Science and Religion asks the Right Questions

The next Westmont Downtown Conversation, “Science and Religion: Time for Divorce or Renewal of Vows?” will explore some historical clashes between science and religion. Chemistry Professor Niva Tro will speak 5:30 p.m. Jan. 18, at the University Club, 1332 Santa Barbara St.

The lecture is free and open to the public.

“In the popular arena, the relationship between science and religion is seen as tenuous at best,” Tro said. “Depending on the particular perspective being espoused, science or religion is usually right and the other in dire error.” Tro suggests that the nature of the conflict is more complex than popularly imagined. He will also discuss the modern debate over intelligent design in light of these historical interactions.

Questions raised during the lecture will include: How have science and religion interacted in the past? How should they interact now? Do science and religion conflict in an irreconcilable way? Can they be reconciled? How should the world-view of a theistic scientist affect her scientific work?

Tro has taught chemistry at Westmont for 14 years. His areas of expertise are environmental chemistry, surface and interface reactions and science and faith issues. He has received three Professor of the Year awards and has published 21 professional articles and three introductory chemistry text books.

For more information, contact the Westmont public affairs office at (805) 565-7057 or e-mail pubaffairs@westmont.edu. A digital image of Tro is available upon request.