Haught to Give Schemmel Endowed Lecture

“Evolution and Faith: What is at Stake?” is the title of the Clarke University Schemmel Endowed Lecture in Theology/Evolution Weekend event presented by John F. Haught, a distinguished research professor of Theology at Georgetown University, on Thursday, Feb. 11.

Haught will present his lecture at 7:30 p.m. in Jansen Music Hall on the Clarke campus. Admission is free.

Darwinian Theory seems to challenge religious trust in a providential God who purposefully creates, influences and eternally cares for the world. Traditional Christian thought had no knowledge of biological evolution, although theologians were certainly aware of the suffering of humans and other living beings. Evolutionary science vastly extends the story of life and life’s suffering (and creativity as well) beyond those of traditional theological awareness. Haught asks the question, “After Darwin can we come to an understanding of God that is both consistent with biblical faith and at the same time fully open to the findings of evolutionary biology?”

Haught’s area of specialization is systematic theology, with a particular interest in issues pertaining to science, cosmology, evolution, ecology and religion. He has authored 20 books and numerous articles and reviews. He lectures internationally on many issues related to science and religion. In 2004, he testified for the plaintiffs in the Harrisburg, Pa., “Intelligent Design” trial and in 2008 received a “Friend of Darwin Award” from the National Center for Science Education.

The Schemmel Endowed Lecture program is additionally supported by Humanities Iowa and National Endowment for the Humanities. The views and opinions expressed by this program do not necessarily reflect those of Humanities of Iowa or the National Endowment for the Humanities.

For more information, contact the Clarke University Marketing and Communication Office at (563)588-6318.