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Review and Critical Analysis:
More than a Theory (2009) by
Hugh Ross



Presented by Mark Tabladillo Ph.D.
Atlanta, GA
April 29, 2010
Review and analysis of "More than a Theory" 201004
About Hugh Ross
 Physics and Astronomy training
 Researched quasi-stellar objects
 (“quasars”) at Caltech
 Founded science-faith think tank Reasons
 to Believe in 1986
 Loves the outdoors, hiking, trail running
 and photography
 Wife is Kathy, and has two sons
Hugh Ross’ Philosophy
 God’s revelations in Scripture and nature
 do not, will not, and cannot contradict
 Motivated to communicate this message
 as broadly and clearly as possible
 Leverages books, articles, podcasts,
 interviews, debates, and presentations to
 communicate his message
 Treats comments and questions with
 respect
William Lane Craig
on Ross’ Theology
 Critique of Beyond the Cosmos
 Retrieved April 27, 2010 from
 http://ldolphin.org/craig/index.html (version with Craig’s diagrams intact)

 Response and Resolution
 Retrieved April 27, 2010 from
 http://www.reasons.org/physics/constants-physics/philosophia-christi
Hugh Ross Reader                William Lane Craig

  I recently read Dr. Hugh      You can find my critique of Hugh’s
                                views in “Hugh Ross’s Extra-
  Ross' books, The Creator      Dimensional Deity,” Philosophia Christi
                                21 (1998): 17-32; “Hugh Ross’s Extra-
  and the Cosmos, and Beyond    Dimensional Deity: A Review Article,”
  the Cosmos. He explains       Journal of the Evangelical Theological
                                Society 42 (1999): 293-304; and in
  much of God's interactions    Time and Eternity (Crossway, 2001).
  with humanity and our         Yes, I find it very problematic.
  spiritual decisions through
                                Retrieved April 27, 2010 from
  an extradimensional           http://www.reasonablefaith.org/site/N
  framework.                    ews2?page=NewsArticle&id=8045




        Extradimensional God
About Christians in Science
   Based in England
    ”In spite of Ross' skepticism towards
   evolution, the success of his old earth
   advocacy amongst evangelicals has made
   him the bête noire of the YECS [young-
   earth creation science] community”


Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://www.cis.org.uk/resources/links/yecs-links
How I came to read More than a
Theory
 Officer Training Course
                 This book is the current key text required for the RTB local
                 chapter (or network) Officer Training Course. I had previously
                 not heard of Hugh Ross or RTB until I had attended a local
                 RTB group meeting in Fall 2009.

                 However, the conclusions of old-earth creationism match my
                 own conclusions on 1) the age of the universe, which in the
                 1980s, I came to believe as being that age, and 2) my
                 skepticism with macroevolution, as I have (for example)
                 interacted with authors of articles in American Scientist (since
                 I am a full life member of Sigma Xi). These previous life
                 experiences make my personal conclusions more in line with
                 the RTB creation model as contrasted with the other three
                 positions mentioned in More than a Theory.
After Critical Analysis:
Personal Resolution
 Sign the RTB Statement of Faith and
 support the local chapter
 Encourage the local chapter to promote
 education on both science and Christian
 theology
 Promote the concept of “Missional Basis
 for Science”                   I decided to
                                provide the
                                conclusion at the
                                beginning,
                                because the slides
                                in this presentation
                                might cause some
                                mental discomfort.
Outline



 Descriptive   Applying the
                               Responses
  Review of       Dual
                               from RTB
 More than a    Revelation
                              Competitors
   Theory         Model
RTB Creation Model
 Comprehensive
 Flexible and Self-Correcting
 Ongoing
Do you think human beings developed from earlier
                             species or not? (Harris Poll)
             60




             50




             40
PERCENTAGE




             30                                                      March 1994
                                                                     June 2005
             20




             10




             0
                    Yes          No     Not sure/Decline to answer
Do you believe apes and man have a common ancestry
                                   or not? (Harris Poll)
             60




             50




             40

                                                                      March 1994
PERCENTAGE




             30
                                                                      June 2005
             20




             10




             0
                     Yes          No     Not sure/Decline to answer
Scoring the Models (Chapters 2, 16)
Position             Voice
Naturalism           Richard Dawkins

Young-Earth          Institute for Creation Research        Individuals in each of
                                                            the last three rows
                     Answers in Genesis (Creation Museum)   could believe in the
                                                            inerrant and infallible
                                                            Bible, and could
Theistic Evolution   BioLogos Foundation                    subscribe to God's
                                                            dual revelation in
                                                            nature and the Bible,
                                                            and still promote a
RTB Creation         Reasons to Believe                     different creation
                                                            model.




See http://www.reasons.org/resources/predictions
Testing the First Amendment
 Epperson v. Arkansas (1968)
 McLean v. Arkansas (1981)     Only young-earth creationism has
                               lost in court (in the United States).

