Funmi Ogundare
A total of 1,600 participants from 22 countries in Africa recently converged on Babcock University Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, for the maiden edition of the international conference on Faith and Science, which aims to interrogate perspectives and consider how best to promote a harmonious understanding between faith and science to enrich the understanding of the world.
The 10-day conference, which kicked off on July 5, brings together eminent scholars, adept theologians, notable scientists and outstanding faith leaders to explore the intersections of faith and science. It is expected to climax on July 15.
Sponsored by the General Conference, and the West Africa Division of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, the programme focuses on exploring the relationship between science and faith and the profound questions of existence and purpose that have puzzled great minds throughout history.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ademola Tayo, called on participants to re-affirm their faith in God as his message is shared worldwide.
“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 is 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 offered participants the opportunity to delve into the intersection between faith and science.
He said that from inception, faith and science have been seen as contradictions, but that the Adventists believe that there is harmony between the two spheres.
He thanked the Ilishan community for supporting Babcock University and appealed to institutions to continue offering higher-quality education to all and sundry.
Chairman of Ikenne local council, Ogunleye, also noted that faith and science were important to our daily lives as both could co-exist without contradiction.
Oba of Ilishan, Michael Sonuga, thanked the organisers for choosing his domain as the venue for the conference and wished them well during their stay in Babcock.
