Asalogo3.JPGAsalogo5.JPGNEWSLETTER

of the
American Scientific Affiliation
Canadian Scientific & Christian Affiliation


Volume 51, Number 3                                                                                                        May/June 2009


an_mtg_Baylor“Exploring God’s World of Endless Wonder”

From the ultra-micro world of nanotechnology to the large scale of space exploration to innovative ways of helping the poor, this year’s plenary speakers run the gamut. They are

  • Nanotechnology specialist James Tour, Chao Professor of Chemistry, Rice University, 2008 NASA Space Act Award recipient,
  • Perla Manapol, president of a Philippine NGO that provides livelihood for more than 700 families by processing products from coconuts,
  • Former NASA lunar astronaut Charles Duke, the tenth man to walk on the moon,
  • Mario Beauregard, Associate Professor, Departments of Radiology and Psychology, Université de Montreal, and author of The Spiritual Brain: A Neuroscientist’s Case for the Existence of the Soul,
  • Robert Mann, Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Waterloo, and past president of the Canadian Christian and Scientific Affiliation, and
  • Robin Collins, Professor of Philosophy, Messiah College, author of more than 25 articles on philosophical issues related to science.

Between plenaries, there will be seven parallel sessions that will include the symposia “Christianity and the Possibility of a Multiverse” and “Origins: Intelligent Design and Theistic Evolution” and sections on the following topics: history of science; science and theology; social sciences; education; environment; science and technology in service to the poor; Christian perspectives on the soul; origins; astronomy; and philosophy, religion, and science.

For details, see www.asa3.org/ASA/meetingASA.html

Ex Coun_1959crop3ASA Executive Council. Left to right: Ted Davis, Susan Daniels, Thomas Robey, Walter Bradley, Jennifer Wiseman, Randy Isaac. Absent is Ruth Miller.

Executive Council Report

The ASA executive council met in Ipswich on March 28. Walter Bradley, Ted Davis, Jennifer Wiseman, and Susan Daniels were in attendance. Ruth Miller was prevented from coming by a major snowstorm in Kansas. Thomas Robey attended as the student and early career scientist representative and Randy Isaac as the executive director.

A top priority was to review the financial status and approve a budget for the fiscal year beginning on April 1. The estimated, unaudited financial results for the past fiscal year were encouraging. Expenses were approximately 5% less than the $299,000 budget. Income was within 1% of the expenses, closing the books within $3,000 of breakeven. Praise the Lord! However, the income was enhanced by a few unusually large donations which will be a challenge to match in the coming year. The council approved a flat year-to-year budget, expecting in faith that the Lord will provide once more.

Membership continued to grow by 3%. The small but growing endowment fund suffered a setback along with most endowment funds. It is now approximately $100,000. The council has approved transferring the endowment fund to Smith-Barney for financial management.

The site for the 2010 ASA annual meeting was confirmed to be the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. Paul Arveson is the local arrangements chair and Susan Daniels is the program chair, with Francis Collins serving as the assistant program chair.

Several projects were discussed. One project is dedicated to science education materials for home school and Christian school use. The first phase will be a web-based repository for an inventory of current materials. ASA members will be able to post recommendations and reviews. From this inventory we should be able to identify areas where better materials are needed. The final phase will be to encourage and enable the writing of materials in these areas. We have already received a commitment for initial funding.

Another project is to develop an appropriate survey that can be used to assess views on science and Christian faith. Most publicized surveys are too superficial or are worded too ambiguously to interpret coherently. The first phase will be to enlist a team to draft a survey with more nuanced questions but without being too long. This process is difficult but worth investing a significant amount of time.

Blogs and wikis are proliferating throughout the websphere, and ASA intends to join the trend. We would like to establish a variety of blogs for thoughtful dialog. We would especially like to start some wiki-style pages for the topics that are now covered on our website. One wiki that we discussed would provide a place for ASA members to post links and reviews of exemplary sermons on science and faith. Volunteers to help with these projects would be greatly appreciated. Time and expertise are needed more than funding.

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History will open an exhibit on human origins in March 2010. They have asked the ASA to provide them with feedback of the anticipated response from the evangelical community. The council supported Randy’s participation on this committee.

F. Alton Everest, one of the five founders of the ASA, wrote an extensive book in 1986 about the early development of our organization. The lengthy project to reformat the book has now been completed and is ready for printing. Thanks go to the Wheaton College archive team which not only houses all the ASA archives but graciously scanned all the text and original photos of this manuscript. We look forward to making both printed and electronic copies available. If anyone is interested in underwriting the printing of this outstanding historical record of the ASA, please contact the ASA office.

