Robert John Russell

Founder and Director of the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences

	Is the Universe the Creation of God?
	Interview

Degrees

B. S., Stanford University, 1968 (physics)
M. S., University of California, Los Angeles, 1970 (physics)
B. D., Pacific School of Religion, 1972 (theology)
M. A., Pacific School of Religion, 1972 (magna cum laude)
Ph. D., University of California, Santa Cruz, 1978 (physics)

Ordination

United Church of Christ (Congregational), 1972 to ministry in higher education

Positions

Assistant Professor of Physics, Carleton College, MN. 1978-1981
Assistant Professor of Theology and Science, in Residence, Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, 1981-1986 Associate Professor of Theology and Science in Residence, GTU, 1986-1992
Professor of Theology and Science in Residence, GTU, 1992-present
Founder and Director, The Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences, Berkeley, 1981-present

Books co-edited

Physics, Philosophy and Theology: A Common Quest for Understanding
(Vatican Observatory / University of Notre Dame Press, 1988)
John Paul II on Religion and Science: The New View from Rome
(Vatican Observatory / University of Notre Dame Press, 1990)
Quantum Cosmology and the Laws of Nature: Scientific Perspectives on Divine Action
(CTNS & Vatican Observatory/UNP, 1993)
Chaos and Complexity (CTNS & Vatican Observatory/UNP, 1995)
Evolutionary and Molecular Biology: Scientific Perspectives on Divine Action
(CTNS & Vatican Observatory/UNP, 1998)
Neuroscience and the Person: Scientific Perspectives on Divine Action
(CTNS & Vatican Observatory/UNP, 1999)
Quantum Mechanics: Scientific Perspectives on Divine Action
(CTNS & Vatican Observatory/UNP, 1993)
Resurrection: Theological and Scientific Perspectives (2002)

Primary research areas

• Creation and cosmology/evolution
• Divine action and the laws of nature (quantum physics, relativity, chaos/complexity)
• Theological anthropology and human genetics/artificial intelligence
• Resurrection, eschatology and the far future of the universe
• Ecology/environmental values and human need (ecojustice)
• Christian spirituality and nature
• Philosophical elements in scientific theories.

Courses Taught

• Evolution and Christian Theology
• Introduction to Science and Religion
• Christian Theology and Contemporary Science
• Technology, Environment and Human Values
• Human Genetics, Ethics and Theology
• Quantum Mechanics and Divine Action
• Resurrection, Eschatology and Scientific Cosmology
• Science, Spirituality and theology

Member: First Congregational Church of Berkeley
Spouse: Community Minister at First Congregational Church of Berkeley
Children: Two daughters
Born Los Angeles, CA., August 23, 1946.
Hobbies: Piano, sports, astronomy.