Test of Faith

Test of Faith is a package of resources produced by the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion and published by Paternoster.  They explore the relationship between science and faith.  They are ideal for students, church leaders and others who are grappling with the issues of science and faith.  Resources produced so far include a book, three-part documentary DVD and accompanying study books, plus materials for teachers of A-level and GCSE Religious Education.  (Resources for 8-11 year-olds are in course of development.) Contributors include the Former Director of the Human Genome Project, a NASA astrophysicist, a microbiologist, a neurologist and leading physicists.

Test of Faith - The book The Test of Faith book is an excellent resource in its own right to help restore confidence in the integrity of Christian Faith and modern science.  It is the personal testimony of ten people over a wide range of scientific disciplines, some of whom started off as unbelievers and actually came to faith through their science.   Although each chapter is presented as a personal testimony, it is based on a series of interviews by Ruth Bancewicz of the Faraday Institute; this results in a consistency of style and presentation in language that can be readily understood by the lay person. Contributors are:- Dr Francis Collins, Former Director of the Human Genome Project Dr Alasdair Coles, Clinical Neuroimmunologist, Cambridge University Dr Jennifer Wiseman, Astrophysicist, NASA Goddard Space Centre Prof. John Bryant, Cell and Molecular Biologist, Exeter University Prof. Bill Newsome, Neurobiologist, Stanford University Sch. of Medicine Prof. Rosalind Picard, Director of Computer Research Group, MIT Dr Ard Louis, Theoretical Physicist, Oxford University Rev. Dr. John Polkinghorne, Mathematical Physicist and Theologian Dr Deborah B Haarsma, Physicist & Astronomer, Calvin College Prof. Alister McGrath, Professor of Historical Theology, Oxford University

 Test of Faith - The DVD

The Test of Faith DVD is a three-part documentary featuring striking photography along with commentary by some of the scientists listed above, and others.  Each part lasts 25-30 minutes and examines a wide range of issues raised by modern science including the God of the gaps, the anthropic principle, multiverses, the big bang, young-earth creationism, intelligent design, theistic evolutionism, reductionism and emergence.
The three sessions are:-
# Beyond Reason? (Science, Faith & the Universe)
# An accident in the making? (Creation & Evolution)
                                       # Is anybody there? (Human choice and identity)
The DVD also includes 78 minutes of bonus video footage (clips, interviews and exerpts for use at events), biographies of all the contributors, and PDF documents (course samples, transcripts, a course poster and flyer templates).

Test of Faith - Course Materials The Test of Faith Course materials comprise a Study Guide and Leader's Guide for use with the DVD.   The STUDY GUIDE allows small groups to unpack the issues and discuss them at a level and pace to suit the group, with the flexibility to choose what topics are discussed. The LEADER'S GUIDE includes all the content of the Study Guide plus suggested responses to questions, critical background information and ideas for taking issues further.

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