Spring 2024 Classes for Faith and Science

FAITH AND SCIENCE FICTION
with George Moakley & Dr. Mike Hegeman
Thursday, Jan. 25 | 6 – 7:30 pm | Rehearsal Hall & Online
Pinnacle congregation member George Moakley authored his debut novel, Kraken of Eden, in 2023, set about 500 years in the future where human colonization of exo-planets has become possible. In this gripping adventure a science vessel sets out for Eden, a pristine wilderness presenting humanity a second chance for responsible stewardship. But Eden is prowled by an impossible predator, an existential threat forcing reconsideration of everything we thought we knew.

In this dialogue we explore the themes of ecological stewardship, models of knowing truth, and the interrelationship between faith and science as we project human life into the cosmos.

Click here to join us online.
Click here to read Dr. Mike Hegeman’s comments on this year’s introductory Faith & Science lecture.

THE METAPHYSICS OF SOUND
with Jacob Adler
Thursday, Feb. 8 | 6 - 7:30 pm | Rehearsal Hall & Livestream
Jacob Adler will present a wide-ranging discussion on the mathematics of harmony, the physics and neuropsychology of sound, the varieties of mystical experience, and the search for meaning in music. This 60-minute discussion will be followed by a 30-minute Q&A.

Click here for the link to the livestream.

ISAAC NEWTON’S STRANGE GOD
with David Schaller and Dr. Mike Hegeman
Thursday, Mar. 14 | 6 – 7:30 pm | Rehearsal Hall
Isaac Newton is one of the most famous scientists of all time. Many scholars even consider him the greatest scientist who ever lived, but often his faith is not mentioned. He believed in divine creation and wrote strong articles opposing atheism and defending the Bible. Join us to learn more about Newton’s Christian journey.

Click here to view the recording.

GENDER EXPECTATIONS IN MUSIC
with Dr. Kay Norton, Arizona State University
Thursday, Apr. 4 | 6 - 7:30 pm | Rehearsal Hall
Kay Norton (Ph.D. Musicology, University of Colorado-Boulder 1990) is Professor of Musicology in the School of Music. She researches music’s association with wellness, American sacred music, and music of the American South. This presentation is drawn from one of her courses, “How Gender has mattered in music history.” It examines specifically gendered discourses about music relating to women, and the ways female musicians have negotiated gender expectations of their respective eras.

Click here to view the recording.

SCIENCE, RELIGION & CLIMATE CHANGE
with Dr. Albert Celoza
Thursday, Apr. 25 | 6 – 7:30 pm | Rehearsal Hall
Is the science behind climate change enough to convince and motivate people to act? Do we need religion to help galvanize communities to coordinate and adopt solutions that mitigate climate change’s effects? Join Arizona Interfaith Movement’s Director, Dr. Albert Celoza, as he covers the science and religion behind climate change.