Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
No fewer than 1,600 participants drawn from 22 countries in Africa have converged on Babcock University campus, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State for the first international conference on Faith and Science.
The conference runs from July 5th and 15th, and it brings together eminent scholars, adept theologians, notable scientists and outstanding faith leaders to explore the intersections of faith and science.
The objective of the conference is to interrogate perspectives and consider how best to promote a harmonious understanding between faith and science so as to enrich the understanding of the world.
The conference focuses on exploring the relationship between science and faith, as well as the profound questions of existence and purpose that have puzzled great minds throughout history.
The event is being sponsored by the General Conference, and West Africa Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
President/Vice Chancellor, Professor Ademola Tayo called on participants to re-affirm their faith in God as his message is being shared around the world.
“With the increase in knowledge, technology, economy and research on learning, there was a need to re-examine and re-affirm our faith in God as we share the message to others at the same time”, he said.
According to him, if there was any time in the history of the world to reignite our faith in the author of revelation and nature, it was now.
The West Central Africa Division (WAD) President, Pastor Robert Osei-Bonso, represented by the Executive Secretary, Pastor Selmon Sessou, urged the participants to engage in thoughtful conversations that bridge the gap between faith and science.
He noted that our faith in God would continue to play a big role in improving our education, adding that the conference marked a milestone as it offers participants opportunity to delve into the intersection between faith and science.
He said though from inception, faith and science have been seen as contradiction, but that the Adventists, however, believe that there is harmony between the two spheres.
He thanked the Ilisan community for their support to Babcock University and pleaded with the University to continue to offer higher quality education to all and sundry.
Chairman of Ikenne Local Government, Mr. Ogunleye also noted that faith and science were important to our daily lives as both could co-exist without any contradiction.
According to him, the conference would help to broaden knowledge about the intersection between faith and science. He said the council would continue to give total support that would aid institutional development.
The Olofin of Ilisan, Oba Michael Sonuga thanked the organisers for choosing his domain as the venue for the conference and wished them well during their stay in Babcock.
The 10-day International conference will end on Friday.