About
Roger is fascinated by the interface between the three paradigms of Science, Philosophy and Christian Theology, and this is the main purpose of Faith Interface. Roger is not a professional theologian or philosopher, but has a strong background in the biomedical sciences at both an undergraduate and graduate level. He also has a Graduate Certificate in Christian Studies (GCCS) from Tabor College Adelaide. He hopes to do more formal Masters-level study in these areas in the future as family and work committments allow. For the moment though, Roger will satisfy his need to discuss all things theological and philosophical through this blog.
Roger is a Fellow of The Institute for the Study of Christianity in an Age of Science and Technology (ISCAST). ISCAST is an Australian organisation dedicated to exploring the interface between science and the Christian faith. Its membership consists of scientists, theologians and professionals with standing in their own fields and a commitment to the Christian faith.
Roger has a wide range of theological and philosophical interests, including:
* Philosophy of Mind/Consciousness.
* Cognitive science, Neuroscience, Neuropsychology, Developmental psychology.
* Cosmology, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Quantum Physics.
* Astrobiology, Exotheology.
* History of philosophical thought.
* Philosophy of Science & Knowledge.
* The interaction of science, philosophy & Christian faith.
* Philosophical Christian Apologetics, Theological Anthropology.
The purpose of this blog is to demonstrate that to be a theist – in particular a Christian theist – is completely rational, reasonable and coherent. In fact, in many situations, the answers provided by Christian theism to matters like the origin of the universe, the origin of life, the exquisite fine-tuning of the universe and molecular fine-tuning, morality, origins of mind/consciousness, human nature and relationships are considerably more rational and coherent than those provided by naturalism, physicalism and atheism.
Christianity has always been at the forefront of philosophical thought throughout history – many famous philosophers and scientists throughout history have been Christians. Unfortunately, due to twists and turns of history, particularly over the last century or so, the rational and intellectual side of the Christian faith has been undervalued, even ignored. Thankfully, due to the challenges laid down by modern secular scholarship and aggressive popular atheism, Christianity has again rediscovered it’s intellectual roots – and this blog aims to remind Christians and, correct misinformed non-Christians, of this important aspect of the Christian faith. There are many fine scientists, researchers, philosophers and theologians who are also Christians – their work is frequently highlighted in this blog. Some realted resourses include:
The Institute for the Study of Christianity in an Age of Science and Technology (ISCAST)
The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion
The other purpose of this blog is to engage with like-minded Christians, but, more importantly, to engage with those who don’t necessarily agree with, or hold to, the beliefs and opinions expounded on this blog. Respectful dialogue, in the Socratic tradition, is healthy and increases understanding, while working to break down stereotypes, caricatures and other barriers in both directions.
Like any work of art (tongue-in-cheek) in the Potter’s hands, Roger considers himself a dynamic work-in-progress, who is always learning and always re-evaluating the finer aspects of his worldview and belief system. This is, of course, healthy and necessary for any thinking person, no less for the maintenance of a vibrant and robust Christian faith. From a doctrinal standpoint, Roger defines himself as a Christian theist who adheres fully to the complete doctrinal tenets of the orthodox, historic Christian faith, traditionally defined by The Apostles’ Creed and The Nicene Creed . Roger is essentially non-denominational within his Christian theist identification, having been raised in the Uniting Church of Australia/Methodist tradition.
Their is a concept in Zen Buddhism called “Shoshin”, meaning “Beginner’s Mind”. It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject, even when studying at an advanced level, just as a beginner in that subject would. This approach to matters of theology, philosophy and science is particularly appealing to Roger.
From a philosophical perspective, Roger feels most convinced by Critical Realism. In the philosophy of perception, critical realism is the theory that some of our sense-data (for example, those of primary qualities) can and do accurately represent external objects, properties, and events, while other of our sense-data (for example, those of secondary qualities and perceptual illusions) do not accurately represent any external objects, properties, and events. Put simply, Critical Realism highlights a mind-dependent aspect of the world, which reaches to understand (and comes to understanding of) the mind independent world.
From the point of view of Old Testament/New Testament and Law vs Grace, Roger favours the approach of New Covenant Theology, which he believes provides a nicely balanced mid-point between Covenant Theology and Dispensationalism. More on New Covenant Theology can be found here and here.
Regarding the finer points of soteriology, God’s sovereignty and human free will, at conversion Roger embraced traditional Arminianism, like most newly-converted Christians. After a relatively brief flirtation with Calvinism and Reformed theology (mainly due to the fine Reformed tradition of biblical and theological scholarship), Roger has begun to settle into what he thinks is the nice midway position of Molinism, which preserves a high view of God’s sovereignty, omniscience and providence, while providing a sensible and intuitively just view of human free will and its associated moral accountability. As always, the above distinctions are dynamic and are a continuous work-in-progress.
In 2009, Roger had the honour of being interviewed by Chris Reese who has an excellent blog Cloud of Witnesses, a blog devoted to theology, philosophy, writing and culture. To read the interview go here.
Early in 2010, I was honoured to participate in an audio interview with Brian Auten of Apologetics 315 regarding Christian apologetics, the intersection of the Christian faith with science, philosophy and culture, the balanced Christian life, and the aims and objectives of the Faith Interface blog.
You can listen to the audio interview here.
On Christmas Day, 2010, Roger was one of a number of international guests of Justin Brierley on the excellent and always informative radio and podcast show Unbelievable?
You can hear the podcast show here.
The following Christian thinkers have had a great influence on me and continue to do so:
“A little philosophy inclineth man’s mind to atheism, but depth in philosophy bringeth men’s minds about to religion.” Francis Bacon (1561-1626)
“The challenge of philosophy for the Christian is the general challenge of thinking critically, clearly, correctly, and comprehensively about the world. He needs philosophy to communicate the Christian view to those with other world views. All in all, the Christian depends on philosophy to render the credible intelligible. Philosophy is the tool by which the Christian makes sense out of his faith.” N. Geisler & P. Feinberg (2008)
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” Matthew 22:37-39