Next Forester Lecture: What does Faith have to do with our Academic Disciplines?

On Tuesday, March 14, Dr. Russell Howell of Westmont University will give the next Forester Lecture.

Most people, when answering the question posed in the title of this post, would respond with “not much,” but Dr. Howell’s reply is a resounding “much!”

Of all academic disciplines, perhaps the sciences appear to need least support from faith. For example, do electrons consult our faith tradition before choosing an orbit path? Within the sciences, maybe math appears to need the least support from our faith.

Let’s take math as our test case then. And if Dr. Howell can convince us of a meaningful relationship between our faith and math, where twice two is four, regardless of our faith or lack of faith, then perhaps we can open our hearts and minds to the possibility that faith can play a role in our academic lives, regardless of our discipline.

To show that faith is required for mathematics, and perhaps even that mathematics is required for faith, Dr. Howell will explore the details surrounding an essay published in 1734 by George Berkeley, Bishop of Cloyne. It bears the title “The Analyst, or a Discourse to an Infidel Mathematician.” Note: This is not a technical math talk.

Who is that infidel mathematician, what does Berkeley talk about in his essay, and how does it bear on the questions relating to faith and mathematics (and, by extension, insert your academic discipline)?

To find out, you are cordially invited to come to this Forester Lecture at 7:00 p.m. in Zurcher Auditorium.

Though difficult to articulate when we are 18, this topic is incredibly relevant, because it lies at the heart of many student decisions to attend HU vs. one of our secular counterparts. Also…spiritual life credit.