NEWS
The American Scientific Affiliation

VOLUME 7 NUMBER 2           23 May 1965



CONVENTION FEATURES

The ASA-IVCF convention at The King's College, Briarcliff, New York, 23-27 August 1965, is outstanding because of many unusual features:

BOAT - "Travel up beautiful Hudson River" 
They will try to arrange dock space.

SHIP - Tie up to East pylon of George Washington Bridge and wig-wag for help - or toss into river a bottle with note inside.

Other possibilities, not mentioned, include SKATEBOARD, POGO STICK and CROSS COUNTRY HEEL-AND-TOE. For Walt, THUMB.



BARNES ESCAPES BRIMSTONE

Dr. Marion D. Barnes, Director of research for the Sulphur Institute, Washington D. C., has been named President of Covenant College. This announcement was made by the board of trustees of Covenant College of which Dr. Barnes has been chairman since 1959, apparently through the chairman, Dr. Barnes. That the action was also moved and seconded by Dr. Barnes has not been established. One of the earliest members of the Executive Council of the ASA, Dr. Barnes has been traveling widely in his work with the Sulphur Institute, supervising research projects at Princeton, McGill and Universities of Munich, Heidelberg, Marburg and Pisa.

In his new work as President of Covenant College, he will assume leadership of the, college recently moved to a new campus at Lookout Mountain, near Chattanooga, A result of growth which required separation of the College from Covenant Theological Seminary which will remain in St. Louis. After another swing through Europe visiting the Universities with research contracts, this time taking along his wife, he will then settle down on Lookout Mountain to forget sulphur, except with some molasses, in the spring. So closes the book on brimstone! So opens a mountaintop experience!



SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

On Saturday afternoon, 22 May, the Southern California Section of the ASA met at the Biltmore Hotel in Hermosa Beach. About 65 enthusiastic persons partook actively in discussion stimulated by the speakers.

Dr. Thomas J. Manetsch, Assistant Professor of Engineering,, University of California at Los Angeles, spoke on "Computers and Social Processes." Dr. Manetsch reported on his work building models of social processes and applying computer techniques to the study. He has given considerable thought to the propagation of attitudes, of which the propagation of the Christian faith is a special case. Graphical studies were presented showing the effects of the maturation of the believers and variations in the rate of proclamation of the gospel on the communication of the gospel. Perhaps Christian leaders may have here a tool which, when refined, might shed much light on the factors influencing the spread of Christianity from a tactical viewpoint.

Dr. William Sanford LaSor, Professor of Old Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary, then presented a paper on "Date Determination in Archaeology." He outlined the various factors in date determination such as the fixed points in antiquity, synchrometric events and relative chronologies. Radiocarbon methods, where applicable, give reliable dating out to about 30,000 years, Dr. LaSor stated.

A panel composed of the two speakers above augmented by Dr. Robert P. Dilworth, Professor of Mathematics) California Institute of Technology, and Dr. Richard H. Luba, Professor of Materials Science, Stanford University, considered the topic, "Scientific Discovery and Biblical Interpretation." Leading off with the categorical, flat statement,  "Any scientific discovery takes precedence over interpretation", Dr. Bube succeeded in launching a discussion that led into some very interesting ramifications. Incorrect questions leads to incorrect answers, he stated. For example, don't ask science, "Is there a God" and don't ask mechanism questions of the Bible. Dr. LaSor emphasized that there is only one truth; that the God of the Bible made heaven and earth. The Bible is the result of the inspiration of God, the physical universe the result of the activity of God. A discussion along the line of "science is HOW and the Bible is WHY" opened along the line of holding a dichotomy leading to a compartmented mind. It was agreed that the essential message of the Bible is redemption.

NEW ENGLAND

In the last issue of NEWS the 27 February 65 meeting of the New England was reported in bare detail. Since then, further information has come in from Dr. John M. Osepchuk, Chairman of the section. In the three-hour discussion of "The Integration of Scientific and Religious Goals" Dr. James Bruce of MIT explored the definition of these subject goals and pointed out the characteristic of self sufficiency and even obsession which often pertains to non-Christian scientific goals. Dr. James Shaw of Harvard emphasized the need for guidance from the Lord and religious education if Christians in science are to control science. Ile took issue with Pollard ("Physicist and Christian", Seabury Press, N. Y., 1961) and stated that Pollard's analogy of Science and Christianity as communities is false because God is the initiator of Christianity through revelation. Dr. Donald Starr of Eastern Nazarene College emphasized the need for being an integrated Christian to solve this problem and, with the aid of a clever chalkboard diagram, showed that our goals become His when ourselves are sacrificed and we proceed in sanctification as mature Christians. Mr. Ken Olsen, of Digital Equipment Corporation, shook the meeting with his revelation of the skeptical view businessmen hold of scientists as a confused lot with little practical value to industry. He also referred to the vanity of 'helping God'. The overall discussion was of value principally as the testimonies of these successful men were related to a living faith in Christ.

