The Word on Fire Institute is offering a new class titled "Science and Religion in Modern Astronomy," led by Harvard University professor Karin Öberg.

“Friends, I’m pleased to present the latest course from the Word on Fire Institute, 'Science and Religion in Modern Astronomy' by Dr. Karin Öberg, who recently delivered a keynote at the Wonder Conference,” Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester tweeted this week.

The course aims to address the divide between science and religion, the Word on Fire Institute's website said. In the course, the results of modern cosmology are examined from a Christian perspective to show that there is a compatibility. Over four lessons, course participants are given an in-depth yet religious explanation of the existence of the universe. Subjects covered include the origin of the planets, the extent of the universe and the probability of extraterrestrial life.

As a professor of astronomy at Harvard University and a member of the board of the Society of Catholic Scientists, Öberg brings a unique perspective to the field. Her area of expertise is astrochemistry, and she is particularly interested in studying how chemical reactions influence planet formation and, in particular, the potential habitability of newer planets, the Institute's website said.

The four lessons included in the course are: Creation in an Evolving Universe, Our Place in the Universe, Life in the Universe (Part 1) and Life in the Universe (Part 2); the website said.

People who are interested in the course can sign up at the Institute’s website.