Finally, the council elected the officers for the coming fiscal year. Ted Davis is now president, Jennifer Wiseman is vice president, and Susan Daniels is secretary/treasurer. Walter Bradley continues on the council as past president and Bob Kaita joins as the newly elected member. Thomas Robey continues as student and early career scientist representative. The next council meeting will be held on July 30, the day before the annual meeting at Baylor University.

The Executive Director’s Corner

Randall D. Isaac

The strength of any member-based organization depends largely on its ability to build on the commonality of perspective and purpose among its members while leveraging the diversity in the organization. To do that in ASA, we must occasionally step back and reaffirm our common beliefs and recognize the differences that we respect. Let’s consider three aspects that we share and the differences we respect.

First, vocationally, we are all scientists, in one form or another. Full membership is reserved for those with a degree in science, very broadly interpreted to include social sciences, philosophy, and theology. Those without a relevant degree may join as an associate member. Our common strength is therefore a knowledge of the practice of science and an interest in pursuing its relationship to Christian faith.

That commonality is strengthened by the diversity of disciplines that we represent. Our current membership of 1,620 is comprised of biology 20%, chemistry 16%, physics 15%, engineering 9% and the remaining 40% distributed across more than a dozen other disciplines. We have no information concerning disciplines for 8% of our members so please log in to ASA Online to check your profile and confirm that we have the right information for you.

This diversity of disciplines enables ASA to integrate perspectives from different fields of study for a more comprehensive view. At times, members appreciate interaction with those of the same specific area of research, providing a more in-depth technical discussion. We encourage such subgroups of disciplines and foster organizations such as the Affiliation of Christian Geologists, the Affiliation of Christian Biologists, and Christian Engineers and Scientists in Technology. You may sign up for these newsletters at ASA Online. If there is interest, we would also encourage other subgroups. We do expect each of these groups to participate and contribute to the multi-disciplinary interaction that is our mission.

Second, the theological conviction that we as ASA members share is summarized in our statement of faith. Based on the central tenets of Christianity as expressed in the Nicene and the Apostles’ creeds, our statement of faith is intentionally inclusive of a broad set of theological traditions. Historically, our roots are in the evangelical tradition, having been founded through the efforts of Moody Bible Institute. Yet our doors are open for all who make the common confession of faith.

In the spirit of our approach to scientific disciplines, should we encourage the formation of subgroups along theological lines? Would it be of value to establish groups based on a reformed tradition, or that of the Anabaptists, or a strict evangelical interpretation or some other recognized approach? I suggest that such a grouping does not have the merits of one based on scientific disciplines. The latter bears a commonality of skills and knowledge while the former emphasizes interpretations of various aspects of the creeds or implications thereof. Such a grouping would tend to reinforce classic dissension and separation of, for example, liberal vs. conservative interpretations rather than to emphasize our unity as a body of Christ. Above all, as an organization, the ASA must exemplify our commitment to respect one another as brothers and sisters in Christ while discussing our differences in a spirit of love. Subdividing ourselves along theological lines only serves to highlight those differences.

Third, we have a common commitment to the integrity of science. This means having a fair and accurate view of the current scientific understanding on a given topic. We may not agree with it since skepticism of the status quo is the very foundation of the scientific method. However, any integration of science and Christian faith that depends on modifying conventional scientific views must carry with it a large yellow warning flag. Before such an integration can be of value, the alternative scientific views must be vetted through normal scientific methodology. Otherwise our integration is not one of Christian faith with science but with our preference of what science ought to be.

The Christian community has too often taken the liberty of disagreeing with scientific results based on theological preference rather than on scientific method. If we think we have a better integration of science and faith by embracing either an alternative or a possible but not widely accepted interpretation, we are all too quick to do so. Our diversity of interpretation of scientific results is an important and valid discussion in the ASA. On the other hand, it cannot be substituted for the fundamental scientific process of validating new results or interpretations.

The ASA is a fellowship of Christians in science who share a common conviction of the harmony of science and Christian faith and that our diversity within that envelope strengthens our understanding. May we always be focused on Christ, who is the center of our faith, as we share our respective views.

