Science and Jesus (8): The Great Confusion!

‘Irrational, infantile, idiotic and primitive’; this is how the New Atheists have described the Christian belief system. Man like Dawkins and Sam Harris claim that ‘following an ancient book called the bible is absolutely irrational’. Harris goes as far as to say that anybody espousing a faith in a irrational God should be murdered (see Why God won’t go away for more).

The massive stumbling block for the New Atheists like Richard Dawkins is the interpretation of Genesis 1. If God created the world 6 000 years ago, in six days like Genesis 1 appears to do, then how could anyone trust this document. The major problem with this view, in my humble opinion is that Genesis 1 is not articulating the mechanism and the fine details of the process by which God created the universe, as I have explained in Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 of this series, but rather, that one all powerful and eternal being named God, created the world with a purpose and for relationship.

A huge problem arises when we try to make the bible say something that it is not. It creates great problems, which in the case of Genesis 1 and creation, leads to mistrust that is unwarranted. This is what leading Christian preacher, Phillip Jensen has to say about Genesis 1, creation and evolution:

This leads me to another issue, most people who discredit and scorn at the bible have never actually read it for themselves. I experienced this when chatting to a friend, who espouses an Atheistic worldview. He made a heap of claims that weren’t even true, like the bible clearly says that the world is 6 000 years old. “Okay”, I said to him, “where in the bible does it say this”? The answer is absolutely no where. My friend was going off inaccurate second hand information. So I say to you now, below is a link to Genesis chapter 1 to chapter 3:

These are the first three chapters of the Christian bible.
Genesis 1 – 3 (ESV)

I hope this helps answer a few of your questions pertaining to a faith in Jesus and science. I will continue with a few more post on Jesus and Science, then move onto Jesus and History. Stay posted and check out for yourself the real Jesus.

Resource Review: Why God won’t go Away – Engaging with the New Atheism

To order this product:
Click Here

I recently purchased a bundle of books from Koorong Book Store. One of those books is Alister McGrath’s new book ‘Why God won’t go Away’. I must confess that this book is actually rather difficult to put down. I recommend this book to anyone who has question regarding faith and science, Atheism vs Christianity and rationality vs irrationality. I love this book and so will you.

The recent rise of the New Atheism has aroused great general interest, thrown up questions of fundamental importance, and started a fascinating conversation. Why God Won't Go Away invites us to join in.

The volume opens with a survey of the main ideas of the New Atheism, as expressed in the works of Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens. We then examine the core views of the movement closely, making due reference to its 'virtual community' of websites and blogs. Subjects explored include:
• whether religion is delusional and evil
• the belief that human beings are fundamentally good
• whether we should have faith only in what can be proved through reason and science
• the idea that the best hope for humanity is a 'New Enlightenment'

The result is a lively and highly thought-provoking volume that poses a number of interesting questions.

Why is religion experiencing a resurgence in the twenty-first century, when we are meant to have grown out of such a primitive fixation?

Has the New Atheism's fascination with rationality led to a fatal underestimation of the longing of the human heart to adore?

And if, as Christopher Hitchens writes in exasperation, religion is 'ineradicable', doesn't this tiresome fact suggest that dismissing belief in God as irrational and unscientific might just be a waste of time?

Paperback, 128 pages
Price: Approx. $14.95 (Koorong)
Price: Approx. $8.95 (Amazon)

Science and Jesus (7): Is the Darwinian Axe at the Throat of Christianity?

Science and a faith in Jesus, according to the New Atheists, are absolutely incompatible. This is the bell that Professor’s Richard Dawkins and Daniel Dennett are slamming. The New Atheists, armed with a version of Darwinian Theory, aim at dismantling and destroying humanities belief in any sort of god!

Over the last six posts, I have endeavoured to demonstrate that the claims of the New Atheists are not only false, but the ways in which these men argue their case is misleading and unfaithful. Additionally, the evidence provided in the past six posts (see Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 and Part 6) has articulated the strong compatibility of Science and a faith in Jesus.

