Science & Faith: “Does Science Disprove God?” Lecture Series
Background:
Universities are often touted as places of learning and intellectual freedom, but it is a rare day when a new student steps onto a campus to be greeted with the full spectrum of education available. Science classes teach materialism as if it were set in stone, philosophy classes chip away at moral values; religion is said to be irreconcilable with reason. With all of this “evidence” produced by atheistic and agnostic scientists against religion, how is it that any rational person believes in the supernatural? The answer is that there is just as much, if not more, evidence for what is presented in the Bible, it simply isn’t taught. The fact that scientists at the top of their respective academic fields are willing to speak around the world on the topic is a testament to that fact.
Proposal:
The Texas A&M chapter of Ratio Christi proposes to help present other evidence. We have invited four well known and respected scholars to come speak on topics related to the interplay between science and faith. In order to make this dream a reality, however, we have to raise approximately $7000 for room reservations, advertising, and speaker fees. We need help from the Christian community to achieve this goal: We are asking for donations from anyone who would like to help make our vision a reality. Please look for the "Adopt a College" on the main Ratio Christi TAMU page (which you have most likely viewed just prior to this one).
We also desperately need your prayers -- as you can imagine, this type of message is often opposed. Please pray for wisdom for our speakers, protection and empowerment of our students, and that our message will be heard by those who need it.
Please spread the word to everyone you know.
Speakers:
Dr. Michael Keas
Tuesday, Oct. 2
Professor, History of Science & Philosophy, College at Southwestern
"Science & Christianity: Friends or Foes? Weighing the Historical Evidence"
Have science and faith been traditional enemies, or are they compatible? Dr. Keas will show that not only do science and faith not have anything to fear from each other, but also they have been traditional help mates. Dr. Keas is a Senior Fellow at the Discovery Institute and his work has influenced classroom curricula across the country. He thinks that students deserve to hear both the arguments for and against Darwinism, rather than the selective presentation advocated by the Darwin-only lobby. Now serving as professor of the history and philosophy of science at the College at Southwestern, Keas has also acted as professor of history and philosophy of science at Biola University and associate professor of natural science at Oklahoma Baptist University. Keas has supervised (as co-director) the inception and implementation of the “Planetarium Cosmology and Cultures Curriculum Project” at Oklahoma Baptist University since 1997.
Dr. Richard Gunasekera
Wednesday, Oct. 17
Director of Graduate Biology Studies, University of Houston-Victoria
“A Biblical and Genomic Perspective on the Single Origin of Man”
Is it possilbe that modern research in biology can point to a single origin of mankind? Dr. Gunasekera’s teaching experience includes professorships within the Texas A&M, Trinity International, and University of Houston systems. He currently holds the position of Director of Graduate Biology Studies at the University of Houston-Victoria. Dr. Gunasekera’s research focuses on Phytochemical BioActive Molecules (PBAMS), which may yield outstanding breakthroughs in the prevention and treatment of cancer and related disease. He has presented a number of scientific publications and public lectures, and has received several awards, including a first place in oral presentation at the American Chemical Society: DFW.
Dr. Robert Marks
Tuesday, Nov. 6
Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Baylor University
“God Ever Geometrizes”
Dr. Marks will show that we can find God in mathematics. Robert Jackson Marks II is a Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Baylor University and proponent of intelligent design. From 1977 to 2003, he was on the faculty of the University of Washington in Seattle. Marks has over 300 peer-reviewed technical publications, and is a fellow of the IEEE and the Optical Society of America. Marks’ presentations, “What Does Calculus Have to Do with Christianity?” and “Genesis and Science: Compatibility Extraordinaire”, have gained increasing attention as he travels across the globe to share them with international audiences.
Dr. Walter Bradley
Monday, Nov. 19
Professor Emeritus, Baylor University
“Is There Scientific Evidence for God?”
Walter Bradley is a retired professor of engineering, lecturer, old Earth creationist and advocate of intelligent design. He is a professor emeritus at Baylor University and Texas A&M. He was the head of the Texas A&M University department of mechanical engineering before leaving to be the dean of engineering at Baylor. Bradley is on the selection committee for the Trotter Prize, which rewards work on science and faith. A pioneer of intelligent design, he is the co-author of The Mystery of Life's Origin: Reassessing Current Theories.
All speakers will be on the Texas A&M campus, in Rudder Theater, in Rudder Tower. All events are free and open to the public, and will be from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Our speakers and students need your prayers, and our group needs your financial support. Will you agree to help us this way?
