Andrews Autumn Conference on Religion & Science

Highlighting archaeology, Friday-Saturday, Nov. 12-13, 2021

The 15th annual Andrews Autumn Conference on Religion & Science will take place in the Price Hall Biology Amphitheater on Friday, Nov. 12, and Saturday, Nov. 13. The conference is a function of Andrews University and the Midwest Religion and Science Society (MRSS), an organization that represents a variety of faith backgrounds. 

The conference is sponsored by the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, the Institute of Archaeology and Siegfried H. Horn Museum, the Theological Center for Interdisciplinary Dialogue, and the Office of Research & Creative Scholarship. 

This year’s theme, “The Andrews Way of Doing Archaeology,” is inspired by Siegfried H. Horn’s excavations in Hisban, Jordan, in 1968. Horn later founded the Horn Archaeological Museum, which now houses one of the largest cuneiform collections in the United States. The guidelines under which he worked have been established as the “Andrews Way” of doing archaeology. These guidelines, which are also applicable to pursuing biblical understanding, include being forthright with findings, not making claims beyond what data can support, being quick and complete in publishing results, engaging and working within mainstream scholarship, including a diverse group of people and specialists and taking the history of the Bible seriously while not viewing archaeology as the sole way to “prove” the Bible. 

Over the weekend, several speakers will deliver presentations. On Friday evening, Nov. 12, Øystein LaBianca, senior research professor of anthropology, will deliver a plenary presentation, titled “‘Cast Your Nets on the Other Side’: Reflections on Faith, Science and the Andrews Way.” 

On Saturday morning, Nov. 13, following breakfast, devotional and welcome, Randy Younker, professor of archaeology at Andrews University and director of the Institute of Archaeology, will give a plenary presentation. After a break and refreshments, Darrell Rohl, assistant professor of history and director of the archaeology program at Calvin College, will give a presentation titled “Archaeology and Christian Faith: Comparing Adventist and Reformed Perspectives.” Next, Christopher Jenkins, doctoral student at Yale University, will deliver the third presentation. Carina Prestes, doctoral student at Andrews University, will give the final presentation, titled “Archaeology, Women, and Early Christianity.” 

In the afternoon, after lunch at the Terrace Café, two panel discussions will be held. The second will provide the audience with an opportunity to ask questions. The Seminary Chorus will perform for the closing worship service. After worship, the Horn Museum will have an open house event, followed by supper at the Siegfried H. Horn Museum. 

Breakfast and supper will be provided for all participants. Please contact research@andrews.edu for lunch or accommodation reservations. 

For a full schedule of events, please visit the Office of Research & Creative Scholarship at andrews.edu/services/research/research_events/conferences/andrews_autumn_conference.