Azusa Pacific University hosts a symposium addressing “Worldviews in Tension: Can Theology Inform the Practice of Science?” The March 19 event is the last in a three-part science series, and includes a panel presentation and discussions led by prominent leaders in apologetics (the intellectual defense of the Christian faith) and science.
The Friday afternoon session begins at 1 p.m. with keynote speaker Kenneth Richard Samples, senior research scholar at Reasons To Believe, an organization committed to “sharing evidence–especially from cutting-edge science research–to encourage faith in the God of the Bible.”
A panel discussion follows at 2 p.m., featuring John Bloom, Ph.D., professor of physics at Biola University; Denis LaMoureux, Ph.D., associate professor of science and religion at St. Joseph’s College,University of Alberta, Canada; Jeffrey Schloss, Ph.D. professor and chair, Department of Biology at Westmont College; and APU’s Steve Wilkens, Ph.D., professor of theology and ethics.
The events take place at APU’s Segerstrom Science Center in the Perry Lecture Hall.
“This third symposium examines how a scientist’s world view influences not only motivations for doing science, but also directions pursued in doing science and expectations a scientist might eventually embrace,” said Donald Isaak, Ph.D., associate dean in APU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “This unique keynote and panel conversation brings together specialists from four academic institutions, representing diverse scientific, theological, and philosophical perspectives.”
Meet the Presenters:
Keynote speaker Kenneth Richard Samples switched from pursuing a career in professional baseball to “voraciously studying Christian philosophy and theology when his thirst for purpose found relief in the Bible.” He earned his undergraduate degree in philosophy and social science from Concordia University and his M.A. in theological studies from Talbot School of Theology. For seven years, Samples worked as senior research consultant and correspondence editor at the Christian Research Institute (CRI) and regularly co-hosted the popular call-in radio program, The Bible Answer Man, with Dr. Walter Martin. He currently serves as senior research scholar at Reasons to Believe.
John Bloom, Ph.D., is the founding director of Biola University’s new M.A. in Science and Religion program and also teaches undergraduate courses in Physics. His research interests include the integration of Christianity with the sciences and apologetics. Bloom has an interest in viable alternative energy sources and recently equipped his home with photovoltaic solar panels that supply most of his home’s electrical needs.
Dennis Lamoureux, Ph.D., is an associate professor of science and religion at St. Joseph’s College in the University of Alberta. His academic specialty is the modern origins debate. He has debated leading anti-evolutionists, including Phillip Johnson, Michael Behe, and Jonathan Wells.
Jeffrey Schloss, Ph.D., has been a member of the Department of Biology at Westmont College for more than 25 years. With interests in both ecology and integration of faith and science, he has received multiple awards for his teaching and research in these areas. Schloss is also a Danforth Fellow and a charter member of the International Society of Science & Religion.
Steve Wilkens, Ph.D., is a professor of theology and ethics at Azusa Pacific University. He is a distinguished scholar whose expertise is in 19th century philosophy, as well as in Christianity and current western thought. Wilkens is also a member of the American Academy of Religion. He is the author of multiple works including Good Ideas from the Questionable Christians and Outright Pagans (2004), Beyond Bumper Sticker Ethics (1995), and Hidden Worldviews: Eight Cultural Stories That Shape Our Lives (2009).
The Segerstrom Science Symposia featured three diverse presentations during the 2009–10 academic year and focused on areas of science, eco-stewardship, medical breakthroughs, and the integration of faith and science. Since the opening of the new science center last fall, APU’s on-going priority has been to offer students and its community members the opportunity to engage in discussions that provide academic resources needed to equip students who seek to pursue challenging and rewarding careers in the sciences. The symposia fostered a unique interaction with world-class scholars, students, and community members in an environment that encouraged dialogue and enriched engagement.
