By Noel Brownlee
litionist Dr. David Livingstone (1813-1873), the Institute’s purpose is to provide educational offerings and foster discussion in the areas of religion and science. The David Livingstone Institute has designed graduate-level certificate pro-
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grams which offer seminary coursework in the areas of apologetics, Christian worldview, and biomedical ethics to individuals with an interest in learning more about the interface of the sciences and the Christian faith. Working professionals and students in the areas of healthcare, applied and basic science, engineering, and education will find these programs a valuable component of their personal and professional growth, preparing them to confidently engage with those for whom science is a stumbling block to Christianity. Graduate credits earned in these programs are transferable to a Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) degree at Erskine Seminary. Certificate programs are also ideal for clergy and church lay leaders wishing to learn more about God’s general revelation through scientific study, giving them the tools to teach with boldness in this often contro- versial area. Moreover, since its inception the Institute has committed to offer talks for the community at large. Presentations have included well-known authors Dr. Hugh Ross, Dr. John West, and Dr. Kenneth Samples, on a variety of topics, with titles such as “Multiverse and the Ori- gins of the Universe” and “Cosmic Reasons to Believe.” Additionally, the Institute has been pleased to host a live discussion with Dr. Michael Behe on his recently published book Dar- win Devolves. I believe that the David Livingstone
Institute offers valuable educational opportunities to anyone interested in learning more about the interac- tion of the sciences and the Christian faith. Over the years while training in medicine, I was confronted with chal- lenges from various experts in my field who felt that being a Christian was not
he David Livingstone Institute for Christianity, Medicine, and the Sciences at Erskine Seminary was founded in 2018. Named for the renowned Scot- tish physician, Christian missionary, African explorer, and staunch abo-
conducive to a career in the sciences. In addition, as a practicing physician, I came to realize that patients often look to their doctors, not only for or- dering the right test or prescribing the best drug, but also for answers to the bigger questions of life, including their own uncertainties and doubts about the Christian faith. In many cases, scientific information was cited as the primary reason for their disbe- lief in Christianity. I believe that the educational offerings of the David Livingstone Institute will help pro- vide tools for Christians to speak more confidently into our culture, a culture which increasingly tends to affirm sci- ence alone over Christianity. Let us remember that Christianity
and the sciences are complementary. Current National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins says, “One of the greatest tragedies of our time is the impression that has been created that science and religion have to be at war.” As C.S. Lewis reminds us, “In science we have been reading only the notes to a poem; in Christianity we find the poem itself.” For more information about the
David Livingstone Institute and up- coming events, please contact Robin Broome at
broome@erskine.edu.?
Dr. Noel Brownlee is Distinguished Pro- fessor of Medical Ethics and the Director of the David Livingstone Institute at Erskine Seminary. He is currently a practicing pathologist, as well as a medical school and physician’s assistant school faculty member. He also serves on the admin- istrative council for the Christian Medical and Dental Association of Upstate South Carolina and on the Advisory Board of the C.S. Lewis Institute-Greenville. He and his wife, Dr. Caroline Brownlee, live in Greenville, S.C., with their two sons.
Erskine Theological Seminary 12 The Associate Reformed Presbyterian
Erskine Seminary
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