Wertheim to discuss "Faith vs. Reason" at Bates

Australian science commentator Margaret Wertheim, author of “Beyond 2000,” a book based on the acclaimed Discovery Channel series, will discuss “Faith vs. Reason” at Bates College March 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Edmund S. Muskie Archives. Wertheim’s talk, on the support science and religion can lend one another, is part of the Religion, Science and Public Policy Lecture Series at Bates. The public is invited to attend without charge.

Wertheim received a Templeton Science and Religion Book Award for “Pythagoras’ Trousers,” which traces the history of the relationship between physics, religion and women. She also wrote “The Pearly Gates of Cyberspace,” which explores the religious connotations of cyberspace, and “Faith and Reason,” a one-hour PBS documentary that includes exclusive coverage of a recent Vatican conference on evolution.

Trained as a scientist with degrees in physics, mathematics and computer science, Wertheim has worked for 15 years as a science writer and commentator dedicated to making science accessible to the general public. Her articles have appeared in “New Scientist,” “Omni,” “Australian Geographic,” “Vogue” and “Glamour.”

Next in the Religion, Science and Public Policy Lecture Series at Bates will be Robert Russell, University of California, Berkeley, Center for Theology and Science, on “Science and the Spiritual Quest” March 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Edmund S. Muskie Archives.