Forever Learning Institute

Discussions of the relationship between “science” and “religion,” as stated by historian Ronald L. Numbers, originated in the early 19th century, when students of nature first began referring to their work as science rather than as natural philosophy. Before that time, no one pitted religion against science. We will explore the evolving relationship between science and religion in the U.S.—from Puritan natural theology to Darwin, the Scopes Trial, Intelligent Design, climate change, vaccines, and AI. We examine how religious beliefs and scientific knowledge have interacted in public and private life, sometimes clashing, but most times coexisting, and often shaping each other. $5 copy fee.