A University Extension promoting dialogue between Science and Faith

Abstract

The moving extension reported here introduces the experiences of the FÉCIÊ Extension Project, which has been taking place for four years at the Federal University of Mato Grosso – Brazil. It aims at promoting dialogue between Science and Christian Faith, from the academic scope. Since its beginning, the project has articulated the extension with the demands of society, aiming at the academic, scientific, and cultural development of the State. Based on interdisciplinarity and scientific dissemination, the actions involve Science and Religious Faith, bringing them together with  many fields of knowledge to highlight and question (in an epistemic and rigorous way) the idea of ​​conflict between these fields, even if this is more common, only in the popular imagination found in Latin America. Based on a qualitative methodology, which privileges bibliographic survey, with subsequent actions of study, debate and text production, this extension develops from continuous procedural actions, with face-to-face and virtual meetings between participants and topic area specialists. This extension implies the set up of conversation circles, seminars, journeys, lectures and the production of written material in the form of summaries and reviews. Participants include undergraduate Basic Education students, postgraduate ones and professors, as well as others interested or just curious about the subject. Dialogical interaction between the academy and society is established, as room for dialogue is made. The exchange of knowledge and meaningful participation allows fruitful and virtuous contact between Science and  Christian Religion standpoints.