Phee Seng Kang

Hong Kong Baptist University

Project title:

In Search of Origins : A Common Quest and Dialogue Between the Natural Sciences and Christian Theology with Responses From Chinese Perspectives

Abstract:

This paper discusses the Christian understanding of creation in the light of the search for the origin of the universe in science since the early twentieth century. To provide a contemporary focus in the discussion, the epistemological relevance of Stephen Hawking’s quantum gravitational cosmology will be explored. The paper seeks to illustrate that contemporary cosmology and the Christian doctrine of creation do have implications for each other. A healthy and fruitful dialogue between the two helps clarify some important epistemological issues as well as the nature and limits of both science and religion. Working together, scientists and theologians contribute to our deeper appreciation of humanity’s intellectual and spiritual quest for the meaning of human and cosmic existence.

Short biography:

Prof. Phee Seng Kang is Director of the Centre for Sino-Christian Studies and Associate Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Hong Kong Baptist University. He is a theologian and a scientist and has been engaged in the field of science and religion for nearly a decade. He is a founding member of the International Society of Science and Religion and recipient of the CTNS/SRCP Science and Religion Course Award in 2001. He initiated and organized a highly successful two-week lecture-tour on science and religion in May 2002 in China. The lecture tour provided the platform for the first-ever dialogue between eminent Chinese and western scientists and religious studies scholars in a public forum. He has edited two books, published research papers, and delivered conference papers in the field of science and religion.