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The Cosmic Vision of Teilhard de Chardin
John Haught
Over the past two centuries scientists have learned that the universe is a story still being told. The Jesuit geologist and paleontologist Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955) saw this cosmic story as a great drama of awakening. When humans emerged, the cosmic awakening became palpably manifest in the arrival of thought, ethical aspiration, and religious faith. This lecture will provide an introduction to Teilhard’s main ideas, bringing out the contemporary significance of Teilhard’s vision of the new scientific story of the universe, along with his novel understanding of the relationship of science and religion.
John F. Haught is an American theologian. He is a Distinguished Research Professor at Georgetown University. He specializes in Roman Catholic systematic theology, with a particular interest in issues pertaining to physical cosmology, evolutionary biology, geology, and Christianity.
He has authored numerous books and articles, including Science and Faith: A New Introduction (2012), Making Sense of Evolution: Darwin, God, and The Drama of Life ( 2010), God and the New Atheism: A Critical Response to Dawkins, Harris, and Hitchens (2008), Christianity and Science: Toward a Theology of Nature (2007), Is Nature Enough? Meaning and Truth in the Age of Science (2006), Purpose, Evolution and the Meaning of Life (2004), God After Darwin: A Theology of Evolution (2000, 2nd ed. 2007), Science and Religion: From Conflict to Conversation (1995), The Promise of Nature: Ecology and Cosmic Purpose (1993, 2nd ed. 2004), What is Religion? (1990), What is God? (1986), and The Cosmic Adventure: Science, Religion and the Quest for Purpose (1984).
In 2002, Haught received the Owen Garrigan Award in Science and Religion, in 2004 the Sophia Award for Theological Excellence, and in 2008 a “Friend of Darwin Award” from the National Center for Science Education. He also testified for the plaintiffs in Harrisburg, PA “Intelligent Design Trial”(Kitzmiller et al. vs. Dover Board of Education).
Professor Haught has asked that copies of his slides and presentation be limited to Los Alamos Faith and Science members. Email Susan Sprage for access.