News
The American Scientific Affiliation
VOL 1 NUMBER 4                                  12 June 1959


Just three hours and twenty minutes ago the Fourteenth annual convention of the ASA (also the third biennial joint conference with the Evangelical Theological Society) came to a close. A few hours before boarding a plane for California provides opportunity for promptness never before realized in ASA NEWS reporting.
This was a good convention. This unsolicited evaluation was heard on many occasions and was spoken by both ASA and ETS members. There have been conventions with larger registrations, less humid weather, more advance promotion, but none of greater significance in the development of a Christian philosophy of science, a primary goal of the ASA. The bond of Christian fellowship was especially felt as old friendships were renewed and many new friends made; friendships based upon congeniality and compatibility in scientific training and spiritual outlook.

TOWARD AN EVANGELICAL PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE

The joint ASA-ETS Liaison Committee) composed of Merrill 0. Tenney, J. Barton Payne and John C. Whitcomb, Jr. of the ETS and Henry D. Weaver, James 0. Buswell, III and John Klotz of the ASA, selected this as the subject for the joint conference. The outline followed was:

I - The Need For An Evangelical Philosophy of Science

II - Nature and General Revelation

 

III - The Historic and Recent Background

               Discussant: Arthur T. Holmes, PhD, Wheaton College


IV - Basic Postulates For a Christian Philosophy of Science




V - Christian and Naturalistic Interpretations of Adaptation


VI - Summary and Conclusions

OFF THE SCRATCH PAD

"The fact that power and scientific inventions are today being exploited by the forces of anti-Christ may be due in part to the tendencies of scientists to exile Jesus Christ from their discussions of nature. modern science is passionately interested in the utility and control of nature. But it neglects the pursuit of truth and goodness. Thus it intensifies rather than relieves the cultural crisis. This crisis can be solved only when man recognizes God as the unifying principle of creation, redemption, sanctification and judgment." (Dr. Henry)

"A careful choice of a unique theistic starting point is the only path to a useful and abiding resolution of theism and science." (Mr. Leith)

"I am not so sure that we need a specialized Christian philosophy of science as we need a continuing patient scientific study of these items by men who hold doggedly to the primacy of Scripture. I, for one, am convinced that the usual evolutionary approach to these items is wrong. I believe scientists at last will see it, I believe many of them have such a bias against creationism that they have allowed a false theory to dominate their thinking. They are far from objective," (Dr. Harris)

"I do not believe in two spheres of truth without contact. I do not believe there is a Christian science and a non-Christian science. I believe truth is one. The Bible is all true) but it is not all of truth. Where the book of nature and revelation seem to conflict, I believe eventually we shall see a solution, honoring to the Bible when fairly and critically interpreted," (Dr. Harris)


"The scientist recognizes in nature a challenge to his own sovereignty. He is not trying to promote the sovereignty of God," (Dr. Henry)

"'The scientist is not so much guided by rationality as by contingency." (Dr. Meyer) ,


"The way a scientist addresses his problem has implications having to do with the world view of the scientists." (Dr. Henry)

"I admit the scientist comes to his problem with his biases, but doesn't the theologian also?" (Dr. Weaver)

There was much discussion on, "What is reality?" Many thought reality to be the content of our consciousness, but Dean Olson made hay by pointing out that it takes a stream of nerve impulses to maintain consciousness and to keep us in contact with reality. Is reality related to a stream of impulses? "How about the amputee who can still wiggle his fingers?" (Mr. Sinclair, physiology, UCLA).

"Science is as high a calling as the ministry. If called to scientific pursuits, the way to glorify God is to be the very best scientist possible. Science is a Christian profession and should be recognized as such." (Dr. Clark)

"A scientist is in science because it's fun, He doesn't want to shake the universe. It is curiosity that makes the scientist tick. He is not nearly as philosophical as outsiders think, he's just having a good time." (Dr. Jack McIntyre, physics, Yale).

"The average scientist in his day-to-day work does not deal in axioms. He comes into his laboratory in the morning with a question no more profound than  "Let's see, what shall I do today?" He probably starts by washing the dirty glassware left over from yesterday and then chats with colleagues and finally decides what should be done next, and does it. Scientists
suspect that the models the philosophers build are probably no better than their own.  am glad scientists and philosophers question each other's work." (Dr, Walter Hearn, biochemistry, Iowa State)

"Operational procedures of science do not give us proof, but workability. As humans created by God, sense perceptions give testimony from God's creation. A logical world is not derived from the laboratories of science, but from theology." (Dean Olson)

RESULTS

Some basic points to be included in an evangelical philosophy of science were summarized by Dr, Laird Harris as follows:

 Point 1) Doctrine of Creation, May not know much of what or how, but There is something there that God has created.

Point 2) Belief in sense perception. Reality is guaranteed by Doctrine of creation, Without this we have nothing to work on.

Point 3) Regularity of natural processes.