Randy.JPG
Congratulations

Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI, has appointed Janel M. Curry to the Gary and Henrietta Byker Chair in Christian Curry cropPerspectives on Political, Social, and Economic Thought. Janel joined the Calvin faculty in 1996. She has a PhD in geography and a BA in political science and has received several grants as well as a Fulbright research fellowship and a research fellowship through the Pew Charitable Trusts Evangelical Scholars Program. Her research focuses on the intersection of religious worldviews and social relations, particularly as illustrated by natural resource policies. Much of this research has been in the context of cross-cultural comparisons, including ethnographic and historical research in southern Louisiana for the Houma Tribe, comparisons of Canadian and U.S. policy frameworks, and research on New Zealand’s economic structures and community vitality. Her most recent book (with Ron Wells) is an edited volume titled Faithful Imagination in the Academy: Explorations in Religious Belief and Scholarship.

The goals of the Chair are to enhance the training and preparation of students for lives of service in God’s global kingdom and to further the development of ideas and strategies that can provide the foundation for effective involvement by Christian individuals, churches, and organizations in politics, social policy, and economic development.

PBS Features ASA Duo

In February, Francis Collins, geneticist, and Loren Haarsma, physicist and astronomer at Calvin College, were interviewed by a PBS Religion and Ethics Newsweekly segment, in conjunction with the February 12 anniversary of Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publishing of On the Origin of Species. Francis commented:

There is no greater flashpoint right now in the tensions between science and faith than evolution. Ever since Darwin’s Origin of the Species was published, that tension has been flaring, and it seems, in my view, to be getting almost worse even after all these years.

If God, who is outside space and time, chose to create a universe and populate it with creatures in his image with whom he could have fellowship, who are we to say that the process that we as scientists have uncovered—the Big Bang, the formation of stars and planets and the mechanism of evolution to create life and ultimately human life—is not the way we would have done it? I find that enormously satisfying. Nothing that I know as a scientist is in contradiction to that. Nothing that I know as a believer is in contradiction to that.

Loren commented:

Many people are raised to believe a certain interpretation of Genesis, which is mostly literal, not completely literal, but implies a young Earth, and most people when they hear the Genesis story of God creating everything, they picture God miraculously creating everything.

There are Christians who agree that evolution equals atheism, and since they believe in God, since they’re convinced that God is real from their experiences of reading the Bible and worship, prayer, if God is true they conclude evolution must be false. So that idea that you have to choose between evolution and God is, I think, the main source of the problem—the main reason why this issue keeps coming up over and over again.

If the majority of Christians could come to the place where they say, “I might or might not believe in evolution, but it’s OK for Christians to believe in evolution,” that would take some of the weight off. On the other side, it would be very helpful if science educators could find better ways to discuss how different religious views might view evolution.

Interpretations of Origins

  • On February 12, Darwin’s birthday, William Dembski, research professor of philosophy at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX, challenged Darwin’s theory during a seminary chapel service. Christianity and Darwinian evolution put forward “radically different worldviews. I think the real challenge for the church now is not the atheistic Darwinists … but it is now the church itself and Christian higher education embracing this semi-materialistic worldview.” As for Intelligent Design (ID), he said, “It is not creationism. It’s engineering.” He maintained that ID entails research that seeks to discover evidence of design, or engineering, within nature. After his message, Southwestern’s president noted that their institution encourages students to explore all worldviews so that they may examine them according to a biblical worldview. Students are taught about ID and are also required to read On the Origin of Species. Benjamin Hawkins, Baptist Press, Feb. 16, 2009.
  • Keith Miller, research assistant professor in the Dept. of Geology, Kansas State University, wrote an article (coauthored with Iris Totten) in the March/April 2009 issue of the Journal of College Science Teaching titled “Developing and Implementing an Interdisciplinary Origins Course at a State University.” The article is based on a presentation that he gave at an ASA meeting a few years ago. Keith also has a chapter titled, “The Misguided Attack on Methodological Naturalism” in a just released book For the Rock Record: Geologists on Intelligent Design published by the University of California Press. His chapter discusses the meaning of the term “methodological naturalism” as defined by Paul de Vries at Wheaton College.

MillerKeithKeith also gave a presentation titled “Acceptance of Biological Evolution within the Evangelical Christian Community” at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY, at a conference “Darwin’s Reach: Celebrating Darwin’s Legacy Across the Disciplines” in mid-March. In addition, he spoke at the 2009 Emerson-Wier Symposium at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Chickasha, OK, on “Obstacles to Science Literacy” on March 26. The symposium theme was “The Promise of Science and Challenges of Science Education.” Keith also gave a presentation at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, OH, on April 17 titled “Darwin’s Forgotten Defenders: Then and Now.” Here is a summary of his Hofstra presentation.

