Relationship between faith and science
Theologist and religious philosopher Gijsbert van den Brink (1963) undertakes research into the relationship between faith and science. Leaving behind the so-called conflict model, he analyses how it is possible to reconcile classical belief systems with modern scientific research methods and findings, and how theology can contribute to that reconciliation. By doing so, he helps students and others to develop a constructive relationship between faith and scientific engagement, so that they do not have to choose between the two. Van den Brink is currently undertaking a project called Science beyond Scientism, for which he is investigating how evolutionary theory or neo-darwinist synthesis can be explained in a non-scientistic and non-atheistic manner, by drawing on the principles of Christian theological categorization.
Gijsbert van den Brink was appointed URC professor from 1 January 2015.