“Why Christianity is Good for Science” with Ted Davis

Name: “Why Christianity is Good for Science” with Ted Davis
Start: 2026-02-19T12:00:00-06:00
Location: NDSU Memorial Union

Schedule

Thu, 19 Feb, 2026 at 12:00 pm

UTC-06:00

Location

NDSU Memorial Union | Fargo, ND

Northern Plains Ethics Institute Announces February Noon Luncheon Featuring Historian of Science Ted Davis.
Fargo, N.D. — The Northern Plains Ethics Institute (NPEI) at North Dakota State University announces its upcoming Noon Luncheon event on Thursday, February 19, 2026, featuring distinguished historian of science Edward B. (“Ted”) Davis. His presentation, titled “Why Christianity is Good for Science,” examines the relationship between Christian thought and scientific inquiry.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Time: Noon – 1:00pm
Speaker: Ted Davis
Topic: “Why Christianity is Good for Science”
Location: NDSU Memorial Union’s Prairie Rose or via Zoom.
Zoom link:
https://ndsu.zoom.us/j/97579815780?pwd=WqbtbfXPVuIwvTR5EA0UjOFpN8eWb1.1
Zoom meeting information:
Meeting ID: 975 7981 5780
Passcode: 105179
TALK OVERVIEW
A vocal group of contemporary scientists and commentators—often labeled “New Atheists”—portray science and Christianity as fundamentally opposed. In this talk, Davis challenges that assumption. Drawing on the history and philosophy of science, he argues that Christian theological ideas, particularly the doctrine of creation, historically supported scientific curiosity and provided motivation for investigating nature.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Edward B. (“Ted”) Davis is Professor Emeritus of the History of Science at Messiah University, Affiliate Fellow in the Department of the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine at the University of Oklahoma, and a Fellow of the International Society for Science & Religion. He studied physics at Drexel University before completing a Ph.D. in the history and philosophy of science at Indiana University.
Davis taught courses on the history of science from Plato to Newton, Darwin and evolution, Galileo, the human dimensions of science, and the origins controversy in America. His lectures on “The Scientific Revolution: Its Classical and Christian History” are available from ClassicalU. His research has appeared on BBC Radio, and he has advised exhibits at the National Museum of American History and the Museum of the Bible.
His latest book, Protestant Modernist Pamphlets: Science and Religion in the Scopes Era, was published in 2024 by Johns Hopkins University Press. Davis has lectured internationally, speaking at nearly one hundred institutions on five continents.
ABOUT THE NORTHERN PLAINS ETHICS INSTITUTE
The Northern Plains Ethics Institute at NDSU promotes democratic engagement and public dialogue on ethical issues affecting the Northern Plains and beyond. Through public programming, lectures, and community partnerships, NPEI fosters thoughtful discussion across disciplines and perspectives.
MEDIA CONTACT
Dennis R. Cooley
Director, Northern Plains Ethics Institute
[email protected]