The broader “warfare” view of science and faith owes much of its modern expression to a pair of widely influential 19th-century polemical works by John William Draper and Andrew Dickson White. However, many evangelical Christians at the time of Darwin found no inherent conflict between evolutionary theory and faithfulness to the historic creeds. In fact, several of the founders of the fundamentalist movement accepted some form of evolutionary theory. One of these was B. B. Warfield, a theologian who argued forcefully for biblical inerrancy, and who accepted the validity of evolution as a scientific description of natural history. Probably the most prominent American advocate of evolutionary theory in Darwin’s time was Asa Gray, a committed evangelical Christian.

The acceptance of evolutionary science by the evangelical Christian community was, and continues to be, rooted in the theology of God’s providential action in and through natural processes. Also central to this accommodation is the recognition that the scientific enterprise is a limited way of knowing about the natural world, confining itself to the investigation of “natural” entities and forces. This limitation of the scientific enterprise is sometimes referred to as “methodological naturalism”—a term coined by an evangelical Christian philosopher.

Keith has also helped organize a symposium for the North American Paleontological Convention to be held in Cincinnati, OH, June 22–26. On June 25 the symposium titled “The Nature of Science and Public Science Literacy” will have 14 presentations, including insights from education, philosophy, history, and theology as well as paleontology. Other ASA members who will be involved with this are George Murphy and Loren Haarsma.

  • Karl Giberson, author of Saving Darwin, was part of a debate at Biola University on the question of whether a Christian can be a Darwinist. He argued that the evidence for evolution is “overwhelming,” that it has theological advantages, and that theological problems raised by Darwinism have answers. Theologically speaking, Karl argued that evolution “helps to get God off the hook for the problem of bad design (evil), because bad design emerges indirectly from processes of nature rather than directly by God.” His scientific proof for evolution included the fossil record, biogeography, comparative anatomy, genetics, and developmental similarities. AwakenGeneration.com, Dec. 16, 2008, Sean McDowell.
  • In our last newsletter, we noted that Hugh Ross had participated in a Skeptics Society conference at CalTech. On Feb. 25, Hugh and Fazale Rana were involved in a debate with skeptic Michael Shermer at the University of Florida. It was titled “Evolution or ID?” The debate was repeated on April 28 at the University of Texas, Austin.

ASAer Ministers to His Grandchildren

Leland H. Williams, retired Fellow of ASA and mathematician, sent the following:

Inspired by Francis Collins at our 2006 Annual Meeting in Grand Rapids, I have been seeking a neat way to enhance my grandchildren’s understanding of what science can tell us about the created universe, and to enrich their understanding of the awesomeness of our God. I have discovered Lucy and Stephen Hawking’s 2007 book for children, George’s Secret Key to the Universe, and find it to be a useful vehicle for my purpose.

This is a wonderful story for children, with intrigue, fun, mystery, and some pretty good physics, to be expected from the co-author. It is about a boy, George, and his pet pig. They live next door to a physicist named Greg, who has developed a computer named Cosmos, which is capable of transporting people into the cosmos. Greg has a daughter named Annie. George and Annie meet via a pig escapade and adventures begin including a ride through the cosmos on an asteroid where a lot of astronomical physics is learned. There is a villain in the story, a renegade physicist (who happens to be teaching at George’s school), who wants Cosmos for evil purposes. He manages to trap Greg in a black hole and Cosmos, with George’s help, manages to extricate him via Hawking radiation.

The story concludes with George giving a science lecture at his school about the astronomical physics he has learned via Cosmos. In that lecture, George answers his own rhetorical question about relevance with “Because that cloud of dust is the reason we are here today.” He also says, “All people on Earth, the animals, the plants, the rocks, the air, and the oceans are made of elements forged inside stars. Whatever we may think, we are all the children of stars.”

Leland included a letter to his grandchildren sharing his personal journey in faith and in science, making the case that since God is the author of both natural creation and the Bible, they cannot conflict. He suggests that being children of stars can relate to Gen. 1:27 and 2:7–25 and John 1:2. It shows us that God is more awesome than we thought. He includes a lot of quotes from Hawking’s A Brief History of Time and Collins’ The Language of God and also refers to several scriptural passages.