Today, after a great deal of research, I will strive to tackle the issue of “Evolution”. I will confess that I am by no means an expert on this matter, both scientifically and theologically. However, I do believe that I have a fairly good grasp on both, enough to write an article on the matter (please correct me in the comment section if you feel I am incorrect in any way). Additionally, I will state, at the time of publishing, that I have not placed my foot in the Creationist, Intelligent Design or BioLogos camp (I will define these terms in this article). I guess, you could call this article an informal discussion.

Evolution by natural selection

Evolution by means of natural selection is a theory developed by the late Charles Darwin. It was and is considered a major breakthrough in the field of biology, due to the theories ability at defining the reasons for the rich diversity of life found on earth. This theory has been received with a mix reception. For most atheists see this theory as an end to the belief in God. Alternatively, some Christians see this theory as an attack on the teachings of the scriptures. However, not all Christians feel this way as some Christians subscribe to Darwinian Theory (see Part 1, Part 2 and Part 4).

For the sake of this argument, I will break evolution into two categories, microevolution and macroevolution. It has been proven that life on earth is evolving but to what extent. Basically all life has the ability to adapt to its environment. This is called microevolution. Additionally, the principles of microevolution are then applied to what’s called macroevolution, which is the understanding that over long periods of time, life can adapt and evolve into a new species (speciation). According to most leading Christian Scientists, there is an overwhelming amount of evidence for macroevolution.

Life, according to this theory began a couple of billions of years ago. It appeared as one replicating cell, which over a great deal of time, evolved into different forms of life. According to the biology experts, humans are related to modern day Chimpanzees, as we share a common ancestor with them, which is the result of thousands of years of evolution.

What about how the bible describes Creation in Genesis?

The first thing we need to ask ourselves when reading Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 is what are the main point / s of this text? Is this text detailing the mechanisms, processes and duration by which God created the world or is it addressing other issues? According to Longman and Dillard (2006), the text is not at all concerned with the process of creation, but rather, it is describing how God is the sole cause behind the creation of the universe and humankind. Additionally, they argue that Genesis 1 and 2 demonstrates how humanity is dependent on God and how God created everything from nothing, which the theologians term creation ex nihilo.

Both Longman and Dillard (2006) and Dickson (see Part 4) emphasis how we must read Genesis 1 and 2 in its historical context and further analysis of this will reveal the apologetic nature of the text (for more on Genesis’ interaction with Enuma Elish, see Part 4). This view is echoed by a great many Christian theologians!

How do Christians believe God created the life?

There are currently three schools of thought amongst Christians today about creation. These are the Creationists, Intelligent Designers and BioLogists. Simply put:

• Creationists view Genesis 1 as detailing the order, processes and duration God used to create the world. Some creationists would insist on a young earth theory, generally ranging between 6 000 to 10 000 years old (see Answers in Genesis for more).

• Intelligent Designers (not limited to Christianity) holds that certain features of the universe and of living things are best explained by an intelligent cause, not an undirected process such as natural selection (see Explaining the Science behind Intelligent Design for more).

• BioLogos, also known as Theistic Evolution (not limited to Christianity), holds that God used Evolution by natural selection as the mechanism to create life on earth. BioLogists will insist that natural selection is not unguided, but that God was behind this process (see The BioLogos Forum for more).

There seems at times, to me at least, to be a slight overlap between Intelligent Design and BioLogos. Check out the links for more information as these descriptions are very brief and simple.

What’s the verdict?

I think in light of the evidence, Evolution by natural selection does not pose a threat to Christianity or the Doctrine of Creation, as the New Atheists would put it. Scientists like Francis Collins and Alister McGrath, both BioLogists, are emphatic in pointing out that through this science, we can see the hand of God. Either way, God is sovereign over the world, his word will last forever and science will continue to show humanity the processes and mechanisms by which God achieved his creative works (Isaiah 40:8; Romans 1:19-21).

The absolute lynch pin for me and many others is the resurrection of Jesus. Professor Simon Conway Morris, a Christian, a Palaeontologist and a BioLogist, explains how his faith rests in the resurrection of his Lord Jesus (see Real Scientist Real Faith). The evidence pointing towards the resurrection is overwhelming and those who dare point to the contrary are left short.

Jesus, who is God the Son, came and lived a sinless life and died a sinner’s death on a Roman cross. He did this to offer those who put their trust in him, new and eternal life (John 3:16-17; Ephesians 2:8-10). I encourage you to not believe everything you hear but to investigate for yourself the truth. The evidence pointing to Jesus as the eternal God, resurrected Messiah and King of the Universe is overwhelming. As Jesus said, search and you will find (Luke 11:9).

