AIOCS Conversations: Luke Barnes

A discussion with Dr Luke Barnes, Lecturer in astronomy and cosmology at Western Sydney University.

Being awarded a PhD from the University of Cambridge, Luke Barnes has published papers in the field of galaxy formation and on the fine-tuning of the Universe for life. In recent years, he coauthored two books with Professor Geraint Lewis, The Cosmic Revolutionary’s Handbook: (Or: How to Beat the Big Bang) (2020) and A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos (2016).

He also is an excellent science communicator, tirelessly explaining the mysteries of the cosmos to broad audiences. He offered a lengthy interview for the celebrated Closer to Truth series. Readers might like to visit his YouTube channel, maintained together with Geraint Lewis, Alas Lewis and Barnes, where they can find solid scientific information presented in accessible ways.

The conversation focused on the possibility of bridging faith convictions, in this case the Christian faith, and rigorous science. From Luke’s own journey as a believing scientist, the discussion moved to issues of perception in terms of faith and science, especially in regard to people who cannot see how these can be reconciled, and people convinced that they can be.

The conversation has addressed a range of faith and science topics. It began by discussing Luke’s own double trajectory, as a professional scientist and a believer. Contrary to the widespread view that faith and science are irreconcilable, Luke embodies the contrary: he is a believing scientist, like many others, as he assures us. And while believers have no reason to distrust science, they should also not rush to mix faith and science together without regard for the epistemological boundaries of the two views of reality.

As a matter of fact, the two views of things operate in radically different manners. But instead of rushing to endorse the conflict paradigm, we should rather seek ways of thinking that determine where the competence of faith and where the competence of science lies. For these competences do not overlap.

A fascinating grasp of things from the viewpoint of one who straddles the two worlds with amazing grace!

Here is the video recording of this conversation:

by Doru Costache

25 February 2022 © AIOCS

The whole AIOCS Conversations series

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