This is a commendable attempt to communicate some significant subjects to young people and can be an example for us all. Do we share our thoughts regularly with our various family members, including children and grandchildren?

Visiting the ASA Office

Newsletter co-editor Margaret Towne was in Boston in October prior to going on a cruise and had a free day. Before her arrival, she contacted ASA Executive Director, Randy Isaac, to see if it might be possible to visit the ASA headquarters in Ipswich. Not only did Randy say “Yes,” but he volunteered to drive down to Boston and pick up Margaret, her husband, and two friends, meeting them at the Old North Church. Randy showed them around Ipswich, a most historic city. It was settled in 1633 and has 58 first period homes (1625–1725). Within walking distance of the ASA offices is the Choate Bridge (1764), the oldest stone arch bridge in continuous use.

Co-editor Dave Fisher and daughter Louise Palmer visited the office March 10, following the November death of Dave’s wife, Doris. Among the surprises was the discovery that one of Louise’s students is Carol Aiken’s grandniece.

Randy encourages all ASA members to stop in and say hello. When in Boston, take the train to Ipswich and visit this special setting and get to know our remarkable leaders.

ASAer Available

George L. Murphy holds a MDiv as well as a PhD in physics and is an adjunct professor at Trinity Lutheran Seminary MurphyG cropin Columbus, OH. He is available to give workshops, lectures, or consultations on Faith and Science in churches, academic settings, or other environments. These could be continuing education events for clergy, workshops for laity and clergy, or programs for specialized audiences. Some of his topics are: Seeing the Cosmos from Calvary; The Religious Value of the Environment; The Universe—Present, Past, and Future; Preaching in a Scientific Age; Teaching about Creation; and Genetics, Medicine, and the Cross.

We all know that the more people in the pulpits and in the pews are aware of the many issues in science and faith the better our churches will serve the Lord. Also, students at colleges need to be informed on these many significant issues. George has published many articles and books and has been very active in the science and faith dialogue and in ASA. His most recent book is The Cosmos in the Light of the Cross. Call him at (330) 633-4376; or email, gmurphy10@neo.rr.com; http://home.roadrunner.com/~scitheologyglm

Creationism/Evolution in Europe

  • The Ulster Museum in Belfast, Ireland, has an exhibit on Charles Darwin and a member of the Northern Ireland assembly has called for an “alternative exhibition” promoting creationism to be staged alongside it. They maintain that since it is a publicly funded institution that voices from those who question Darwin’s thesis should also be heard.
  • DutchNews.nl on Feb. 27, 2009 stated,

One in five Dutch people believe God created the world in six days, according to research in … Trouw. Protestants are much more likely than Catholics to believe in the biblical creation story … [The research bureau] Synovate questioned 908 people about their beliefs. Their answers showed that young people are just as likely as their elders to believe in creationism.

  • In early March a series of workshops and an International Conference titled “Biological Evolution Facts and Theories: A Critical Appraisal 150 Years After ‘The Origin of Species’” was held at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in collaboration with the US University of Notre Dame with the goal of promoting a fair and fruitful dialectical relationship between science, philosophy and theology. They attempted to integrate these fields and show that they are not in conflict.
  • Spiegel Online, Feb. 28, 2009 states,

For many years, people have viewed creationism as a purely American phenomenon. The fact is, however, that there are also creationist currents in Europe, too, and an anti-evolution movement that is even less homogenous than the one in the US … In June, 2007, the Council of Europe’s Committee on Culture, Science and Education released a report entitled “The Dangers of Creationism in Education.” … The report was prompted by resistance to teaching Darwin’s theory in some European countries.

They said that in Switzerland, the ProGenesis group has a tentative project called “Genesis-Land” that envisions a leisure park on the model of the Answers in Genesis creation museum in Kentucky.

  • Michael Reiss, the Royal Society’s director of education and an ordained Church of England clergyman, resigned from his position with the Royal Society because he stated that science teachers should treat creationist beliefs “not as a misconception but as a worldview.” Many members felt that these comments damaged the Royal Society’s reputation, and Reiss decided to resign because his comments were interpreted as endorsing the teaching of creationism. See www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/science/article4768820.ccc The Times, Online, Sept. 17. 2008.

