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The relationship between the study of biological evolution and the Christian worldview in junior college students in Singapore
Author
Yang, Xiangyu
Supervisor
Tang, Kok Sing
Abstract
This research study seeks to explore the relationship between the study of biological evolution and the Christianity worldview among 17-18 year old junior college students in Singapore. It focuses on finding out the views of students with regard to the study of biological evolution in light of their own personal Christianity worldview as well as how they go about navigating this relationship.
The study utilized a case study research methodology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with each of the four participants to elicit their responses with regard to how they viewed the relationship between evolution and their religion. Three theoretical underpinnings were used in the interpretation of the findings of this research study, namely, border crossing, collateral learning and situated cognition. These three lenses provided a comprehensive view to how each of the students navigated between the study of evolution and their own religious worldview.
The findings show that all four of the participants exhibit multiple resolution mechanisms in trying to negotiate the relationship between the study of biological evolution and their personal Christianity worldviews. Attempts are made to fit the study of biological evolution into the Christianity worldview such that both are able to co-exist. Resolution mechanism in the form of compartmentalizing both the Christianity worldview and the study of biological evolution is also displayed. The implications for the teaching and learning of biological evolution as well as for further research in the field of science and religion are discussed.
The study utilized a case study research methodology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with each of the four participants to elicit their responses with regard to how they viewed the relationship between evolution and their religion. Three theoretical underpinnings were used in the interpretation of the findings of this research study, namely, border crossing, collateral learning and situated cognition. These three lenses provided a comprehensive view to how each of the students navigated between the study of evolution and their own religious worldview.
The findings show that all four of the participants exhibit multiple resolution mechanisms in trying to negotiate the relationship between the study of biological evolution and their personal Christianity worldviews. Attempts are made to fit the study of biological evolution into the Christianity worldview such that both are able to co-exist. Resolution mechanism in the form of compartmentalizing both the Christianity worldview and the study of biological evolution is also displayed. The implications for the teaching and learning of biological evolution as well as for further research in the field of science and religion are discussed.
Date Issued
2016
Call Number
QH362 Yan
Date Submitted
2016