 Aguillard v.Treen (1983)
 Edwards v. Aguillard (1987)
Model Testing
 Give a wider and more detailed view
 Make better sense of established data
 Provide a more reasonable and consistent
 explanation
 Result in fewer unexpected anomalies and
 gaps
 Prove more successful in anticipating or
 predicting future findings
Biblical Structure of RTB Model

                        Dual Revelation




      Detectability                         Creation
      of the Divine                         Purposes




                      Creation Chronology
RTB: Simple Sciences First
                      Simple = Phenomena well
                      defined by mathematical                                                      I used fireworks graphics
                                                                                                   for the discussion questions

                      equations                                                                    because fireworks are both
                                                                                                   explosive and beautiful.


                      Defined by causal relationships
                      Therefore – “philosophical and
                      theological conclusions may be
                      more easily drawn from the
                      simple sciences than from the
                      complex” (Page 68)
Discussion Question for People at Round Tables: What do you think about this statement?

In the interactive responses, some both agreed and disagreed with this statement. My partial
disagreement is that the theology of the Bible is not typically argued through mathematics. My
later question on good theology surfaced that we need a broader discussion of the how God
builds arguments both in the Bible and our personal lives too. The term "argument" is central to
this organization since it promotes reasons to believe in Christianity.
RTB Model Elements
 Cosmos (Chapter 7)
 Galaxies, Stars and Planets (Chapter 8)
 Life’s Beginning and Extraterrestrial
 Homes (Chapter 9)
 Life’s History (Chapter 10)
 Advanced Life (Chapter 11)
 Origin and History of Humanity (Chapter
 12)
 The “Why” Question Test (Chapter 13)
RTB Major Science Claims
 Anthropic Principle (Chapter 7)
 Uniqueness of the Milky Way (Chapter 8)
 God prepared the Earth (Chapters 9, 10)
 Not all animals purely physical (Chapter
 11)
 People are intellectual (Chapter 12)
 Naturalistic rationale for destruction and
 catastrophe (Chapter 13)
Outline



 Descriptive   Applying the
                               Responses
  Review of       Dual
                               from RTB
 More than a    Revelation
                              Competitors
   Theory         Model
Dual Revelation Model




  Nature           Bible
Supporting Nature as Revelation
 Jeremiah 23:24; 33:25
 Psalm 19:1-4; 50:6; 97:6
 Romans 1:18-23
Dual Revelation Model


     Nature                                                         Bible


    Science                                               Theology
"Revelation" simply means what God made to be revealed. I agree that both nature and the Bible
are revelations from God. Though, in theological context, one of the most historically debated books
of the Bible is "Revelation". We should be therefore cautious in separating speculation from fact.
Science differs from advocacy. Advocacy is a
                                                    statement. Science asks a question, where we
                                                    could be genuinely surprised by the answer.

What is “science”?                                  Some people assume they are doing science (or
                                                    research) but in fact are doing advocacy. I do
                                                    not believe there is anything inherently immoral
                    Represented by                  or unethical with advocacy, but we should clarify
                    the four models                 the difference.

 Models             Ross contrasts in
                    More than a
                    Theory.

 Difference between science and
 advocacy?




         Discussion Question for People at each Round
         Table:
         What is good science?

         I believe the audience had the best overall clarity of
         expression on this question.
Ross on Scientific Method
 “While the scientific method doesn’t
 guarantee objectivity and accuracy, it does
 minimize the effects of oversight, personal
 bias, and presuppositions… The need for
 ongoing adjustment and refinement never
 ends.” (Page 51)
Only 8% members of the Scientific
Research Society agreed that 'peer
review works well as it is.' (Chubin
and Hackett, 1990; p.192)

Chubin, D. R. and Hackett E. J., 1990, Peerless Science, Peer Review
and U.S. Science Policy; New York, State University of New York
Press.
"A recent U.S. Supreme Court
decision and an analysis of the peer
review system substantiate
complaints about this fundamental
aspect of scientific research."
(Horrobin, 2001)
Horrobin, D., 2001, "Something Rotten at the Core of Science?" Trends in
Pharmacological Sciences,Vol. 22, No. 2, February 2001. Also at
http://www.whale.to/vaccine/sci.html and
http://post.queensu.ca/~forsdyke/peerrev4.htm (both Web pages were accessed
on February 1, 2010
Review and analysis of "More than a Theory" 201004
What is “theology”?
                                                The "models" of theology are represented by the
                                                various denominations (for example) within orthodox
                 Models                         Christianity. We see this diversity in the people who
                                                participate with RTB.


                 Difference between theology and
                 advocacy?                                                            What is the difference between
                                                                                      researching theology and the Bible and
                                                                                      advocating a denominational position?




Discussion question for People at each Round Table:
What is good theology?

After giving people a chance to discuss this question, I allowed each table shared with
everyone. Some concluded that they did not have clarity on how to express this issue, and
many concluded that a lot of what they personally do is advocate rather than study (or
research) theology.