Science and Jesus (6): The Infantile Brainwashed Christians

Have you ever heard the comment ‘Westernised people follow Christianity; Middle Eastern people follow Islam or Judaism and Easternised people follow Buddhism or Hinduism’? Ex-Oxford Professor Richard Dawkins attributes a belief in god to upbringing and culture, and after a careful examination of the scientific evidence, any rational person will ‘leave the infantile and primitive beliefs of a creator god’. What do you think about this claim?

Brainwashed or something more amazing?

Oxford Ph.D, Dr. Olivera Petrovich is a researcher in Psychology, who recently completed a study on children and the relation of Psychology and a belief in god. Dr. Petrovich travelled to Japan, which is a culture that frowns upon the belief in a creator god, to engage in this study. Remarkably, she found that children who were not taught about a creator god actually held the view that the world had been created by god, which is in absolute opposition to the spiritual beliefs of the culture.

Science in partnership with the Bible?

The Apostle Paul states in his letter to the Romans (a book in the Bible) that every human has a conceptual belief in God, which is evidenced through the creation i.e. the Universe (Romans 1:19-20), which is totally consistent with Dr Petrovich’s research findings. Hold on a minute, then, why do we have atheists and even more profoundly, why do we have people who believe in different gods? Why don’t we all believe in the same god?

In Romans, the Apostle Paul adds that even though we have this inherent notion of God built into us, we have a sin condition (we are born not knowing or understanding the one true God because of our rebellion) and therefore either suppress the truth about God and / or follow false gods or simply hold a view that a god does not exist (Romans 1:21-23; Romans 3:11-12). Yes, but how can the Christians claim that they have it all right then? What about Islam or Buddhism?

God revealed himself

The bible claims that God came to earth 2000 years ago as the man Jesus of Nazareth. He lived a normal human life like you and I, except for sin, but at the same time was completely God and his mission was simply to pay for the sins of the world. Therefore those who trust in Jesus will have eternal life.

Jesus came on a mission to rescue lost rebels, not because he was bored in heaven but rather because unless God revealed himself to us, we would never find God (John 1:1-3, 14; Philippians 2:5-6; Colossians 1:15, 19-20; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 1:3; 2 Peter 1:1). So, to conclude, are you searching for life’s great answers? Do you want to know God? Look no further, for today I want to offer you an invitation to meet him in Jesus. Why not pick up God’s manifesto – the bible and get to know him for yourself. A great place to start is the Gospel of Luke.

If this has impacted you and you would like to reach me to ask a question, email vintagejc@hotmail.com  

Resource Review: The Message of Creation

I have been reading this fascinating book, which I recommend to those who are interested in the overlap of science and theology. It is a heavy book; essentially this book is a commentary thick with bible references and theological jargon. However, it is understandable if you are willing to learn. Personally, I find this book a gem, as David Wilkinson holds degrees in both theology and cosmology (study of the Universe in its totality).

With the eyes of a theologian and a cosmologist, David Wilkinson explores the message of creation in God's Word. Focusing on the beginning, the songs, the fulfilment, the lessons, and the Lord of creation, he brings the texts into lively conversation with contemporary concerns.

Paperback, 304 pages
Price: Approx. $16.95

Science and Jesus (5): All Scientists are Athiests...... Aren’t they?

I hope you have enjoyed the previous articles on Science and Jesus (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4). In today’s article, I would like to examine a notion that has been purported by prominent atheist, Professor Richard Dawkins. Professor Dawkins claims that science and faith (particularly in Jesus) are very much at polar opposites and this is reflected in the beliefs in the scientific community.

I would like to ask the question – are all prominent scientists atheists? Has science destroyed the need for a belief in a creator God, particularly a God that interacts with his creation? It has been suggested that science has advanced to a stage now that exposes the lie of a creator God. Atheists like Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens and Professor Daniel Dennett (a philosopher and cognitive scientist) have gone so far as to say that faith, in light of science, is poison to culture and the progress of humanity. They have also suggested that the only logical and rational conclusion, in light of science, is the view of an atheistic worldview – no god!

