Yada is the Northwestern College faith and science club. The group had its first meeting on human evolution Thursday, Sept. 28 and will be meeting again on Thursday, Nov. 5. The club aims to hold consistent meetings on Thursdays and encourages students of all backgrounds to engage in thoughtful discussion about the roles faith and science play in shaping worldviews.
The club is spearheaded by NW’s science and religion professors and usually includes a presentation or discussion point brought from a professor. The meetings encourage professors and students to engage in dialogue about the way faith influences how we approach science and vice versa.
The club highlights how students can study sciences without losing their faith and shows that students should not fear scientific discovery disproving their faith but should encourage integrating their faith with what they learn. A key point to developing a worldview is learning about subjects from different viewpoints, which is something NW encourages through its liberal arts degrees.
The importance of understanding more than one area of study is showcased through the general education program at NW. Yada strives toward this goal even further as it encourages students to engage in topics they may not discuss during normal class schedules, especially students not studying sciences or biology.
Jason Lief discussed the importance of Yada and encouraged students to come to the next meeting.
“It’s a safe place to ask questions and to see professors spar with each other,” Lief said.
Lief emphasized that the club doesn’t force students to come to conclusions but encourages asking questions and facilitating meaningful discussion. Lief also said he enjoys seeing what professors have to say about certain issues and watching professors engage in scholarly debate in a respectful way. Additionally, he urged students of all majors to get involved in the club and stressed the importance of having a faith that is well informed about the world.
If you want more information about Yada, how to get involved or have any questions related to faith and science, do not hesitate to talk to any of the science or religion professors on campus. Yada will continue to meet on Thursdays and offer students the opportunity to engage in thoughtful discussion about how faith and science are linked.