I encouraged people to study this topic further on their own. As an easy segue, I believe we
can answer this question based on our own personal testimony. Specifically, I encouraged
studying two concepts: miracles and the Holy Spirit. I don't think we had any Pentecostals in
the audience, but the Holy Spirit in my mind is the living connection we have with the now
ancient creeds. We can research how (for example) the Bible came to be canonized and
reach the same conclusion.
Staying out of the Conflict
  American Scientific Affiliation
  “the ASA does not take a position when
  there is honest disagreement between
  Christians on an issue.”
Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://www.asa3.org/ASA/faithASA.html
Staying out of the Conflict
   Ravi Zacharias Ministries
   “RZIM does not have an official ministry
   position on the age of the earth. The
   focus of RZIM is apologetics and
   evangelism, and thus we do not address
   particular questions about creation,
   though we are committed to defending
   theism against naturalism.”
Retrieved April 27, 2010 from
http://www.rzim.org/usa/usfv/tabid/436/articleid/171/cbmoduleid/1561/default.
aspx
Staying out of the Conflict
   Ravi Zacharias Ministries
   Ajoy Varghese, Asst. Director (Ministries),
   India – report from Atlanta visit
   “Two scientists thanked me for opening their
   eyes to the richness of God’s word. One of
   them had doubts about the
   creation/evolution debate. After discussing
   some basic aspects of the issue, I directed
   him to the writings of JP Moreland, Hugh
   Ross etc.”
Retrieved April 27, 2010 from
http://www.rzim.org/justthinkingfv/tabid/602/articleid/156/cbmoduleid/1480/default
.aspx
Outline



 Descriptive   Applying the
                               Responses
  Review of       Dual
                               from RTB
 More than a    Revelation
                              Competitors
   Theory         Model
Websites analyzing Hugh Ross or
Reasons to Believe
Organization             Category             URL
American Scientific      Noncommittal         http://asa3.org/
Affiliation
Answers in Genesis       Young-Earth          http://answersingenesis.org

Apologetics 315          Sympathetic to RTB   http://apologetics315.blogsp
                                              ot.com
BioLogos Foundation      Theistic Evolution   http://biologos.org
ChristianAnswers.net     Young-Earth          http://christiananswers.net

Creation Science         Young-Earth          http://drdino.org
Evangelism
Institute for Creation   Young-Earth          http://icr.org
Research
The Young Earth          Young-Earth          http://creationists.org
Creation Club
Hugh Ross                        Critiques

  "If the Earth were one half       Because the Earth's orbit is
                                    ELLIPTICAL, its distance from the
  of one percent closer to          sun varies by quite a bit more than
                                    one half of one per cent, yet it is
  the sun, water on Earth           NOT the case that all the water
  would boil off. If the Earth      either boils off or freezes.
  were one half of one
                                 The distance varies by over 3% in a
  percent farther from the         given year, yet waters don't boil or
  sun, all the water would         freeze. The distance between Earth
                                   and Sun is near 92 million miles.
  freeze."                         The change in distance due to the
                                   orbit of the Earth around the Sun
                                   is around 3 million miles.

                                                     This chart represents a
                                                     sample critique of the
                                                     science -- I commented


                  Earth’s Orbit
                                                     that I do not have severe
                                                     concern about this specific
                                                     Ross claim because I
                                                     accept the entire body of
                                                     evidence supporting the
                                                     anthropic principle.
About BioLogos Foundation
 Theistic Evolution
 Provides links and resources to major
 organizations
Dialogue between RTB and
BioLogos (January 2010)
  Clarify for each other our beliefs about and
  positions on various aspects of creation and
  evolution. We wanted to establish areas of
  agreement on science, theology, and philosophy of
  ministry as well as major differences with the
  understanding that secondary differences would
  require additional discussion at a later date.
  Outline the means by which at least some of the
  more significant differences between us could
  potentially be resolved.

Retrieved April 27, 2010 from
http://theangrygnome.posterous.com/report-on-biologos-reasons-to-
believe-dialogu
Dialogue between RTB and
BioLogos (January 2010)
  Set up public forums that will allow both Christians
  and non-Christians to learn about our respective
  positions on specific creation and evolution issues,
  observe our dialogue, and then engage in
  conversation with us. We agreed that the emphasis in
  these events must be on education and discussion,
  but this does not rule out sincere debate.
  Consider how our interactions with one another
  might model for the Christian community at large
  how to approach differences of perspective and
  interpretation.

