Office of the Chaplain

Religious Life Newsletter: Volume 7, Fall 2004, Issue 1
Science and Religion

"The Emergence of Complexity and the Natures of Existence"

George F. R. Ellis, Distinguished Professor of Complex Systems at the University of Cape Town, will come to Susquehanna University on October 26, 2004, to present a lecture as part of the Distinguished Lecture in Science Series, sponsored by the School of Natural and Social Sciences. The public lecture will begin at 7:30 pm in the Degenstein Theater. The lecture titled "The Emergence of Complexity and the Natures of Existence: How they relate to the Science and Religion Debate", will also fit well with the University's 2004-2005 theme of "Religion in the Public Square." A reception will follow the lecture in the Mellon Lounge.

Dr. Ellis has pursued rigorous scientific research into cosmology with the same doggedness he has brought to social activism offering him a perspective that has advanced his career as a theoretical cosmologist and one that has made him a trusted voice in the science and religion dialogue. He co-wrote "The Large Scale Structure of Space-Time" with Stephen Hawking, debuting at a strategic moment in the development of General Relativity Theory.

Ellis has distinguished himself by moving to bring the forces of science and religion together to the general benefit of both fields. His efforts to balance the rationality of evidence-based science with faith and hope has made him a key figure in the discussion at the boundaries of science and theology.

We are anticipating that Dr. Ellis will be available on the morning of October 28, 2004, to meet informally with all interested students and faculty.

Submitted by Chaplain Radecke