Two Museums in Canada

Canadians can see two interpretations of origins in museum settings. The Big Valley Creation Science Museum opened last June in Big Valley, AB. It includes fossils, DNA strands, and dinosaurs. Creationism is present in all Canadian provinces and has made headlines since the late 1990s. About 60 km from the museum is the Royal Tyrell Museum in Drumheller which houses many dinosaur fossils.

Of Interest

  • Researchers from a variety of disciplines gathered last October at Corpus Christi College at the University of Cambridge to share their research on questions related to biological complexity. This was the culmination of a three-year $3 million Templeton-Cambridge Consortium, an effort to stimulate research projects related to the great debate over purpose as it applies to biology, ranging from the biochemical level to the evolution of life to the appearance of society and culture. Templeton Report, Oct. 29, 2008.
  • Some of the biggest names in science and the humanities gathered at Florida State University for two weeks at the end of March for “Origins ’09: Celebrating the Birth & Life of Beginnings.” They looked at how advances in science, religion, philosophy, and art have shaped modern society and our understanding of life. E. O. Wilson, Ron Numbers, Don Johanson (co-discoverer of the 3.2 million-year-old skeleton “Lucy”), Peter Harrison, professor of science and religion at the University of Oxford, among many others, gave presentations. Science and Religion Today, March 16, 2009.
  • In April the Ecological and Environmental Ethics Conference met at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, OK. J. Matthew Sleeth, executive director of Blessed Earth, visiting scholar in Creation Care at Houghton College in NY, and author of Serve God, Save the Planet, and Larry Rasmussen, author of Earth Community, Earth Ethic, gave presentations. The Oklahoma Society for Science and Faith sponsored the event, and they are supported by a grant from Metanexus Institute as well as Southern Nazarene University. Their website is http://ossf.snu.edu
    * Scott and Penny Robinson
  • Kenneth R. Miller, professor of biology in the Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry at Brown University and, among many other publications, wrote Finding Darwin’s God: A Scientist’s Search for Common Ground between God and Evolution won the American Association for the Advancement of Science 2008 Award for Public Understanding of Science and Technology in February at their 175th Annual Meeting in Chicago. Robert M. Hazen, a research scientist at the Carnegie Institution for Science, nominated him and said,

Miller wrote my favorite book on evolution science and, to me, the most persuasive synthesis of science and faith … Few scientists have so effectively reached out to the nonscientific community.

  • George Coyne, astronomer, Jesuit priest, and former director of the Vatican Observatory, won the American Astronomical Society’s George Van Biesbroeck Prize for 2009. This is awarded every two years for “long-term extraordinary or unselfish service to astronomy” and recognizes “the diversity and scientific richness he has brought to the astronomical community through his visionary leadership of the Vatican Observatory Summer School and its long-term mentoring program, and for the unique role he has played at the juncture of science and religion.” Science and Religion Today, Jan. 27, 2009.

Conference Discount!

A special discount for ASA members and friends will be given to the “Flourish 2009” conference, the National Church Leader’s Conference on Creation Care, on May 13–15 in Duluth, GA. Encourage your pastor or other church leaders to attend and a 25% discount will be available using the code asa25 at the Flourish 2009 registration checkout web page, www.eventbrite.com/event/274549184 Randy Isaac, our Executive Director, can be contacted for more information.

Coming Events

May 2. “Banking on Life,” a conference on umbilical cord blood stem cell advances as an alternative to embryonic stem cells, San Francisco, CA, sponsored by Center for Bioethics and Culture Network. Details at www.cbc-network.org/bankingonlife/

May 8. The ASA Oklahoma-Texas Section will meet at Star Pizza, 77 Harvard St., Houston Heights, 12:00–3:30 p.m. For directions email Scott Robinson: scottandpennyhouston@comcast.net

May 12. Reasons To Believe/ASA joint meeting. Randy Isaac, “Science: A Weapon in a Religious War.” Grace Chapel, 2 Militia Dr., Lexington, MA, Room 2-105, 7:00 p.m.

May 12–13. Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) Center for Research in Adult Learning Indiana Wesleyan University is having an inaugural conference, “Enhancing the Quality of Christ-Centered Adult Education” at the Greenwood Education Center near Indianapolis, IN. See www.cccu.org/conferences_events

May 13. Debate: “Grand Canyon: Evolution or Creation.” Steve Austin (creationist) and Steve Johnson (evolutionist). Northwestern College, Roseville, MN, 7:00 p.m.