Ok, with the notion that science points to atheism, with careful examination, we must find all modern day and renowned scientists holding atheistic beliefs, right! I will, enthusiastically, point out that this is most definitely not the case. In actual fact, we find an enormous amount of scientists holding firm beliefs in Jesus as the creator and saviour of the universe. But, with Dawkins and Dennetts claims, how can this be?

The ever growing arrow

I would like to start by saying that I am no expert in science. However, I do hold an unyielding passion to exploring science and thoroughly enjoy reading scientific material and listening to scientific debates. I actually enjoy listening to and reading material from scientists like Richard Dawkins. But I would like to explore what I call “The Arrow of God” (creation points to a creator God). The Apostle Paul states:

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse (Romans 1:19-20)

Paul, in this passage is explaining that we can all see in the world signs of a creator. We see that there is order, rhythm and language in creation. We see that the world has the finger print of God in it. I have found, through reading texts by prominent scientists, that through a careful study of cosmology, astrology, physics and even biology, science is in fact pointing to a creator God, which is in stark contrast to Dawkins beliefs.

Modern science acknowledges that nothing cannot create something. For example, when we observe a car, we will notice that the car has been designed using various materials and carefully put together to work. We acknowledge that different groups of people worked together to produce a car. Similarly, when we look at our world, we will notice that we live in a vastly complex universe, which came from somewhere. Scientists continue to investigate further into this, but to be honest, the origins of the universe a firmly pointing towards a creator!

Let us return to the original argument, which is examining whether all scientists are atheist. I can list many prominent scientists who hold a faith in Jesus. These would include, Professor John Lennox, Professor Simon Conway-Morris, Professor Denis Alexander and Professor Wilson Poon, to name only a few for sake of brevity. However, I would like to focus on two well renowned Professors – Alister McGrath and Francis Collins (for more see Real Scientists Real Faith).

Professor Alister McGrath (D.Phil in Biochemistry, D. Div)

From an early age, Alister McGrath had a passion for science. He was particularly interested in observing the stars and planets through his telescope. McGrath was raised in a strict atheistic family, who strongly emphasised that a belief in God was futile thinking. As a result, McGrath was an atheist. This was confirmed as he studied science at university, where he derived the conclusion that scientists had no need for a God who creates life.

Prior to his doctoral studies at Oxford, McGrath began reading deeply in science and philosophy as a means of developing counter arguments to the inferior belief of God. It was during this time of study where he stumbled upon the argument that science has its limits, in regards to the purpose and meaning of life. This is where McGrath met the God who creates and sustains this universe.

McGrath transformed from a staunch scientific atheist into a firm Christian who loves science by a means of understanding how God’s world works. McGrath hold a doctoral degree in theology and is a prominent Christian theologian.

Dr. Francis Collins (Ph.D in Chemistry and is a qualified physician)

Francis Collins was raised in a non-Christian household. Both his parents held learning in high esteem and his father was a drama professor. Collins interest in science came from his Chemistry teaches in high school and he soon progressed to university, where he studied every chemistry, physics and mathematics course available to him.

Collins, at this point considered himself an agnostic, but soon fell in love with atheism. He keenly participated in debating people of faith, particularly Christians. After completing his Ph.D, he worked in medicine. This is where he met the full force of death and the meaning of life. This experience forced him to question the atheistic worldview he had held onto for so long.

Collins began reading many sacred texts, including the bible. Christianity appealed to him and soon he was consumed by the works of Christian Philosopher, C.S. Lewis. This is where Collins met Jesus. This changed his life. As an enthusiast in genetics, Collins served as the Director of the Human Genome Project. He holds strongly a faith in Jesus Christ. He is also the author of The Language of God.

Conclusion

Lets conclude by saying that there are many great scientists who hold a faith in Jesus. Scripture is emphatic on God as the creator of the universe (Genesis 1:1, Psalm 8:3-4, Psalm 19:1-2, Psalm 33:5-9, Psalm 104:5-9, Isaiah 40:25-26, John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 11:1 to name a few). A Christian faith sits very well within the framework of science. Let me close with:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made (John 1:1-3).

