The World Affairs Forum at Seton Hill University held an afternoon tea on March 23, 2010. Students and faculty gathered in the Parlors of the Administration Building to discuss religion and science.

Steven Basset, Ph.D., associate professor of biology at Seton Hill, began the tea by playing an acoustic guitar and singing a song titled “Small Things.”

“God is so great that he fills the universe with the small things,” said Bassett.

After the song Basset shared his views on the subject of religion and science.

“There is a super intellect beyond the universe. Our concept of God is formed by our life experiences,” said Bassett.

During the tea, topics such as the Big Bang theory, evolution and the fine tuned universe were discussed. The attendees were very engaged in the conversation and shared some of their personal beliefs and views on the topic.

Kimberley Cook, coordinator of Disability Services and Prevention Specialist, said, “I feel that religion and science both fill a human need and that is the need for answers.”

Frank Klapak Ph.D., professor of communication, closed the discussion by urging students and staff to become more open minded toward science and religion.

“Many Christians today feel that believing in evolution means that they’re turning their back on God while many scientists feel that believing in God means they’re turning their back on science,” said Klapak. “I feel it’s time to start searching for ways that the two relate.”