Science and religion in Bath talk

Pagan worshippers often gather at Stonehenge to celebrate Winter Equinox

Science and religion are on the agenda in Bath this month, at the next meeting of the Bath Science Cafe.

Yvonne Aburrow, a web developer at Bath Spa University, will use research from her degree to explore how Pagans see their views as compatible with science.

She will look at different theoretical models of the relationship between religion and science in general, and Pagan views of science in particular.

The talk will be held on 9 November at The Raven pub, Queen Street.

Yvonne said: "My research questioned over 250 Pagans from around the world about their scientific and religious beliefs - the results were very interesting.

"Richard Dawkins, author of the best-selling book The God Delusion, claims that most educated people are atheists but many of the people in my survey were educated to a high level and many in science subjects.

"Most people to a greater or lesser degree felt that Pagan accounts of how things work are a metaphor for scientific explanations."

No tickets or reservations are required - just turn up at 7.30pm for an 8pm start - and organisers will ask for a small voluntary donation to cover travel costs for the speakers.

Yvonne completed an MA in Contemporary Religions and Spiritualities at Bath Spa University.

Paganism describes a group of contemporary religions based on a reverence for nature.

These faiths draw on the traditional religions of indigenous peoples throughout the world.