May 13–15. “Flourish 2009” conference in Duluth, GA. Sponsored by the National Church Leader’s Conference on Creation Care. Note the item above and see http://flourishconference.com/

May 16–26. The Biblical Archaeology Society is organizing a tour “Explore Jordan with the Biblical Archaeology Society.” This will focus on the biblical connections to this ancient area. It is the land traveled by the Israelites on their way to the Promised Land and the place where Jesus was baptized. Email: travelstudy@bib-arch.org See www.biblicalarchaeology.org

May 17. Answers in Genesis creationist conference, Berean Baptist Church, Grand Blanc, MI. Call 810-694-0400. See www.allgrace.com

June 3–5. The Second Annual Meeting of the Society for Spirituality, Theology and Health “Lifecourse Perspectives on Spirituality and Health in Diverse Religious Communities,” Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, Durham, NC. Email: kari.lauderback@duke.edu Call (919) 660-7556.

June 22–26. North American Paleontological Convention, Cincinnati, OH. Several ASA presenters. Note item on Miller (p. 4) and see www.napc2009.org

July 5–9. The American Association for the Advancement of Science is a major sponsor of the Darwin 2009 Festival, Cambridge, UK See www.darwin2009.cam.ac.uk

July 10–11. Creation Research Society Conference on the campus of the University of North Carolina Lancaster. Details at www.creationresearch.org/events/conference_2009.htm

July 10–18. Summer seminars on Intelligent Design. Center for Science and Culture at Discovery Institute, Seattle, WA. Designed for college-level juniors, seniors, and first-year graduate students who intend to pursue graduate studies in the natural or social sciences, philosophy of science, law, or the humanities. Visit www.discovery.org/summerseminar Direct questions to Dr. Bruce Gordon, Research Director, Center for Science and Culture at gbordon@discovery.org

July 15–18. The Ian Ramsey Centre at the University of Oxford is having a conference, “Religious Responses to Darwinism 1959–2009.” Email: ian-ramsey-centre@theology.ox.ac.uk See: http://users.ox.ac.uk/~theo0038/conferenceinfo/General.htm

July 16–18. “True Significance in the Academy: The Legacy of Christian Scholarship,” International Institute for Christian Studies 2009 Vision Conference, Airport Hilton, Kansas City, MO. Details at www.iics.com/conference.html

July 22–25. “The Great Reversal: How Christians Will Change the Future,” Midway Presbyterian Church, Marietta, GA. Speakers include Jerry Bergman. Details at www.GreatReversal.com

July 30–Aug. 2. The Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, coordinated by Oskar Gruenwald, is having a symposium on “Intelligent Design & Artificial Intelligence: The Ghost in the Machine” at the Hilton Hotel, Pasadena. Abstracts can be sent to info@JIS3.org See www.JIS3.org/symposium2009.htm

July 31–Aug. 3. ASA Annual Meeting, Baylor U., Waco, TX. Details at www.asa3.org

Our Thanks

We are most grateful to have received a donation from the Albert C. Strong trust. Albert was a long-time ASA member until his death in 2001. He was a faithful supporter of the ASA while he was living, and now we have learned that he remembered the ASA in his will. We thank God for his dedication and service.

With the Lord

  • Russell Heddendorf, professor of sociology at Covenant College, Lookout Mountain, GA from 1982–2000, died of heart failure on Dec. 24, 2008, at age 78. He taught at Dickinson and Geneva Colleges prior to going to Covenant. His main concentrations in the field were social theory and sociology of religion and he founded the Association of Christians Teaching Sociology (ACTS) in 1976. Russell was particularly concerned with the idea of Christian calling as opposed to career and the conflicts of living in and not of the world. Not long ago he published From Faith to Fun, which deals with the sociological aspects of humor contrasted with the Christian idea of joy. He also wrote Hidden Threads (1994).

Russell was an adjunct professor after he retired and kept very busy in the department up until the end. He loved to travel and visited his daughter who was a missionary in France. He leaves his wife, Harriet, son David, and daughter Ruth Ann.

  • Hans E. Band died of Parkinson’s disease March 4 at age 84. Born in Vienna, Austria, Hans graduated from Harvard University in 1946, and earned his master’s degree in physics at Boston University in 1953. He served in the Pacific theater with the U.S. Army, and later joined the U.S. Naval Reserve, retiring as a commander after 28 years of service. Hans was an engineer, scientist, and inventor, and received several patents, including one for his pioneering work in the development of carbon-fiber composites. In retirement, he tutored mathematics at Middlesex Community College in Bedford, MA.