A number of "details'" yet to be threshed out in future discussions: interpretive problems of Bible and science, biases of theologians and scientists, etc.

SOCIAL SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM

The ASA has, in recent years, taken a very important step in welcoming social scientists and incorporating topics in this field in convention programs. This year an excellent symposium on "American Culture in the light of Scriptural Principles" was held with Dr. David 0, Moberg of Bethel College as Chairman. The content of this symposium:

 1. Economics: "The American System in the Light of Christian Teachngs"

Robert Hemmingson, MA, Augsburg College

Discussant: Tony Breuwer, PhD, Calvin College

2. Political Science: "Principles of New Testament Political Teachings and the American Constitution,"

Walford Peterson, PhD, Bethel College

Discussant: Daniel Leatherman, Danforth Graduate Fellow

3. Sociology: "The American Way of Life and Scriptural Christianity."

Peter Trutza, PhD,, Northern Baptist Theological Seminary

Discussant: David F. Busby, MD, Psychiatry


THE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

The so-called "public" meeting of Thursday evening was excellent,, but somebody forgot to tell the public about it. However, Dean Stanley Olson gave a stimulating presentation of the need for Christian influences in education with a special emphasis on the role of the Christian College. In a very practical, down-to-earth way he pointed out the need for the dimension of quality in the Christian College if scholarly Christian leadership is to be regained. An atmosphere of tolerance is needed so that the scholar can raise questions without being branded a heretic. The trustees are frequently suspicious of a quality program because they do not understand it. The faculty and president should work closely together to determine academic objectives. A quality program is expensive but has the best chances for fiscal health. Inasmuch as many present were teachers in Christian schools which conform to these ideals in varying degrees, the discussion was spirited, to say the least.

ASA GENERAL SESSION

Robert Fe DeHaan, PhD, Chairman, Department of Psychology, Hope College, spoke on "The New Challenge to Christian Scholarship." Dr. DeHaan traced the origin of Western culture from the merging of the Graeco-Roman and the Hebrew traditions and pointed out that we have not been too successful in integrating the two. Although empty and ruthless, this conflict is the strength of Western culture. Tracing the contributions of Darwin and Freud to this conflict, he told how Christians have either readjusted to or rejected the elements in conflict with their faith which has Led to an anti-Christian intellectualism or an anti-intellectual Christianity, Dr. DeHaan, seeing in the ASA-ETS cooperation a very hopeful sign, went on to outline specific scholarly challenges before us today,

"Religious Motivation" was the subject of a paper presented by John C. Sinclair, a graduate student in physiology, UCLA. Using a series of slides he described some very interesting research being conducted at UCLA on motivation in animals and then extended these principles to motivation in the religious sphere. "An objective test for the truth of our convictions is needed," said Sinclair, 'land emotional motivation is very necessary to a happy life,"

"The Principle of Uniformity" was treated by William J. Tinkle, Ph.D. former head of the science division, Anderson College. Is the uniformity we see all around us inexorable or are there exceptions? Dr. Tinkle considered the sun, crayfish, amoeba, Brownian motion, electron orbits and pointed out that when God exceeds the limit of natural law He does not break any moral or ethical principle.

Dr. J. Viesley Clayton, Jr. did not present his paper on psychochemistry and in its place N. A. Robbins, DDS, of Cape May, NJ read a paper on "The Testimony of Jesus in the Spirit of Prophecy."

CONVENTION SIDE, LIGHTS

Those of the ASA who have never attended an annual convention have missed the real essence of the group. Intellectual stimulation in an atmosphere of warm Christian brotherhood is an experience that can never be conveyed fully apart from personal participation. The discussions never end as the meetings disband but continue on into the night. Dropping into the men's room of the dormitory about midnight revealed one of these extracurricular sessions in full tilt. One of the leading theologians of the US was contributing mightily from the far side as he was washing his drip-dry shirt. A prominent scientist and educator was in far better temper in his remarks than the froth at his mouth would indicate. (Colgate, adv.) Leaning against the wall, having forgotten whether he was coming or going, another ASA member gesticulated wildly with his towel in the heat of the discussion. These were the principals. Around these was a fringe of four or five of the younger members who kept the conflagration alive by tossing in highly flammable questions. These younger men will never forget the experience.
Their Christian faith will be a deeper, more meaningful thing as they go on in their scientific fields. What was it Dr, Marion Barnes, ASA leader and chemical researcher at Monsanto, once said? "We are intellectual sons of Aristotle, spiritual sons of Abraham."

CONVENTION PERSONALITIES

It was good to see Dr. and Mrs. Jack McIntyre at the convention. Dr. McIntyre is in the physics department, Yale University, and is interested in linear accelerators. When asked What he thought of the monstrous linear accelerator President Eisenhower recently announced for Stanford University, McIntyre confessed to a certain bias: in his six years at Stanford he had a big hand in its design!

