Re: PJ

Pattle Pun (Pattle.P.Pun@wheaton.edu)
Thu, 20 Mar 1997 11:02:30 -0600 (CST)

On Thu, 20 Mar 1997, John W. Burgeson wrote:

> Peter (Vibert) & Howard (Van Til):
>
> Interesting how differently we see Mr. Johnson.
>
> You both, of course, may be right. Apparently, from what you say, his
> writings are having more success in "evangelical" churches than in the
> mainline ones (I am a PCUSA member).
>
> Do either of you know him personally? How well? Does the fact that he is a
> lawyer color your opinion of him?
>
> I assume the answer to the last is "no." It does seem to color the opinions
> of some I've encountered.
>
> Does the fact that he is "not a scientist" color your opinion of him? Same
> comment as before.
>
> I appreciate the added insight. It would seem to me that someone ought to
> write a "letter to the editor" probing the very point you both raised with
> Phil, one which he would feel obliged to answer carefully. Maybe this has
> happened already. Is such an exchange anywhere on the net?
>
> Appreciate the dialog on this.
>
I knew Phil Johnson personally. He does not seem to me as described by
many of you to be marginalizing Christian scientists that do not agree
with him. What he is interested in the ISSUE of naturalism in science. I
have been saying what he is saying more than 10 years ago. However, being
a biologist from a Christian liberal arts College, I was not as effective
as he is to get an audience. Please do not discount him as being a LAWYER
and does not know science. Can we discuss the issue instead of the person
who raises the issue. I think I am not alone even in this listserv. I
think ASA should hear also more from the perspectives of us Progressive
Creationists, who may not find enough time to respond to every single
comments made by the Theistic Evolutionists on this list. I thin Phil
Johnson is doing a great job in calling the attention of the Christian
public to the issue of NATURALISM in science, separating it from the
young earth creationist perspectives.

-------------------------------------
Dr. Pattle Pun
Professor of Biology
Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL 60187
eMail: Pattle.P.Pun@wheaton.edu
Phone: (630)752-5303
FAX: (630)752-5996