Short Courses:
Do God & Science Mix?
Does rigorously pursuing science mean you have to leave faith in God behind? This course will draw from the expertise of Dr. John Lennox (scientist, mathematician, and apologist) in his book Cosmic Chemistry to explore the plausibility of a theistic Christian worldview in light of some recent scientific discoveries.
Led by Dr. Jonathan Boreyko
Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00pm, January 31-April 3
Bradley Study Center
Apologetics 101
How do we talk about God when people believe that Christianity is on the “wrong side of history?” This course offers a roadmap for guiding believers struggling with doubt and skeptics longing for something more. Readings from Telling a Better Story, by Josh Chatraw.
Led by Dr. Mike Weaver
Every other Tuesday, starting February 6
Dates: February 6, 20, 27, March 12, 26, April 9, 23
Bradley Study Center
The Princess and the Goblin – by George MacDonald
Just a fairy tale for children? Or might there be lessons for those of us who think we have outgrown bedtime stories? C.S. Lewis regarded George MacDonald as his master, and once said “…I fancy I have never written a book in which I did not quote from him.” G.K. Chesterton said that of all the stories he has read, this one was “the most real, the most realistic…” Come read the fairy tale that deeply impacted Lewis, Chesterton, and more!
Led by James Depret-Guillaume
Date & Time TBD: Beginning the week of March 11.
Bradley Study Center
Lectures and Public Events:
Faculty & Grad Student Meet and Greet with Dr. Hugh Ross
February 1 | 4-5pm | BSC
Before Dr. Ross speaks to students at the “Pizza with the Profs” event at 5:30, faculty, staff, and grad students are invited to a meet and greet with our speaker. Coffee and snacks will be served. No RSVP required.
Pizza with the Profs: An Astronomer’s Quest
February 1 – 5:30-7pm – BSC
It’s a long-standing tradition at the Bradley Study Center to host these gatherings where we ask Christian faculty about their faith. This time, we’re delighted to hear from visiting astrophysicist, Dr. Hugh Ross. Free pizza for those who register!
Dr. Hugh Ross shares his personal journey exploring both science and the Christian faith, helping us see how the two are allies. How did he come to faith through intellectual pursuits?
Hugh Ross earned an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in astronomy from the University of Toronto; and he was a postdoctoral research fellow for five years at Caltech, studying quasars and galaxies. He is a Canadian Astrophysicist, Christian apologist, and old Earth creationist. Ross obtained his Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Toronto and his B.S. degree in physics from the University of British Columbia. He established his own ministry in 1986, called Reasons to Believe.
Veritas Forum: Can Science Explain Everything?
March 21, 7:30-9pm, Squires Colonial Hall
Science has answered so many questions about how the universe works and how we can work for the betterment of humanity. Faced with such scientific advances, many conclude there is no longer any need for religion and belief systems to understand the mysteries of our universe. But do the limits of science as a way of knowing mean that there are some questions science is incapable of answering? And is there a need for science itself to be informed by religion or human values?
Join us for a discussion with MIT chemistry professor Dr. Troy Van Voorhis and VT philosophy professor Dr. Wendy Parker, moderated by Dr. Kevin Pitts, the dean of Virginia Tech’s College of Science. (co-sponsored by BSC, Cru, RUF, BCM, and Catholic Campus Ministry)
Bradley Conversation:
A Christian and an Atheist walk into the Cellar… Science, Belief and Friendship
April 10, 7-8:30pm, Bradley Study Center
In 2013, astrophysicist (and atheist) Nahum Arav and chemist (and Christian) Paul Carlier met as participants at a forum on Science and Religion. Thanks to gift cards from the forum organizers, Nahum and Paul began meeting for lunch at the Cellar to better understand their different perspectives on religion, the meaning and purpose of life, and the limits of science. Eleven years and many lunches later they count each other as close friends. What did they learn about each other, where did they find unexpected consensus, and where do they still disagree (and how do they handle those disagreements as friends)?
Bradley Conversations are a series of dialogues engaging Christian thought and contributing to the academic life of the university. We invite local and visiting scholars to engage in a conversation generated by a single theme, and then we expand participation to everyone who attends. We seek to cultivate intellectual friendship in an atmosphere equal parts leisure and sharp thinking.
Audience: Everyone is welcome to join the conversation, particularly faculty, graduate students, and interested community members.
Student Fellows Program:
The BSC Fellows Program offers undergraduate and graduate students a biblical and theological foundation during their time at Virginia Tech. Combining rich community and conversation, Christian spiritual formation, and the historic resources of the Christian tradition, this program helps students to see their studies and callings in the light of the gospel. This multi-semester program aims to provide a grounding in the best of what the Christianity —the Bible, the early church, and more recent Christian writers—says about what it means to bring our whole lives into God’s story for the world.
Other Offerings:
Community Prayer & Midweek Sabbath
Wednesday’s, 12:20-1:10, Norris 209
Need a spiritual break from the hectic academic tempo of the university? Join faculty, staff, students, and administrators for a midweek sabbath from the busy schedules of the day. Let’s take a pause, read holy scripture, and pray for our campus, our students and faculty, and our world. You are welcome to bring your lunch if you’d like.
Need a study spot?
Located downtown right off campus, the Bradley Study Center is a hub for studying and connecting with people. Come for the coffee and wifi, check out the library, or book the space for your own campus ministry events after hours.
Hours:
Mondays: 9am-5pm
Tuesdays: 9am-5pm
Wednesdays: 9am-5pm
Thursdays: 9am-5pm
Fridays: 9am-3pm