Retrieved April 27, 2010 from
http://theangrygnome.posterous.com/report-on-biologos-reasons-to-
believe-dialogu
BioLogos Critique of Hugh Ross
 Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://biologos.org/resources/hugh-ross/
BioLogos Critique of Hugh Ross
   Strong concordists, of which old-earth creationists are the
   best example, believe that God placed modern scientific
   ideas in the Bible, sometimes using secret language that
   could not be understood by the original audience and
   even the actual writers of the texts.
   BioLogos rejects this viewpoint because we believe that
   God worked within the worldview, culture and language
   of the Biblical authors and since they would not have
   known, for example, about heliocentricity or the Big
   Bang, we do not think that God encoded those ideas in
   the scripture.
Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://biologos.org/resources/leading-figures
About Answers in Genesis (AIG)
 Young-Earth Creationism
 Produced the Creation Museum
 Noah’s Ark Problem:
 Supports rapid subspeciation (as opposed
 to unrestricted speciation) based on
 “Kind” in Genesis (Retrieved April 27, 2010 from
 http://www.answersingenesis.org/home/area/cfol/ch2-species.asp
 http://www.answersingenesis.org/home/area/feedback/2006/0908.asp
 http://www.answersingenesis.org/home/area/FIT/appendix3.asp)
Dialogue between RTB and AIG
(and other young-earthers)
  RTB has met AIG in Dallas area
  seminaries 4-5 times annually
  “Ultimately, no significant progress was
  made because the young-earthers are
  committed to the supreme authority of
  Scripture, whereas the old-earthers are
  committed to the authority of the views
  of the current majority of scientists.”
Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-
ham/2010/03/01/when-compromise-meets-compromise/
Dialogue between RTB and AIG
(and other young-earthers)
   “The young-earthers wanted to discuss the
   assumptions used to interpret the scientific
   evidence, whereas the old-earthers wanted
   to avoid that discussion, especially in relation
   to geology and astronomy and the question
   of the age of the creation.”
   “For these reasons these young-earth/old-
   earth discussions finally stalled in 2008.”
Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-
ham/2010/03/01/when-compromise-meets-compromise/
“In-House” Recent Debate
   Reasons to Believe vs. Answers in Genesis




See http://apologetics315.blogspot.com/2010/04/hugh-ross-vs-jason-
lisle-debate.html
Answers in Genesis (Feb 2010)
  We have repeatedly stated in books, on this
  website, and in videos that holding to the young-
  earth view is not a requirement for the free gift
  of salvation offered to us through Jesus’s sacrificial
  death on the cross.
  We certainly believe that a person can be a
  Christian and hold to the Reasons to Believe
  model (progressive creationism), the framework
  hypothesis, theistic evolution, or any other
  harmonistic view out there.

Retrieved April 27, 2010 from
http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2010/02/26/feedback-which-is-worse
Answers in Genesis Critique of
Reasons to Believe (Feb 2010)
  However, our concern is that a person who
  does this is being completely arbitrary in
  their hermeneutic (method of
  interpretation).
  Dr. Lisle’s statement does not mean that Dr.
  Ross or Dr. Kaiser are unbelievers, but
  demonstrates that the big bang is entirely
  inconsistent with the words of Scripture.

Retrieved April 27, 2010 from
http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2010/02/26/feedback-which-is-worse
Ken Ham (AIG) critiques RTB and
BioLogos
   “Compromise God’s Word in Genesis with the
   secular beliefs of the day (e.g., big bang, billions of
   years, death and disease before man, no global
   Flood, etc.)”
   “They both feel that young-earth creationists are
   a serious problem in the church and our views
   are a huge barrier to effective evangelism”
   “Their combined efforts will continue to lead
   Christians astray, especially professors in
   seminaries and Christian universities”
Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-
ham/2010/03/01/when-compromise-meets-compromise/
Millard Erickson Makes Peace
   (Two anecdotes along the way)
   Exercise caution when working in another
   field
   Each discipline can learn from the others
   Writing benefits from reviews
   Apologetics, however, requires a team
   approach
Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://www.reasons.org/physics/constants-
physics/philosophia-christi
RTB (2001)                      MarkTab

  5. The Bible is primarily       5. The Bible is primarily
  organized around a central      organized around a central
                                  theological purpose:
  theological purpose:
                                  God communicates His plan
  God communicates His            for human redemption from a
  plan for human redemption       fallen nature through His Son,
  from a fallen nature            Jesus Christ. Likewise, the
                                  universe is designed for a
  through His Son, Jesus          central purpose, namely the
  Christ. Likewise, the           glory of God.
  universe is designed for a      Isaiah 43:7
  central purpose, namely the     Psalm 19:1-2
                                                         I believe this issue
                                                         is important and
  benefit of humans.              Revelation 4:11
                                                         directly aligns with
                                                         a missional
                                                         framework.




  MarkTab Recommendation
We should decide what science and theology ideas are more
                                                                     or less important.

 Because the Bible


                          MarkTab Analysis and Viewpoint
 allows or permits a
 specific scientific or
 theological idea
 does NOT mean it
                                                                                          When communicating science or theology, we
 is promoting it.
                                                                                          need to be clear what is speculation and what

                               Study and Prioritize Ideas
 Keep in mind how
                                                                                          is considered fact (and why, when possible).
 wise scholars have
 historically

                               Speculation versus Fact
 provided various                                                                  Public communicators have a higher clarity standard
 interpretations the                                                               because their work outruns and outlives them. People
 book of Revelation.                                                               evaluating media work are not just evaluating the

                               Price of Leadership
                                                                                   author(s) but also are weighing the consequences of
                                                                                   how the work would be received by a general
                                                                                   audience.

                               Biblical Permission versus Promotion
                               Philosophy (World View) Matters in Science
Scientists are
affected by
                               Why Christianity accepts Diversity                                            I recently shared with an
                                                                                                             atheist that diversity is not
                                                                                                             the fatal blow to Christianity,
                               Missional Basis for Science
worldview,
theology matters,                                                                                            because of unity in Jesus
and motives                                                                                                  Christ.
underlie how
people apply the                ◦ Apologetics reaches maximum effectiveness
                                  when we Christians work together as a TEAM
scientific method.

