Dr. Justin Barrett lectures on science and religion in LAPC.
Photo: J. Yvette Tostado
A Fuller Seminary developmental science professor visited campus Tuesday night to lecture about science and religion, describing the “knee-jerk” fear many Christians have in the face of science in a lecture titled after the popular DreamWorks film, “How to Train Your Dragon.”
“I identify with Hiccup, the somewhat nerdy guy … the only one taking this dragon seriously, getting to know how to work in discovering that it’s not dangerous, that its actually a good friend,” said Dr. Justin Barrett. “That is what Hiccup discovers, and maybe that is what I’ve discovered with cognitive science of religion. I’m sort of desperately trying to sell my own people with that idea: This isn’t a dangerous thing, it’s OK — join me.”
The lecture was held in LAPC and was hosted by the Center for Research in Science, which provided cookies, water and coffee for the student and faculty attendees.
Barrett spent time discussing religion in the eyes of children. He said children perceive objects simply and believe that the objects are, in fact, what they seem to be.
To clarify, Barrett used a box of crackers as an example. If someone were to show a box of crackers to a 3-year-old, then ask the child what were inside, the child would say there were crackers inside, until he or she were shown that there were actually rocks inside.
Sophomore math major Joell Tanner saw posters around campus promoting the group discussion and attended Tuesday’s event as part of the Honors Colloquia.
She said Barrett “raised some good points” about religion and science — they should not conflict. However, Tanner said she is still unsure about the topic and needs to do more of her own research.
Senior psychology majoy Vanessa Valles attended the discussion for extra credit for her literature class.
Valles, who didn’t learn about religion until fourth grade, said she enjoyed the discussion on religion.
On Tuesday, Nov. 19, the Center for Research in Science will be hosting a viewing of a lecture that Barrett gave last year at University of California, Davis for CRIS students. The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. and will include free pizza and drinks in Segerstrom 154.