DISSERTATION DEDICATIONS

Dr. Walter R. Hearn has been receiving some hot reactions to his comments on Jerry Albert's spiritually oriented dedication of his PhD. dissertation. These bave not yet been smoked out for publication, but Dr. S. K2gh Paine, Professor of Physics, Houghton College, sends his in to the editor, a method guaranteed to reach the eager public. Dr. Paine's comments are quoted in their entirety below.

 "I read with interest your "Dissertation on Dissertation Dedications" in the December News, at first passed over your request for comment, but cannot shake the idea that an answer would be appropriate.

If a poll of opinion were taken concerning the wisdom of introducing devotional elements into scientific paper, probably the consensus would be negative -- perhaps overwhelmingly so. It is even conceivable that the introduction of a subjective element, positively Christian, might stimulate subjectivity in an examining committee's evaluation of a doctoral candidate and result in fewer degrees being granted evangelical Christians, particularly in the life sciences and geology.

In spite of this I can only approve grad student Albert's unique dedication which recognizes God's ownership of truth and His special help in apprehending a portion of it. There may be other ways in which this could have been stated, yet the important point is that it was affirmed. The author was impressed to do it, he did it courageously and to the best of his ability, and he will be clear in that great day when all our acts will come up for review, whether they be good or whether they be bad. His case is in good hands. whatever sanctions his committee might take against him cannot nullify that fact. God also has their acts and attitudes slated for review. In fact, a special witness of this sort is likely not intended for those who would approve it.

The writer some years ago prepared a paper for presentation at the First International Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy and felt impressed in the acknowledgments to write an ascription of special credit to God. The impression was not too welcome, you may be sure, promising as it did an inference of fanaticism. Nevertheless, prayer and non-subjective guidance from the Lord confirmed L-he direction, so it was written and the co-author concurred. It created a furor, of course, and someone down the line edited it out before it was submitted to the International Committee. It would seem that the ascription was not  intended for a witness to the Communists, for example, who were to participate in the Conference -- they never saw it. Was it not intended only for those who saw it -- and probably specially for those who chopped it out? Some day we shall know the answers to such questions! At any rate, Christians ought to recognize that God has the right to tell His children to do things with the expectation that they will obey Him.

But perhaps you intended only to raise the question whether reference to Godts assistance should become accepted Christian forma,.- in scientific articles. If such an allusion should become a mere formalism it would lose any meaning, of course. However, in the day in which we live who can dream of that degree of acceptance"? When a scientist who is a Christian wakes up to the fact that everything he possesses has been entrusted to him by a loving Father -- including his abilities, talents, intellect, opportunities, and the specific "objective truth" toward elucidation of which he bonds all these energies -- he will want to give credit to the One to Whom it is due. He would be considered an ingrate if he failed to properly acknowledge human help by which he has profited. Why should he not also acknowledge God's help? I -think Dr, Hearn misses this point.

Concerning his specific objection, why should duplicability of some new discovery of truth be grounds for omitting a credit line to God? All laws are his, whether we have discovered them or not. Wherein we fail to make this a strong point we give encouragement to the all-too-prevalent idea that God is only needed to explain the lacunae, or gaps in knowledge. The obvious extrapolation is to the point of zero ignorance, at which boundary the need for God becomes zero also. I know many scientists who call themselves agnostics, but are practical atheists because their uncertainty depends only in this final extrapolation and they realize that they will not live to see it."

RSCF SEPTEMBER CONFERENCE

To harried program committee members, there is no such thing as having too many ideas for upcoming meetings. Who knows, the next good idea might even come from our English cousins in the Research Scientist's Christian Fellowship across the watah.

Their September Conference is to be a 9:30 A. M. to 5:30 P. M. session on 25 September at Bedford College. The topic is, "Population, World Food Problems and the Exploitation of Nature" and the following papers will be circulated beforehand:









GRADUATE SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY

Dr. David Allan Hubbard, President of Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California, announced the establishment of a Graduate School of Psychology which will offer a doctoral program in clinical psychology. Dr. Lee Edward Travis has been appointed Dean of the new school and Dr. Donald Tweedie, Director of Clinical Training and Facilities. Other faculty members are: Drs. Paul Barkman. Robert Bower, Donald Cole, Paul Fairweather, Donald Hall, psychologists; Dr. Harlen Parker, psychiatrist, Dr. Carroll Wright, Pastoral Counselor, and Mr. Adrin Sylling, psychiatric social worker.

The first class of students will be admitted in September 1965. The faculty sponsored research and training facility is the Pasadena Community Counseling Center.

For information write: Dean Graduate School of Psychology Fuller Theological Seminary 177 North Madison Avenue Pasadena, California

HELP WANTED

Houghton College in Houghton, New York, has openings in the faculty in Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Zoology. Further information may be obtained by contacting Kenneth Lindley, Chairman of the Science and Mathematics Division.