  We do not have a church of God with a mission in the world -- we
                                                                        Apologetics is part of God's mission to the world. As Millard
  have a God of mission, with the church in the world. Christians
                                                                        Erickson advised, Christians should work as a TEAM!
  are called for more than just advocating a model of theology or
  science, but the somewhat mystical advocacy through the Holy
  Spirit. Proper teaching on missions provides a framework
  encompassing all public and private revelations from God.
After Critical Analysis:
Personal Resolution
 Sign the RTB Statement of Faith and
 support the local chapter
 Encourage the local chapter to promote
 education on both science and Christian
 theology
 Promote the concept of “Missional Basis
 for Science”
Conclusion
                   More than a Theory connects four distinct
                   theories with specific testable models:
                    ◦   Naturalism
                    ◦   Young-Earth
                    ◦   Theistic Evolution
                    ◦   RTB Model
                   RTB has proven its desire for interactive
                   dialogue by talking with both BioLogos
                   and AIG (and other groups)
At the end of the presentation, I gave away three copies of a book which was not targeted at either science or theology: A
Rulebook for Arguments by Anthony Weston. I mentor doctoral students at the University of Phoenix and have
recommended this book for them for doing their leadership and management research. The book is relatively inexpensive,
and provides a good foundational overview of classic logic and argumentation.

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Review and analysis of "More than a Theory" 201004