Dr. and Mrs. Brian P. Sutherland and daughter Liz came all the way from Trail, British Columbia, to attend the convention. Dr. Sutherland, former member of the Executive Council, has given wise guidance to the ASA for many years and appears to be none the worse for the experience. High in the administration of Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company, he found time to make a good healthy try for a local ASA section meeting in this remote community. Last April Norman Lea of Vancouver, Robert McAllister, J. McGowan and William Gowans of Trail ploughed through five feet of snow to get together for a discussion of the IVCF paper, "The Fall."

Another globe-hopping ASA member is John C. Sinclair who expects to complete his work for a Ph.D. in physiology next year at the University of California at Los Angeles. Next time he will remember to confirm his return plane reservations within 6 hours of flight time." The plane was loaded, noses counted, his bag already aboard. Eureka, There was an empty seat; Los Angeles, here I come."

Dr, Robert F. DeHaan has been teaching psychology at Hope College for the last three years. Prior to that he spent five years at the University of Chicago in research on gifted children.

It is good to see so many of the younger members of the ASA going on for higher degrees. Stephen W. Calhoun, Associate Professor of Analytical Chemistry, Houghton College, will be attending Ohio State for a couple of years to complete his work for the Ph.D. Wayne Frair is contemplating a similar program at Rutgers.

Naval Research Laboratory was represented only by George Fielding this time, although ex-NRL physicist James Kraakevik (now teaching at Wheaton College) looked in on a few sessions.

Congratulations to the new Fellows of the ASA announced at the business meeting: Douglas A. Block (geology, Wheaton, George H. Fielding (chemistry, NRL), Wayne Frair (biology, King's) Russell Heddendorf (sociology), Kinnelon, N.J.). Richard A. Hendry (chemistry, Texas Tech), John McLennan (medicine, Los Angeles), Herbert A. Meyer (chemistry, Concordia Teachers
College), David 0, Moberg (sociology, Bethel), Edwin 0. Olson (geochemistry, Columbia), Robert T. Page (physical science, NRL). Dr. Hartzler indicated that there Would be more-Fellows soon, as the proportion is abnormally low,

Dr. and Mrs. William Tinkle from Anderson, Indiana, faithfully attended every session. Dr. Tinkle retired from Anderson College and one active project at the moment is an inexpensive book for 7th and 8th graders on biology and geology and the Bible. Wayne Frair is working on a companion volume for high school level.

Some record-breaking ASA convention goers from away back; Irving A. Cowperthwaite, Joseph Maxwell, Philip B. Marquart, Harold Hartzler, John Howitt, Paul Culley, Laird Harris. These men come close to totaling a hundred conventions between them.

Frank Cassel and his charming family stopped at the convention on their way to Washington where he will participate in the Institute on History and Philosophy of Science and Mathematics at the American University. While parked outside Trinity Seminary, Dr. Cassell's car was broken into one night and his camera, typewriter and other equipment stolen. It's just the difference between Fargo and Chicago.'

David 0. Moberg and Elving Anderson represented Bethel College very well. Lawrence Starkey did not make it as he is giving birth to a large dissertation.

What the ASA has lacked in numbers of lady members,, it has more than made up in quality and distinction. Dr, Lois E. Kent, a medical missionary in India for 10 years, is now specializing in disease of the chest, serving in 11 of the 18 mental hospitals of Ontario. She has attended the more recent conventions, including this one at Trinity.

Henry Bacon specializes in industrial process development and control at the Pennsalt Chemical Company at Wyandotte Michigan. He is interested in starting some local section activity in his general vicinity. Any suggestions?

Devoted and capable high school science teachers have always been important people and are being recognized as such today. We are very happy to see Thomas Keys at the convention, a teacher at Hartford City High School.

Robert B. Fischer is still very active in his research in the field of crystal physics at Indiana University.

Philip B. Marquart is teaching psychology at Tennessee Temple College, Chattanooga. This is a relatively new school, founded in 1956 by Independent Baptists and has a college, Bible School and Seminary with an enrollment of about 900.

Albert Meyer, physics, Goshen College asked a question that was not answered at a late hour: Is it proper for a college administration to require publication, or should complete freedom be given the faculty?

W. P, Morrison of Toronto, a specialist in animal diets, is interested in starting a local ASA section.

CONSTITUTIONAL REVISION

After more years than the several constitutional revision committees care to remember, the Fellows have adopted the constitution recently referred to them. One novel aspect of this move is that they have intentionally weakened their own position in the interest of greater democracy in ASA affairs. Both Members and Fellows will now vote on Executive Council members, etc.

 1960 CONVENTION

So that no one can ever claim they were not informed in time, next year's convention will be held at Seattle Pacific College, probably in late August. This will be an excellent opportunity to incorporate a family vacation in the garden spot of the USA. This vacation angle proved to be a surprising drawing card when the convention was held in Los Angeles in 1951 (even before Disneyland). Start planning now,

ASA News Editor:

F. Alton Everest
 947 Stanford Street
Santa Monica, California