Resource Review: The Language of God

This is an excellent book by one of the world's leading scientists. Francis Collins explains how it is possible to believe in evolutionary biology and Jesus. Collins carefully interacts with the claims of staunch atheist Richard Dawkins. His beliefs are influenced by C.S. Lewis, who was a fine Christian Philosopher and quotes him extensively making the text very easy to read. No unnecessary big words.

The Language of God has been highly acclaimed by many major book providers. As head of the Human Genome Project, Francis Collins works at the cutting edge of the study of DNA. Here he explains his journey from atheism to faith, taking readers for a stunning tour of modern science that shows how physics, chemistry, and biology can all fit together with belief in God and the Bible. This book is essential reading for anyone who wonders about the deepest questions of faith.

Paperback, 304 pages
Price: Approx. $29.95

This resource, as with all the resources promoted on this blog, are available at Koorong Christian Bookstore (please check out this hyperlink, which will navigate you to their website).

Resource Review: Real Scientists Real Faith

I have found this book fascinating. I recommend this book to those of you whom enjoy science and are either asking question about or have a solid faith in Jesus. The testimonies are easy to read with minimal scientific jargon.

The science / faith debate rages on. Yet many leading scientists have an active Christian faith. Here 17 scientists, all esteemed by their peers, tackle two questions:

1. What difference their faith makes to their scientific practice;
2. What difference their science makes to their understanding of their faith.

Contributors include:

• Francis Collins, Director, Human Genome Project
• Joan Centrella, Chief of the Gravitational Astrophysics Laboratory, NASA
• Bob White, Professor of Geophysics, University of Cambridge
• Alister McGrath, Professor of Theology, King's College London, and molecular biologist
• Wilson Poon, Professor of Physics, University of Edinburgh

Paperback, 288 pages
Price: Approx. $9.95

This resource, as with all the resources promoted on this blog, are available at Koorong Christian Bookstore (please check out this hyperlink, which will navigate you to their website).

Resource Review: The Physics of Christianity

Do you believe that Science and Religion are at logger heads? The Physics of Christianity will take you on an intriguing journey into this very question. A highly respected physicist demonstrates that the essential beliefs of Christianity are wholly consistent with the laws of physics.

Frank Tipler takes an exciting new approach to the age-old dispute about the relationship between science and religion in The Physics of Christianity. In reviewing centuries of writings and discussions, Tipler realized that in all the debate about science versus religion, there was no serious scientific research into central Christian claims and beliefs. So Tipler embarked on just such a scientific inquiry. The Physics of Christianity presents the fascinating results of his pioneering study, and shows why the Uncaused First Cause of philosophy and the Cosmological Singularity required by contemporary physics are identical with the God of Judaism and Christianity.

320 pages, Hardback

Price: Approx. $9.95

Science and Jesus (4): Did God Create the World in Six Days?

In my previous post, I made the comment that we must read the bible biblically and theologically. I would like to examine this further in this article.

There are 66 books of the bible; the bible is broken into two major sections, the Old and New Testaments. There is great diversity in literary style- ranging from poetry to historical narrative to apocalyptic literature. Reading the bible does take some understanding of these literary styles. Additionally, the bible was written from two thousand to four thousand years ago. Therefore, an understanding of the historical situations of the authors is very much needed as we are quite detached from the lives of these people. Here is a great video discussing these issues:

The book of Genesis is the first book in the bible. It holds a fascinating account of creation in Genesis 1. However, these first few segments of Genesis have come under great dispute by New Atheist Richard Dawkins and many of the Atheist community. They claim that science has clearly disproven the accuracy of the bible if you take Genesis 1 literalistically. Dr John Dickson, the man interviewed in the video states that we must read the Genesis account literally. A full copy of the interview is available on the God Science Dvd.

Dr Dickson goes onto to explain that a document named Enuma Elish was found in the mid 19th century. This document originated from the old Babylonian Empire and it details an account of creation by many of their gods. Scholars believe that the Enuman Elish document predates Genesis 1, making the account readily available for the early Jewish hearers of the Moses (the author of Genesis) time. Enuma Elish makes the claim that these gods created the world in several days, including life, which is similar to Genesis 1.