  • 1. Review and Critical Analysis: More than a Theory (2009) by Hugh Ross Presented by Mark Tabladillo Ph.D. Atlanta, GA April 29, 2010
  • 3. About Hugh Ross Physics and Astronomy training Researched quasi-stellar objects (“quasars”) at Caltech Founded science-faith think tank Reasons to Believe in 1986 Loves the outdoors, hiking, trail running and photography Wife is Kathy, and has two sons
  • 4. Hugh Ross’ Philosophy God’s revelations in Scripture and nature do not, will not, and cannot contradict Motivated to communicate this message as broadly and clearly as possible Leverages books, articles, podcasts, interviews, debates, and presentations to communicate his message Treats comments and questions with respect
  • 5. William Lane Craig on Ross’ Theology Critique of Beyond the Cosmos Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://ldolphin.org/craig/index.html (version with Craig’s diagrams intact) Response and Resolution Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://www.reasons.org/physics/constants-physics/philosophia-christi
  • 6. Hugh Ross Reader William Lane Craig I recently read Dr. Hugh You can find my critique of Hugh’s views in “Hugh Ross’s Extra- Ross' books, The Creator Dimensional Deity,” Philosophia Christi 21 (1998): 17-32; “Hugh Ross’s Extra- and the Cosmos, and Beyond Dimensional Deity: A Review Article,” the Cosmos. He explains Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 42 (1999): 293-304; and in much of God's interactions Time and Eternity (Crossway, 2001). with humanity and our Yes, I find it very problematic. spiritual decisions through Retrieved April 27, 2010 from an extradimensional http://www.reasonablefaith.org/site/N framework. ews2?page=NewsArticle&id=8045 Extradimensional God
  • 7. About Christians in Science Based in England ”In spite of Ross' skepticism towards evolution, the success of his old earth advocacy amongst evangelicals has made him the bête noire of the YECS [young- earth creation science] community” Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://www.cis.org.uk/resources/links/yecs-links
  • 8. How I came to read More than a Theory Officer Training Course This book is the current key text required for the RTB local chapter (or network) Officer Training Course. I had previously not heard of Hugh Ross or RTB until I had attended a local RTB group meeting in Fall 2009. However, the conclusions of old-earth creationism match my own conclusions on 1) the age of the universe, which in the 1980s, I came to believe as being that age, and 2) my skepticism with macroevolution, as I have (for example) interacted with authors of articles in American Scientist (since I am a full life member of Sigma Xi). These previous life experiences make my personal conclusions more in line with the RTB creation model as contrasted with the other three positions mentioned in More than a Theory.
  • 9. After Critical Analysis: Personal Resolution Sign the RTB Statement of Faith and support the local chapter Encourage the local chapter to promote education on both science and Christian theology Promote the concept of “Missional Basis for Science” I decided to provide the conclusion at the beginning, because the slides in this presentation might cause some mental discomfort.
  • 10. Outline Descriptive Applying the Responses Review of Dual from RTB More than a Revelation Competitors Theory Model
  • 11. RTB Creation Model Comprehensive Flexible and Self-Correcting Ongoing
  • 12. Do you think human beings developed from earlier species or not? (Harris Poll) 60 50 40 PERCENTAGE 30 March 1994 June 2005 20 10 0 Yes No Not sure/Decline to answer
  • 13. Do you believe apes and man have a common ancestry or not? (Harris Poll) 60 50 40 March 1994 PERCENTAGE 30 June 2005 20 10 0 Yes No Not sure/Decline to answer
  • 14. Scoring the Models (Chapters 2, 16) Position Voice Naturalism Richard Dawkins Young-Earth Institute for Creation Research Individuals in each of the last three rows Answers in Genesis (Creation Museum) could believe in the inerrant and infallible Bible, and could Theistic Evolution BioLogos Foundation subscribe to God's dual revelation in nature and the Bible, and still promote a RTB Creation Reasons to Believe different creation model. See http://www.reasons.org/resources/predictions
  • 15. Testing the First Amendment Epperson v. Arkansas (1968) McLean v. Arkansas (1981) Only young-earth creationism has lost in court (in the United States). Aguillard v.Treen (1983) Edwards v. Aguillard (1987)
  • 16. Model Testing Give a wider and more detailed view Make better sense of established data Provide a more reasonable and consistent explanation Result in fewer unexpected anomalies and gaps Prove more successful in anticipating or predicting future findings
  • 17. Biblical Structure of RTB Model Dual Revelation Detectability Creation of the Divine Purposes Creation Chronology
  • 18. RTB: Simple Sciences First Simple = Phenomena well defined by mathematical I used fireworks graphics for the discussion questions equations because fireworks are both explosive and beautiful. Defined by causal relationships Therefore – “philosophical and theological conclusions may be more easily drawn from the simple sciences than from the complex” (Page 68) Discussion Question for People at Round Tables: What do you think about this statement? In the interactive responses, some both agreed and disagreed with this statement. My partial disagreement is that the theology of the Bible is not typically argued through mathematics. My later question on good theology surfaced that we need a broader discussion of the how God builds arguments both in the Bible and our personal lives too. The term "argument" is central to this organization since it promotes reasons to believe in Christianity.
  • 19. RTB Model Elements Cosmos (Chapter 7) Galaxies, Stars and Planets (Chapter 8) Life’s Beginning and Extraterrestrial Homes (Chapter 9) Life’s History (Chapter 10) Advanced Life (Chapter 11) Origin and History of Humanity (Chapter 12) The “Why” Question Test (Chapter 13)
  • 20. RTB Major Science Claims Anthropic Principle (Chapter 7) Uniqueness of the Milky Way (Chapter 8) God prepared the Earth (Chapters 9, 10) Not all animals purely physical (Chapter 11) People are intellectual (Chapter 12) Naturalistic rationale for destruction and catastrophe (Chapter 13)
  • 21. Outline Descriptive Applying the Responses Review of Dual from RTB More than a Revelation Competitors Theory Model
  • 22. Dual Revelation Model Nature Bible
  • 23. Supporting Nature as Revelation Jeremiah 23:24; 33:25 Psalm 19:1-4; 50:6; 97:6 Romans 1:18-23
  • 24. Dual Revelation Model Nature Bible Science Theology "Revelation" simply means what God made to be revealed. I agree that both nature and the Bible are revelations from God. Though, in theological context, one of the most historically debated books of the Bible is "Revelation". We should be therefore cautious in separating speculation from fact.
