Talk Explores Quantum Physics, Christianity

Arnold Sikkema, Trinity Western University professor of physics, explores the interaction between science and faith in a lecture, “Quantum Physics and Christianity,” Friday, March 10, at 3:30 p.m. in Darling Foundation Lecture Hall at Westmont’s Winter Hall, room 210. The Science and Faith Club Lecture is free and open to the public.

This talk will explore what quantum indeterminacy might mean for Christian theology, including how we should think about human and animal free will and God’s acting in the world.

“About 100 years ago, physics left behind a Newtonian mechanical universe picture to investigate a cosmos of uncertainty, probability, indeterminism, subjectivity and holism,” Sikkema says.

Quantum mechanics is one of the most important theories of modern science, as it governs the operations of very small particles.

“Quantum mechanics governs the behavior of the electrons, which are so important chemical bonding and modern electronics, yet all too often the conversation about science and faith hasn’t really engaged quantum mechanics holistically,” says Stephen Contakes, Westmont professor of chemistry. “This is as an opportunity to enrich Westmont's already robust science-faith conversation by bringing it into dialogue with our current understanding of quantum mechanics.”

Sikkema is president of the Canadian Scientific & Christian Affiliation. He is also a fellow of physics at St. George’s Centre for Biblical and Public Theology, based in Burlington, Canada. Sikkema graduated from the University of Waterloo, earned a doctorate in superconductivity and magnetism from the University of British Columbia, and conducted post-doctoral research at the University of Florida. He is in his 20th year in the world of Christian higher education. His main research interests are in science and Christian faith, particularly exploring biophysics from a reformational philosophical perspective.