A Quaker astronomer reflects: Can a scientist also be religious?: Backhouse Lecture 2013

A Quaker astronomer reflects asks the questions: Can a scientist also be religious? How, and with what limitations?

World renowned astronomer and Quaker Jocelyn Bell Burnell reflects on the big issues confronting scientists who also have a strong spiritual belief system. How can the principles of science be reconciled with the faith required by religion? Does scientific investigation call into question the givens of religion? While specific to her Quaker beliefs, Burnell’s reflections apply to many other religions as well. This is the 2013 James Backhouse Lecture Series, sponsored by the Society of Friends (Quakers) in Australia.

Jocelyn Bell Burnell is a professional astronomer and a Quaker from Britain Yearly Meeting. In the UK she has been President of the Royal Astronomical Society, President of the Institute of Physics and Clerk of Britain Yearly Meeting, and continues to do a lot of committee work for both communities. She has received many scientific prizes, and is much in demand as a speaker and broadcaster.