The 2007 J. K. Russell Fellowship in Religion and Science with Celia Deane- Drummond, University of Chester, March 24-31, 2007
Saturday, March 31, 2007, 9:00am-4:30pm
The J. K. Russell Fellowship Research Conference, "The Evolution of Sin and the Redemption of Nature"
Location: Pacific School of Religion, Mudd 103
Drawing on animal ethographic studies, this lecture considers the possibility of a form of morality existing in animals and its relationship with human morality. Given this capacity, I argue that first we need to reflect more carefully on human sin and evil in evolutionary terms. Second, I question the adequacy of the traditional divide between ‘moral’ and ‘natural evil’ as well as consider the possibility of ‘anthropogenic’ evil. Third, I suggest that a theological response to non-human morality should include discussion of the atonement, but traditional categories prove inadequate. Fourth, drawing on Sergii Bulgakov, I explore the symbol of shadow sophia as representing a multivocal theodicy that is potentially capable of holding together a tapestry of different dimensions of evil. Finally, I discuss the redemption of nature in the light of the foregoing discussion.