There are some close parallels between Enuma Elish and the Genesis account, however, there are also many profound distinctions in Genesis 1. These are:
• Genesis- One God created the world; Enuma Elish- many gods
• Genesis- God gives human great importance in his creation, where as Enuma Elish claims that we were created to do the work of the gods.
• Genesis claims that God made the world good; Enuma Elish claims the world was evil
• Genesis- God was purposeful and ordered in creating the world; Enuma Elish’s gods were erratic and chaotic
For more information, check out wikiChristian.

Therefore, what is the overall point of Genesis 1 in light of Enuma Elish? What was Moses aim in writing this text? If you were a Jewish person living around 1500BC and were to pick up the Genesis 1 account you would notice straight away that the one and only God whom they worship created everything good and with purpose. You would understand that the world was created good by God and that we were made to be in relationship with God. At no point would you come to the assumption that this account was detailing the exact processes and mechanisms God used to create the world. All you would want to know is that a loving God achieved it. We too must read the Genesis account in this fashion. Reading it, and any other book of the bible, literalistically will make it hard to interpret and understand. Furthermore, the overall push of the bible is to lead you to Jesus, the creator of the world and saviour of his children. Jesus died on a roman cross for our sins so we can be reunited with our creator and enjoy eternal life.

There are many brilliant resources out there for those who are interested in researching into this topic. Below are some links to a few recommended sites and resources:
• Centre for Public Christianity  – This is a fantastic site lead by Dr John Dickson and Dr Greg Clark who are responsible for producing The Life of Jesus, The Christ Files and God Science.
• Answers in Genesis 
• God’s Undertaker: Has Science Buried God
• Professor John Lennox’s website
• God Science: Creation, Darwin and the End of Faith
• The Case for a Creator
• Best Bible Science

If you have any comments to make, please feel free to add them to this post.



Science and Jesus (3): ‘Why’ the Bible and ‘How’ the Science

In my previous article, I argued for the importance of reading the scriptures biblically. This involves the reader recognising that the bible is a theological text, which is aimed at revealing the nature of the creator God and the creator’s relationship with his creation.

My aim through these articles is to highlight the relationship between science and the Christian scriptures as opposed to the view that science is antithetical to a faith in Jesus. Pastor David Short adds some interesting comments to this issue:



There are many brilliant resources out there for those who are interested in researching into this topic. Below are some links to a few recommended sites and resources:

• Centre for Public Christianity – This is a fantastic site lead by Dr John Dickson and Dr Greg Clark who are responsible for producing The Life of Jesus, The Christ Files and God Science.
• Answers in Genesis
• God’s Undertaker: Has Science Buried God
• Professor John Lennox’s website
• God Science: Creation, Darwin and the End of Faith
• The Case for a Creator
• Best Bible Science

These resources are those that I am aware of. If you have any comments to make, please feel free to add them to this post.

Resource Review: God Science: Creation, Darwin And The End Of Faith

Do Science and Christianity match up? Are they at odds with each other? Is there any proof for a creator God? John Dickson, Greg Clarke, and Simon Smart present a fresh investigation into Science and Christianity. A great DVD that will change the way you think about Jesus. If you are interested in Jesus and Science, please check out Science (1): Has Science Buried God and Science (2): Do the Bible and Science Correlate?

Can you believe in God in an age when science is arguably the dominant form of knowledge that people trust? Is there any way that you can hold together a scientific worldview and one that includes belief in a supernatural reality?

Recently this debate has been reignited by a new wave of sceptical writers, some of them eminent scientists. Insisting that rational thought has no room for religious belief, these modern sceptics argue that science holds all the keys to progress, meaning and understanding. Religion, they say, is a force for evil, and a primitive superstition that should be rejected.

Are they right? The Centre For Public Christianity has gathered a host of prominent scientists, historians, and philosophers to consider the place of faith in an age of science.

