WHEN CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES AND EVOLUTION INTERTWINE
Biologist will iron out ‘conflict’ between faith and natural world
Two years ago, Arnie Berg and Truitt Weinsz organized the Saskatchewan chapter of the Canadian Scientific and Christian Affiliation (CSCA).
Berg is a specialist in computer science and bioinformatics (the application of computer science to biology); Weinsz has a PhD in atmospheric physics.
Berg described CSCA as a fellowship of scientists and those interested in science who want to understand how science best interacts with Christian tradition.
“For centuries,” he said, “Christians have grappled with the theological implications of science. Today ’s discoveries in biotechnology, genetic engineering, reproductive technologies, artificial intelligence and climate change are regarded by some as a threat to both the authority of God’s Word and to our moral and ethical values. The resulting fear often prevents faithful Christians from allowing science to inform their world view.”
CSCA believes that science is a discipline in which its evidence can inform one’s faith and bring glory to God. It is essentially a bridge between the scientific world and the faith community.
CSCA encourages dialogue between people with differing views in how they can interpret the Origin Story in Scripture in light of current scientific information.
“We start with the Bible and allow science to inform our understanding of what the Bible says,” Berg said.
On Nov. 13, the Saskatchewan chapter of CSCA is hosting an evening with Dr. Darrel Falk, a highprofile Christian biologist and author connected with the Bio-Logos Foundation, a website founded by Dr. Francis Collins in 2007.
Falk is a graduate of Simon Fraser University in Vancouver and holds a doctorate in genetics from the University of Alberta.
He is professor emeritus of biology at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego.
Falk is also the author of an influential book entitled Coming to Peace with Science: Bridging the Worlds Between Faith and Biology.
He has a new book coming out with Dr. Todd Wood entitled The Fool and the Heretic: How Two Scientists Moved Beyond Labels to a Dialogue about Creation and Evolution.
Falk’s topic for the Nov. 13 event is Evolution, Creation and the God who is Love.
“These are interesting times in evolutionary biology,” Falk said.
“If humans and all forms of life were created through the evolutionary process — and the evidence for this is very strong — it presents a potential dilemma for Christians. Why would the God who taught us to love the weak and feed the hungry, the God who told us that the meek shall inherit the Earth, seemingly create humankind through the ... heartless process sometimes referred to as ‘survival of the fittest?’”
In his presentation, Falk will suggest that biological fitness in our lineage is not so very different from the qualities that Jesus laid out as being central to the Christian life.
Not only will he explore the evidence for this, but he will also address the question of the nature of divine action in the ongoing history of creation.
“As Christians, we believe that God is an active, even personal presence in our lives through the Holy Spirit. Is there some form of consistency between the God we believe we experience in our individual lives and the activity of the God who was present and active hundreds of thousands to millions of years ago? This is a key question for Christians to think about, and this talk will explore possible answers.”
Falk said his talk will be of interest to individuals who recognize that it is likely humanity arose through the evolutionary process, but are curious about the evidence and how it fits in with the foundational principles of Christianity. “It will be pitched at a general level, with little background in biology or theology required,” he said.
The event is open to everyone, and organizers expect an enthusiastic turnout.
The lecture will be held in Room 146 in the Arts building on the U of S campus, beginning at 7 p.m.
Berg said he has a personal passion for science and a passion for his faith.
“For me, it’s important to integrate those two essential areas of my life. I read a statement by American professor and pastor Gregory Boyd that resonates with me. He said, ‘For some people, their mind has to be thoroughly convinced before their heart can be thoroughly transformed.’
“I believe Christians need to hear explanations that demonstrate it is possible and reasonable to accept there is no real conflict between faith and the natural world.
“As science increasingly raises moral, ethical and societal issues, Christians today — and young people in particular — must be able to contribute meaningfully without dismantling Biblical authority. I believe this presentation will help us do that.”