Faith in Science? Faith in Art?
To coincide with the Oxford University Intercollegiate Christian Union (OICCU) Mission week, we collaborated with postgraduates from St Ebbes and St Aldates Churches to run two postgraduate outreach events during 4th week. These were: Faith in Science? a panel event with five Christian academics working in the sciences held at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, followed by a drinks reception; and Faith in Art? held at the Ashmolean Museum including a drinks reception, a private view of the 'Imagining the Divine' exhibition, and a panel discussion with three Christian academics. These were attended by around 100 people each with a good proportion of non-Christian postgrads among them.
We felt that both events were excellent examples of the way the Pastorate can utilise its unique position between the University and the Church; bringing the Gospel to bear on the activities of these culturally and academically important institutions. These institutions are impressive places: storehouses of many worldly treasures and great learning – what fitting venues therefore in which to invite people to explore where they will find ‘…the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge’ (Colossians 2: 2-3) We were encouraged to hear that the events promoted fruitful conversations between Christian students and their friends.
Both events were co-sponsored by the Veritas Forum.