Origins/Cosmology
Prof John Lennox: Creator or Multiverse?
Dr David Cohen: The age of the Earth
Dr Stephen Barker: The origins of lice
Prof Michael Drinkwater: The big bang and cosmic wonders

Darwin, the Bible and God
Dr John Dickson: Reading the Genesis creation accounts
Prof Simon Conway-Morris: Science and an unlikely God
Prof Tom Frame: Charles Darwin and Australia

History and the philosophy of science
Prof Alvin Plantinga: Reasons for God
Prof Michael Ruse: Darwinism, the 'bastard child of Christianity'
Prof Edwin Judge: Christianity and the scientific revolution
Prof Peter Harrison: Religious challenges to science

Intersections between science and faith
Prof Bill McKibben: De-creating the planet
Dr Graeme Findlay: A hard cell - science and theology
Dr Olivera Petrovich: A natural belief?
Prof Ross McKenzie: 'Emergence' and a reasonable God

DVD Approx. $19.95

Science and Jesus (2): Do the Bible and Science Correlate?



 Professor Richard Dawkins and his New Atheists have attacked the integrity of the Bible by saying that it does not correlate with science. Take for example Genesis 1’s account of creation in six days – science clearly points out that the world developed over a long period of time.

So, is the bible a reliable text in light of this information? Tom Nelson has this to say about the matter:



It is extremely important to recognise that the bible is not a purely scientific text, but rather a theological text that, at times, deals with scientific issues i.e. creation, the origin of life etc. The bibles primary aim is to reveal the nature of God and his relationship with his creation. With this in mind, we must read the bible theologically. For example, if you wanted to learn about biology, you would need to read a biology textbook; if you wanted to read about cognitive development in children, you would need to read a psychology text.

Therefore, to say that the bible is inaccurate because it doesn’t thoroughly deal with scientific issues is irrational as you are looking in the wrong place for that information. The bible, when read appropriately, is scientifically and historically accurate. It is extremely important to read the bible “biblically”.

Science and Jesus (1): Has Science Buried God?

The world is a changing place. The big question that seems to be on everyone’s lips is: Has science buried God? Can you accept science and the bible? Timothy Keller recently commented on this issue:



Another great resource, which addresses this issue, is a book by scientist and mathematician Professor John Lennox, titled God’s Undertaker: Has Science Buried God?

I love science! Science is a fantastic area of study, for where we can see how God has put our amazing universe together. Has science buried God? Absolutely not! As our scientific knowledge advances, so will our amazement of God’s great creation.

Resource Review: The Case For A Creator

To order this product:
Click Here

During his academic years, Lee Strobel became convinced that God was outmoded, a belief that coloured his ensuing career as an award-winning journalist at the Chicago Tribune. Science had made the idea of a Creator irrelevant - or so Strobel thought.

But today science is pointing in a different direction. In recent years, a diverse and impressive body of research has increasingly supported the conclusion that the universe was intelligently designed. At the same time, Darwinism has faltered in the face of concrete facts and hard reason.

Has science discovered God? At the very least, it's giving faith an immense boost as new findings emerge about the incredible complexity of our universe. Join Strobel as he re-examines the theories that once led him away from God. Through his compelling and highly readable account, you'll encounter the mind-stretching discoveries from cosmology, cellular biology, DNA research, astronomy, physics, and human consciousness that present astonishing evidence in The Case for a Creator.

448 pages
Price: Approx. $8


A DVD is also available. Has science discovered God? Join investigative journalist Lee Strobel as he examines how the mind-stretching worlds of cosmology, cellular biology, DNA research, astronomy, physics, and human consciousness all present astonishing evidence for the Creator God.

Price: Approx. $19.95

To order this product:
Click Here

Resource Review: God’s Undertaker

Does Science and Christianity match up? Are they at odds with each other? Is there any proof for a creator God? Professor John Lennox is a highly qualified Scientist and Mathematician who has debated the likes of Richard Dawkins on topics including the existence of God. God’s Undertaker: Has Science Buried God is an extremely interesting book, which is also available in DVD format.

Evaluates the evidence of modern science in relation to the debate between the atheistic and theistic interpretations of the universe, and provides a fresh basis for discussion.
Chapters:

• War of the worldviews
• The scope and limits of science
• Reduction, reduction, reduction...
• Designer universe?
• Designer biosphere?
• The nature and scope of evolution
• The origin of life
• The genetic code and its origin
• Matters of information
• The monkey machine
• The origin of information

The book has grown out of the author's lengthy experience of lecturing and debating on this subject in the UK, USA, Germany and Russia, and has been written in response to endless requests for the argumentation in written form.

222 pages, Paperback
Book Price: Approx. $9.95
DVD Price: $19.95