  • 25. Science differs from advocacy. Advocacy is a statement. Science asks a question, where we could be genuinely surprised by the answer. What is “science”? Some people assume they are doing science (or research) but in fact are doing advocacy. I do not believe there is anything inherently immoral Represented by or unethical with advocacy, but we should clarify the four models the difference. Models Ross contrasts in More than a Theory. Difference between science and advocacy? Discussion Question for People at each Round Table: What is good science? I believe the audience had the best overall clarity of expression on this question.
  • 26. Ross on Scientific Method “While the scientific method doesn’t guarantee objectivity and accuracy, it does minimize the effects of oversight, personal bias, and presuppositions… The need for ongoing adjustment and refinement never ends.” (Page 51)
  • 27. Only 8% members of the Scientific Research Society agreed that 'peer review works well as it is.' (Chubin and Hackett, 1990; p.192) Chubin, D. R. and Hackett E. J., 1990, Peerless Science, Peer Review and U.S. Science Policy; New York, State University of New York Press.
  • 28. "A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision and an analysis of the peer review system substantiate complaints about this fundamental aspect of scientific research." (Horrobin, 2001) Horrobin, D., 2001, "Something Rotten at the Core of Science?" Trends in Pharmacological Sciences,Vol. 22, No. 2, February 2001. Also at http://www.whale.to/vaccine/sci.html and http://post.queensu.ca/~forsdyke/peerrev4.htm (both Web pages were accessed on February 1, 2010
  • 30. What is “theology”? The "models" of theology are represented by the various denominations (for example) within orthodox Models Christianity. We see this diversity in the people who participate with RTB. Difference between theology and advocacy? What is the difference between researching theology and the Bible and advocating a denominational position? Discussion question for People at each Round Table: What is good theology? After giving people a chance to discuss this question, I allowed each table shared with everyone. Some concluded that they did not have clarity on how to express this issue, and many concluded that a lot of what they personally do is advocate rather than study (or research) theology. I encouraged people to study this topic further on their own. As an easy segue, I believe we can answer this question based on our own personal testimony. Specifically, I encouraged studying two concepts: miracles and the Holy Spirit. I don't think we had any Pentecostals in the audience, but the Holy Spirit in my mind is the living connection we have with the now ancient creeds. We can research how (for example) the Bible came to be canonized and reach the same conclusion.
  • 31. Staying out of the Conflict American Scientific Affiliation “the ASA does not take a position when there is honest disagreement between Christians on an issue.” Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://www.asa3.org/ASA/faithASA.html
  • 32. Staying out of the Conflict Ravi Zacharias Ministries “RZIM does not have an official ministry position on the age of the earth. The focus of RZIM is apologetics and evangelism, and thus we do not address particular questions about creation, though we are committed to defending theism against naturalism.” Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://www.rzim.org/usa/usfv/tabid/436/articleid/171/cbmoduleid/1561/default. aspx
  • 33. Staying out of the Conflict Ravi Zacharias Ministries Ajoy Varghese, Asst. Director (Ministries), India – report from Atlanta visit “Two scientists thanked me for opening their eyes to the richness of God’s word. One of them had doubts about the creation/evolution debate. After discussing some basic aspects of the issue, I directed him to the writings of JP Moreland, Hugh Ross etc.” Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://www.rzim.org/justthinkingfv/tabid/602/articleid/156/cbmoduleid/1480/default .aspx
  • 34. Outline Descriptive Applying the Responses Review of Dual from RTB More than a Revelation Competitors Theory Model
  • 35. Websites analyzing Hugh Ross or Reasons to Believe Organization Category URL American Scientific Noncommittal http://asa3.org/ Affiliation Answers in Genesis Young-Earth http://answersingenesis.org Apologetics 315 Sympathetic to RTB http://apologetics315.blogsp ot.com BioLogos Foundation Theistic Evolution http://biologos.org ChristianAnswers.net Young-Earth http://christiananswers.net Creation Science Young-Earth http://drdino.org Evangelism Institute for Creation Young-Earth http://icr.org Research The Young Earth Young-Earth http://creationists.org Creation Club
  • 36. Hugh Ross Critiques "If the Earth were one half Because the Earth's orbit is ELLIPTICAL, its distance from the of one percent closer to sun varies by quite a bit more than one half of one per cent, yet it is the sun, water on Earth NOT the case that all the water would boil off. If the Earth either boils off or freezes. were one half of one The distance varies by over 3% in a percent farther from the given year, yet waters don't boil or sun, all the water would freeze. The distance between Earth and Sun is near 92 million miles. freeze." The change in distance due to the orbit of the Earth around the Sun is around 3 million miles. This chart represents a sample critique of the science -- I commented Earth’s Orbit that I do not have severe concern about this specific Ross claim because I accept the entire body of evidence supporting the anthropic principle.
  • 37. About BioLogos Foundation Theistic Evolution Provides links and resources to major organizations
  • 38. Dialogue between RTB and BioLogos (January 2010) Clarify for each other our beliefs about and positions on various aspects of creation and evolution. We wanted to establish areas of agreement on science, theology, and philosophy of ministry as well as major differences with the understanding that secondary differences would require additional discussion at a later date. Outline the means by which at least some of the more significant differences between us could potentially be resolved. Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://theangrygnome.posterous.com/report-on-biologos-reasons-to- believe-dialogu
  • 39. Dialogue between RTB and BioLogos (January 2010) Set up public forums that will allow both Christians and non-Christians to learn about our respective positions on specific creation and evolution issues, observe our dialogue, and then engage in conversation with us. We agreed that the emphasis in these events must be on education and discussion, but this does not rule out sincere debate. Consider how our interactions with one another might model for the Christian community at large how to approach differences of perspective and interpretation. Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://theangrygnome.posterous.com/report-on-biologos-reasons-to- believe-dialogu
  • 40. BioLogos Critique of Hugh Ross Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://biologos.org/resources/hugh-ross/
