Science

Question 1

How has science influenced Christianity?

Answer 1

-Empiricism- the view that scientific claims depend on evidence from experiments or observation e.g Newton
-Descartes doubted empirical evidence, e.g the senses can sometimes deceive us, dreams feel real. His only certainty was of himself as a thinking being; he saw the mind as the starting point for knowledge, rather than the senses- rationalism

Question 2

What is scientism?

Answer 2

The view that science alone can give true knowledge of reality; that science alone can determine what is meaningful and science will eventually explain everything( ignores psychology, emotions)

Question 3

What is Existentialism?

Answer 3

Humans create their own personal reality through the choices they make. The world is not fixed but shaped by personal decisions and values.

Question 4

What is Tillich’s response to the rise of science: Existentialism?

Answer 4

• Christian belies and symbols need to be understood in relation to existential questions concerning the meaning and purpose of life if they are to be relevant to people’s lives
• Christianity gives meaning and purpose through its beliefs and symbols- up to the individual whether they accept them or not.