World-renowned theologian the Rev Dr Alister McGrath will be speaking in Bermuda at a public forum sponsored by the Anglican Church on the subject “Faith in a Scientific Age”.

The forum, which takes place at 2pm on Saturday (November 2) in St Paul’s Christian Education Centre in Paget, will look at recent discussions about whether faith makes sense in an age of science, including those with the atheist scientist Richard Dawkins.

Questions to be addressed in Professor McGrath’s talk include “What is faith?”, “Can we prove God exists?”, “Are science and religion locked in mortal combat?”, “What does science say to faith? And faith to science?”

Originally a scientist, Professor McGrath is Professor of Theology, Ministry and Education at King’s College London and head of the Centre for Theology, Religion and Culture. He is a leading authority in the relation of science and religion.

Anglican Bishop the Rt Rev Nick Dill said, “I am personally very excited to be able to welcome Alister McGrath back to Bermuda.

“Dr McGrath was the principal of my theological college and brought a tremendous academic vigour to the college, but he has an amazing ability to communicate at a level that everyone can understand.

“He is a humble man, but you know that what he says is backed up by research, deep thought and prayer.”

Alister McGrath has spoken in Bermuda on one occasion previously.

The forum, which will include time for questions and answers, is free and open to all.

However, owing to limited space, tickets are required and may be obtained from all the Anglican churches on the Island, as well as the Diocesan Office in the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity.

Enquirers may contact the Diocesan Office by e-mailing diocese@anglican.bm.

Professor McGrath will also give the first in the Canon Thomas and Winfred Nisbett Lectures in Biblical Studies series on Saturday morning at 10am, entitled “Engaging with the World”.

The aims of the Nisbett Lectures are to foster theological understanding and debate in the Diocese; to provide a forum for learning in Christian Biblical theology; to promote growth in faith and enable the members of the Anglican Church of Bermuda to engage with and address the issues of the day from a mature Biblical perspective; and to encourage and develop the outreach of the Church in evangelism and mission.

The Nisbett Lectures were inaugurated by the Bishop of London the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Richard Chartres last year and were created to honour the legacy of Canon Thomas and Winifred Nisbett, long-standing and much loved pioneers in shaping the Anglican Church of Bermuda in the modern era.

At 3pm on Sunday, Professor McGrath will present a lecture entitled “CS Lewis and the Life of Faith” in the Cathedral hall.

Professor McGrath is one of the world’s experts on CS Lewis, who spent much of his life as an atheist, and the lecture will look at the writer’s life and work, especially at his famous Chronicles of Narnia novels.