Announcing the 2020-2021 Science and Spirituality Lecture Series on Creation and Contemplation We all know the argument: science and the spiritual life are at odds. Not only that, but in fact the former disproves the latter. In the world of science, spirituality has no place. So the story goes. Thanks to an anonymous grant facilitated by John Fortsmann ‘60, the Portsmouth Institute’s 2020-2021 Science and Spirituality Lecture Series on Creation and Contemplation is flipping the script. Rather than seeing science – the observation and analysis of the created order – as an obstacle to faith, we view it as an entrance point to the contemplation of God. The lecture series is an initiative of the Portsmouth Institute’s Center for Science and the Liberal Arts, whose mission is to inspire the knowledge of and a sense of wonder towards God and the created order. The Center is co-sponsored by the Department of Science at Portsmouth Abbey School. To kick off the lecture series, we were proud to partner with the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame in offering encounters
with science and spirituality to students, faculty, alumni, and parents. Noted author and professor of biology Daniel Kubler, Ph.D. presented on “Creation & Evolution, Chance & Purpose: A Catholic Perspective” to Portsmouth Abbey students. The program represents the aspiration of the Abbey to offer our students a chance to Chris Baglow, Ph.D. conduct research and investigation in the intersection between science and the liberal arts. One student commented that “Before this lecture, I did not know anything about the church’s stance on evolution. I was surprised that the church was actually open to the exploration of the idea.” Another student shared that “I always enjoy hearing about the connections between what I learn in my science classes and my faith, and this lecture was really insightful.” It is opportunities like these which open students to the full breadth of the Catholic intellectual tradition and our commitment to truth, beauty and goodness.
Daniel Kubler, Ph.D.
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