Re: ASA perspectives, etc

I'm in agreement with Ted's final paragraph. I know I'm stating the obvious here: the purpose of publishing to academic journals is to gain feedback on theories/positions. I consider PCSF to be the ideal journal for the ID topic since it can generate a healthy dialogue exchange from PCSF subscribers who follow the origins topics closely. I know one of the past criticisms of the creationist camp was they failed to submit their so-called scientific theories/findings to academic journals. Thus, I am glad to see a pro-Demsbki-IDer bravely offering up their position for the PCSF community. Ted is right in that just because a paper is published in PCSF does not necessarily mean it represents an official stance by PCSF or the PCSF community.

Regarding folks' opinion of ID, it may not be fair to assume that people are either anti-ID or pro-ID. While the entire ID theory may not be accepted by some thinkers, there are some aspects of ID that they may find appealing.

-Phil
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Ted Davis
  To: asa@lists.calvin.edu
  Sent: Monday, March 20, 2006 3:47 PM
  Subject: ASA perspectives, etc

  I sent this earlier to David, having intended it for the list. Ted
>>> "David Opderbeck" <dopderbeck@gmail.com> 03/20/06 12:12 PM >>>asks:

  Just a curiosity question -- is the ASA Perspectives journal peer reviewed
  or how otherwise are editorial decisions made? The most recent PCSF had a
  very pro-ID article that drew heavily on Dembski's work, which I'm sure
  most
  of the active participants on this list wouldn't agree with. Is this list
  representative of the organization? Is PCSF representative? Or neither?

  Ted replies:

  A second challenge comes from growing tension within the larger body of
  Christ between advocates of "intelligent design" and advocates of what
  is commonly called "theistic evolution" (and I recognize that some ASA
  members and other people advocate views that might fit into both
  categories). Throughout its history the ASA has facilitated helpful,
  respectful exchanges of views on many aspects of the origins controversy,
  while not endorsing officially any one particular view. If elected, I would
  do what I can to help the ASA retain and enhance its role as an effective
  forum for the healthy exchange of views on all issues related to science and
  Christian faith, and to increase our visibility among the religious press.

  Ted
Received on Mon Mar 20 17:16:09 2006