The Wheaton College Chemistry Department needs someone to prepare materials and solutions, order supplies and take charge of the stockroom. Needs knowledge of general and organic chemistry. Salary and rank dependent on training. Write to Prof. Paul M. Wright, Wheaton College, 501 East Seminary Avenue, Wheaton, Illinois 60108.
Statement of Receipts and Disbursements  for the year ended December 31, 1964



RECEIPTS:
Operational:
Dues $9,083.35
Subscriptions 1,113.12
Contributions 2.7133.91
Royalties 238.03
Other Sales 383.82
Convention 288.25
Sundry 95.24
Total Operational Receipts $13~335.72
Non-Operational:
Loan from Bank 2,000.00
TOTAL RECEIPTS $15,335.72


DISBURSEMENTS:
Operational:
Salaries 4,357.57
Journal - Printing 3,104.43
Journal - Other Expense 208.11
Addressing Service 196.77
Postage 724.06
Printing and Supplies 1,638.00
Books & Pamphlets for Sale 303.93
Rent 375.00
Telephone 353.73
Repairs & Maintenance 53.74
Bank & Collection Charges 40.47
Convention 93.30
Executive Council - Travel & Meetings 13,286.48
Professional Services 145.00
Payroll Taxes Paid 200.42
Sundry 98.62 13,179.63
Non Operational:
Purchase of Furniture & Equipment 181.70
Moving Expense 24.30 206.00
Total Disbursements 13,385.63
Excess of Receipts over Disbursements 1,950.09
Bank Balance, January 1, 1964 - 163.14
Bank Balance, December 31, 1964 $ 2,113.23



Alabama



Joseph Calvin Thomas, 1614 Winston St., Florence, Alabama 35630. AB Asbury College, MA & MdD from University of Ky.

California



Lambert lyler Dolphin, Jr., 945 Old Trace Rd., Palo Alto, Calif. AB at San Diego State College.

John 0. F. Dorsett, 2650 California St., Apt. 42, Mountain View, Calif. 94041. BS at U. S. Naval Adademy, 14S Mass. Inst. of Tech.; MS at Ohio State Univ.

Duane Edward Johnson, 4300 Glenridge Dr., Carmichael, Calif. 95608. AA Bethel College, MS Iowa State Univ.; PhD U. C. L. A.

Howard W. Law, 3320 Greenfield, Los Angeles, Calif. AB Seattle Pacific College, MS & PhD Univ. of Texas.

Laurence S. Martens, 11466 Lochard St., Oakland 5, Calif. 94605. BS and I year at U. C., Berkeley; MS Univ. of Pacific at Stockton.

Colorado



Daniel A. Seager, 1230 24th Ave., Greeley, Colo. AA St. John's Lutheran College, AB Okla. Baptist Univ., AB in Lib. Science at Univ. of Okla., AM Univ. of Okla.

Florida



Jackson S. Sells, 7300 Almansa St., Coral Gables, Florida. BSEE Purdue. BS & MS Univ. of Miami.

Illinois



Gordon E. Brown, 404 Edgebrook Drive, Champaign, Ill. 61821. BS Calif. Inst. of Tech., PhD at Cornell Univ.

David E. Misner, 3087 Fairfield Ave., Downers Grove, Ill. 60515. BS State College of Iowa; MS George Williams College, PhD at Univ. of Chicago.

 

Kentucky



Edward F. Slothour, M. D., Red Bird Mission, Beverly, Ky. BS Franklin & Marshall College; MD Temple Univ., School of Medicine.

Michigan



Jennie E. Master, 918 Albright Drive, Jackson, Mich. 49203. BS Central Mich. Univ., MA Univ. of Michigan.

Minnesota


Virginia June H. Johnson, 16 West Acker St., St. Paul, Minn, 55117. No degrees. Laboratory Technician for Drs. Weis, Ubel, Gilsdorf.

Lloyd William Yoder, R. D. 2, Hallam, Pa. 17336. BS & 14S Pennsylvania State Uni v.1

 Texas

Darden Powers, 3217 Forrester Lane, Waco, Texas 76703. BS at Univ. of Okla., MS & PhD at Calif. Inst. of Tech.

Texas H. Stevens, 415 Kelley, Houston, Texas 77009. AA Victoria Jr. College; BA Abilene Christian College.

Washington

Miss I. Tomine Tjelta, 3533 Densmore Ave. N., Seattle, Wash. 98103. BS, MA Univ.
of Washington & PhD expected in 1965.

Canada

Harold Ulric Bentley, 125 Raymond St., Apt. 214. Guelph, Ontario. BSA Univ. of Guelph.

GermMy

Dr. Klaus Rainer Guting, Mathematisches Institut A, Technischle Hochschule, 7, Stuttgart, Germany.

NOTE: Transportation arrangements to and from the World's Fair will be available to A. S. A. members and guests for several days before the convention and for several days following the convention. If you are interested, please write Wayne FraiE, Briarcliff Manor, New York



H. Harold Hartzler
Executive Secretary
American Scientific Affiliation
325 Brett Building
Mankato, Minnesota 56001

F. Alton Everest
Editor, ASA NEWS
947 Stanford Street
Santa Monica, California 90403