On Friday, December 4, Chattanooga State will conclude its celebration of the Year of Science 2009 by hosting a brown bag lunch presentation entitled “Indulging the Doubting Thomas:  Science and Religion in the 21st Century.”  Beginning at 12 noon, David Wollert, associate professor of biology, will lead the discussion in Room 126 of the Albright Omniplex Building, which is located on the college’s main campus at 4501 Amnicola Highway.  The public is invited to attend the event free of charge.

As a filmmaker, a scientist and an educator, Wollert is intently aware about the need to cultivate an intelligent and balanced conversation about science and religion.  “I am interested in moving beyond the stereotypical dispute between evolution and creation in order to explore the historical and philosophical foundation of the science/religion debate,” said Wollert.  He suggests that the relationship between science and religion can be viewed in one of three perspectives: opposition, separation, or engagement.  Wollert believes that science and religion can easily coexist, even complement one another, when individuals view both topics through a lens of engagement.  “I would like to open a discussion that dispels the popular perception that science and religion are mutually-exclusive, contradictory issues,” notes Wollert.  “Engagement brings an understanding to any conflict or difficulty, and the December 4 lunch discussion centers on this viewpoint.  I deeply believe that engagement could be the most intellectually stimulating and spiritually satisfying perspective from which to experience both science and religion.”

For more information about the December 4 brown bag lunch presentation, contact David Wollert, associate professor of biology, by calling 423.697.3112 or by email at david.wollert@chattanoogastate.edu.

For more information about Chattanooga State Community College and its educational programs, call the Chattanooga State information hotline at 423.697.4404 or toll free at 1.866.547.3733 or visit the college’s Web site at www.chattanoogastate.edu.

Chattanooga State Community College is a comprehensive, regionally accredited community college, operated under the policies and guidelines of the Tennessee Board of Regents College System.  Founded in 1965 and serving a six-county area in Southeast Tennessee, Chattanooga State offers a wide array of programs and services.