Hans, a steadfast supporter of the ASA and a member since 1960, was convinced of the full compatibility of science and Scripture. He was a long-time member of the Carlisle Congregational Church. He leaves his wife, Betty of 61 years, three sons, four granddaughters, and three great-grandchildren. * Tim Wallace for sending this information.

Pre-Meeting Activities

On Friday, July 31, preceding the ASA Annual Meeting, program chair Walter Bradley has planned exciting options for attendees and their families. They may choose from five field trips and a workshop. The field trips are (1) HOT (Heart of Texas) Renewable Energy Tour; (2) Dinosaur Valley (Paluxy River near Glen Rose) and the Waco Mammoth Site; (3) Waco Wetlands, Waco Cameron Park Zoo, and Waco Cameron Park; (4) Mayborn Museum, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame; and (5) Texas Capitol Complex, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum and IMAX Theatre, and the University of Texas (Austin).

The workshop “Teaching about Science and Christianity” is primarily intended for junior faculty at Christian colleges, but open to others at the discretion of the workshop leaders, Ted Davis, Distinguished Professor of the History of Science, Messiah College; and Deborah Haarsma, Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Calvin College. The morning session will introduce participants to teaching about science and Christianity in college-level courses. The afternoon session will introduce the video/book course, “Test of Faith,” produced by the Faraday Church Resources Project.

Another activity unique to this meeting is the Saturday night Texas barbecue and Texas line dancing.

All pre-meeting and program details are included in the registration material on our website: www.asa3.org

Welcome, New Members!
February–March 2009

Anthony, AltafKarachi, Sindh 75160, Pakistan

Ballew, Christopher M. –Urbandale, IA

Bassi, Joseph P. –Lompoc, CA

Beidler, Michael K. –Monterey, CA

Benson, Mellina J. –Grantham, PA

Cross, Daniel J. –Malvern, PA

Crumb, Dennis –Cerritos, CA

Cureton, Andrew C. –Grayslake, IL

Dawes, Kimberly C. –San Antonio, TX

DiGiovanni, Jane P. –Naperville, IL

Dollman, Ian –Trexlertown, PA

Evans, Carol Joy –Mount Kisco, NY

Frank, Douglas G. –Blue Ash, OH

Fulcher, Kerry D. –San Diego, CA

Kang, Pil S. –Silver Spring, MD

Lee, Dean A. –Pearland, TX

Liu, Xiaofan S. –Tulsa, OK

Mullins, Tracy M. –Eugene, OR

Passineau, Michael J. –Pittsburg, PA

Sanfilippo, Tom –Marion, PA

Shelton, Nick F. –New Haven, CT

Staver, John R. –Lafayette, IN

Sykes, Mark –Huber Heights, OH

Vander Vennen, Luke –Guelph, ON, Canada

Zhou, Grace G. –Chicago, IL

Zondervan, Samuel J. –Lethbridge, AB, Canada

Congratulations, Long-time Members!

Celebrating 40 years of membership

Jack O. Balswick

Stanley L. Burden

Richard F. Carlson

Charles E. Chaffey

Stanley G. Chamberlain

Bruce J. Clark

John A. Cramer

Edward B. Crowell, Jr.

Edwin A. Karlow

Dwight H. Klaassen

David A. Leep

Daniel C. Norman

Perry G. Phillips

Bernard J. Piersma

Vernon A. Raaflaub

David A. Saunders

The Newsletter of the ASA and CSCA is published bimonthly for its membership by the American Scientific Affiliation. Send Newsletter information to the Editors: David Fisher, 285 Cane Garden Cir., Aurora, IL 60504-2064. E-mail: dfisherasa@comcast.net and Margaret Towne, 8505 Copper Mountain Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89129. E-mail: TowneMG@aol.com Both receive e-mail through asan@asa3.org  

Please send Canadian matters to: CSCA, P.O. Box 63082, University Plaza, Dundas, ON, Canada L9H 4H0.

Send address changes and other business items to the American Scientific Affiliation, P.O. Box 668, 55 Market St., Ipswich, MA 01938-0668. Phone: (978) 356-5656; FAX: (978) 356-4375; E-mail: asa@asa3.org; Web site: www.asa3.org  

©2009 American Scientific Affiliation (except previously published material). All rights reserved.

Editors: David Fisher, Margaret Towne
Managing Editor:
Lyn Berg