  • 41. BioLogos Critique of Hugh Ross Strong concordists, of which old-earth creationists are the best example, believe that God placed modern scientific ideas in the Bible, sometimes using secret language that could not be understood by the original audience and even the actual writers of the texts. BioLogos rejects this viewpoint because we believe that God worked within the worldview, culture and language of the Biblical authors and since they would not have known, for example, about heliocentricity or the Big Bang, we do not think that God encoded those ideas in the scripture. Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://biologos.org/resources/leading-figures
  • 42. About Answers in Genesis (AIG) Young-Earth Creationism Produced the Creation Museum Noah’s Ark Problem: Supports rapid subspeciation (as opposed to unrestricted speciation) based on “Kind” in Genesis (Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://www.answersingenesis.org/home/area/cfol/ch2-species.asp http://www.answersingenesis.org/home/area/feedback/2006/0908.asp http://www.answersingenesis.org/home/area/FIT/appendix3.asp)
  • 43. Dialogue between RTB and AIG (and other young-earthers) RTB has met AIG in Dallas area seminaries 4-5 times annually “Ultimately, no significant progress was made because the young-earthers are committed to the supreme authority of Scripture, whereas the old-earthers are committed to the authority of the views of the current majority of scientists.” Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken- ham/2010/03/01/when-compromise-meets-compromise/
  • 44. Dialogue between RTB and AIG (and other young-earthers) “The young-earthers wanted to discuss the assumptions used to interpret the scientific evidence, whereas the old-earthers wanted to avoid that discussion, especially in relation to geology and astronomy and the question of the age of the creation.” “For these reasons these young-earth/old- earth discussions finally stalled in 2008.” Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken- ham/2010/03/01/when-compromise-meets-compromise/
  • 45. “In-House” Recent Debate Reasons to Believe vs. Answers in Genesis See http://apologetics315.blogspot.com/2010/04/hugh-ross-vs-jason- lisle-debate.html
  • 46. Answers in Genesis (Feb 2010) We have repeatedly stated in books, on this website, and in videos that holding to the young- earth view is not a requirement for the free gift of salvation offered to us through Jesus’s sacrificial death on the cross. We certainly believe that a person can be a Christian and hold to the Reasons to Believe model (progressive creationism), the framework hypothesis, theistic evolution, or any other harmonistic view out there. Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2010/02/26/feedback-which-is-worse
  • 47. Answers in Genesis Critique of Reasons to Believe (Feb 2010) However, our concern is that a person who does this is being completely arbitrary in their hermeneutic (method of interpretation). Dr. Lisle’s statement does not mean that Dr. Ross or Dr. Kaiser are unbelievers, but demonstrates that the big bang is entirely inconsistent with the words of Scripture. Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2010/02/26/feedback-which-is-worse
  • 48. Ken Ham (AIG) critiques RTB and BioLogos “Compromise God’s Word in Genesis with the secular beliefs of the day (e.g., big bang, billions of years, death and disease before man, no global Flood, etc.)” “They both feel that young-earth creationists are a serious problem in the church and our views are a huge barrier to effective evangelism” “Their combined efforts will continue to lead Christians astray, especially professors in seminaries and Christian universities” Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken- ham/2010/03/01/when-compromise-meets-compromise/
  • 49. Millard Erickson Makes Peace (Two anecdotes along the way) Exercise caution when working in another field Each discipline can learn from the others Writing benefits from reviews Apologetics, however, requires a team approach Retrieved April 27, 2010 from http://www.reasons.org/physics/constants- physics/philosophia-christi
  • 50. RTB (2001) MarkTab 5. The Bible is primarily 5. The Bible is primarily organized around a central organized around a central theological purpose: theological purpose: God communicates His plan God communicates His for human redemption from a plan for human redemption fallen nature through His Son, from a fallen nature Jesus Christ. Likewise, the universe is designed for a through His Son, Jesus central purpose, namely the Christ. Likewise, the glory of God. universe is designed for a Isaiah 43:7 central purpose, namely the Psalm 19:1-2 I believe this issue is important and benefit of humans. Revelation 4:11 directly aligns with a missional framework. MarkTab Recommendation
  • 51. We should decide what science and theology ideas are more or less important. Because the Bible MarkTab Analysis and Viewpoint allows or permits a specific scientific or theological idea does NOT mean it When communicating science or theology, we is promoting it. need to be clear what is speculation and what Study and Prioritize Ideas Keep in mind how is considered fact (and why, when possible). wise scholars have historically Speculation versus Fact provided various Public communicators have a higher clarity standard interpretations the because their work outruns and outlives them. People book of Revelation. evaluating media work are not just evaluating the Price of Leadership author(s) but also are weighing the consequences of how the work would be received by a general audience. Biblical Permission versus Promotion Philosophy (World View) Matters in Science Scientists are affected by Why Christianity accepts Diversity I recently shared with an atheist that diversity is not the fatal blow to Christianity, Missional Basis for Science worldview, theology matters, because of unity in Jesus and motives Christ. underlie how people apply the ◦ Apologetics reaches maximum effectiveness when we Christians work together as a TEAM scientific method. We do not have a church of God with a mission in the world -- we Apologetics is part of God's mission to the world. As Millard have a God of mission, with the church in the world. Christians Erickson advised, Christians should work as a TEAM! are called for more than just advocating a model of theology or science, but the somewhat mystical advocacy through the Holy Spirit. Proper teaching on missions provides a framework encompassing all public and private revelations from God.
  • 52. After Critical Analysis: Personal Resolution Sign the RTB Statement of Faith and support the local chapter Encourage the local chapter to promote education on both science and Christian theology Promote the concept of “Missional Basis for Science”
  • 53. Conclusion More than a Theory connects four distinct theories with specific testable models: ◦ Naturalism ◦ Young-Earth ◦ Theistic Evolution ◦ RTB Model RTB has proven its desire for interactive dialogue by talking with both BioLogos and AIG (and other groups) At the end of the presentation, I gave away three copies of a book which was not targeted at either science or theology: A Rulebook for Arguments by Anthony Weston. I mentor doctoral students at the University of Phoenix and have recommended this book for them for doing their leadership and management research. The book is relatively inexpensive, and provides a good foundational overview of classic logic and argumentation.