Day 1: Light
Monday 2nd August 2021
An online exploration of the question,
“Why should Christians be Stewards of the Earth?”
Introduced by Ruth Ogilvie, A Level Student and singer in the Hull Minster Worship Band, this event features short talks by a number of scientists and religious leaders including Professor Tom McLeish (York University).
Ruth Ogilvie
Ruth is an A level student, studying biology, chemistry and maths, and she also worships at Hull Minster.
“The Earth works in an extremely specific way that allows it to sustain life. We rely on the climate, the water cycle, the oil supply and so much more to continue to live in the manner that we do. The complexity of the Earth is the source of the theory of the watchmaker. This theory suggests that a world as complex as this one must have a designer as it cannot be a coincidence; in the same way that the complicated inner workings of a watch do not form without the presence of a watchmaker. Humans are a curious species, so it is no surprise that we have a desire to know where and when the world, and thus our home, began. Christians’ current understanding as to how God works suggest that God works in a similar way to catalysts. Catalysts are reaction accelerators. The catalyst is not involved in the physical reaction but is used to activate it and make it more efficient. This is how some Christians believe God was involved in the creation of the planet. Many Christians do not believe that Genesis, the story of creation, is offering a scientific explanation into how the world came to be. It is widely interpreted as a metaphor for the influence and power of their God by showing his omnipotence and omnipresence. The Bible can often act more powerfully as a metaphor than an example of God’s literal actions. “
Bishop Frank White
Bishop Frank introduces our week by sharing his thoughts about the connections between science and faith. Frank reflects on how the Bible encourages our own individual abilities and helps us understand our own responsibility for the planet we live on.
Tom McLeish
Tom McLeish, FRS, is a physicist, academic interdisciplinary leader, and writer. He is inaugural Professor of Natural Philosophy in the Department of Physics at the University of York, England, and is also affiliated to the University’s Centre for Medieval Studies and Humanities Research Centre.
Tom has shared with us his thoughts on the Theology of Christian Stewardship.
Bible verses:
Rev Canon Dominic Black
The current vicar of Hull Minster shares his career choices with us, as he talks about leaving his job in science at Unilever and choosing a career in the Church of England. He also explores ideas of how science and faith are connected.
If you would like to know about how your church can be more eco-friendly, EcoChurch offers some good resources about how to get started.
Children’s Voice
Pupils from Archbishop Holgate's School, York, talk about climate change and the environment.