About the BioLogos Forum
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The BioLogos Forum is designed to foster a serious and comprehensive discussion of Christian faith and the sciences. We believe that charitable engagement of different perspectives within the Church helps sharpen our thinking and deepen our commitment to the truth that is hidden in Christ. So while many of the articles and videos under the distinctive Forum banner come from BioLogos staff and Senior Fellows, we feature a range of voices, including those that disagree with us and with each other. Unless otherwise noted, views expressed are those of the authors, not necessarily of The BioLogos Foundation. You can read more about what we believe here, and join the conversation in the comments section at the end of each post.
Darrel Falk
Darrel Falk is former president of The BioLogos Foundation. He transitioned into Christian higher education 25 years ago and has given numerous talks about the relationship between science and faith at many universities and seminaries. He is the author of Coming to Peace with Science.
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1 Part Series: Southern Baptist Voices: Evolution and the Problem of Evil
In the final installment in the Southern Baptist Voices series, Dr. Steve Lemke writes that advocating some form of theistic evolution poses problems for standard explanations of the problem of evil. Dr. Darrel Falk and Mark Sprinkle provide the BioLogos response to his question.
3 Part Series: Southern Baptist Voices: Is Darwinism Theologically Neutral?
The second entry in our Southern Baptist Voices dialogues, this series features William A. Dembski and Darrel Falk considering the question, "Is Darwinism Theologically Neutral?" from Southern Baptist and BioLogos perspectives. As with the first Southern Baptist Voices series, the exchange is carried out with and respect and humility as Dr. Dembski argues that Darwinism undercuts several "non-negotiables" of Christianity, and Dr. Falk confirms that assessment on several points, while demonstrating that the BioLogos position is not the same as Darwinism.
3 Part Series: Southern Baptist Voices: Kenneth Keathley
The first entry in the Southern Baptist Voices series presents a unique ongoing dialogue between Kenneth Keathely, a significant voice for the Southern Baptist churches, and several BioLogos scholars. Carried out in a respectful and humble manner, Keathely simply expresses six areas in which he does not agree with the BioLogos approach to Genesis 1-3. Darrel Falk, Kathryn Applegate and Deborah Haarsma then thoughtfully respond to each point in order to clarify the BioLogos’ view on each issue and, hopefully, remove any stumbling blocks.
1 Part Series: The Skeptical Biochemist
In this six part series, David Ussery carefully critiques the arguments made by Michael Behe in The Edge of Evolution. Ussery begins with the statement that this series is for those who have read or who are going to read Behe’s book, and that it is detailed in nature. Then, he gives a short synopsis of his background, both personal and philosophical. He proceeds to comb through all nine chapters of the book, pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of various arguments made in each.
2 Part Series: On Adopting a BioLogos Faith Statement
In this series, Darrel Falk begins to formulate a potential “faith statement” for BioLogos. He presents views on issues such as sin and biblical inerrancy that, he believes, would be agreed upon by the staff and the supporters of the organization, but returns to Christ Jesus as the ultimate foundation for unity. In his second post, he reveals the results after much discussion behind the scenes, citing 1 Corinthians 15: 1-5, 17-19 as the core of BioLogos’ beliefs.
2 Part Series: “I am the Lord of the Dance,” said He
In this brief series, Darrel Falk first responds to an article written by Jerry Coyne that criticized BioLogos’ decision to attend the Vibrant Dance of Faith and Science conference in 2010. He explains that the Church is one Body. Appropriately, the event coordinators called for a spirit of unity, and BioLogos wished to establish meaningful relations with other leaders in Christian circles “that think differently” about the creation process. In the second part, Falk summarizes the set-up and outcome of the event while also explaining his reasons for declining to speak with Steve Meyer publically at the event.
3 Part Series: Evidences for Evolution
This technical series, co-written by Darrel Falk and David Kerk, looks into the evidence for evolution in order to dispel doubts that people may have about this well-supported theory. They look at three things specifically: the separate methods which reveal of the age of the earth, the unfolding history of whale evolution, and finally the common trends of heart development in vertebrates.
1 Part Series: Evolution and Faith: Communicating Compatibility in Christian Higher Ed
This series contains four sections, each of which focuses on a different aspect of science and faith as it relates to Christian higher education. In the first post, Richard Colling (author of Random Designer) speaks on strategic ways to teach the evolution issue in a Christian classroom setting. In the second blog, Andrew Chignell discusses an article that suggests hermeneutical charity in Wheaton College’s creedal statements in areas of reasonable disagreement. In the third section, Darrel Falk looks at Ken Ham’s State of the Nation address in which Mr. Ham criticizes Calvin College. Falk also examines an article written by a young college freshman to the school newspaper at Calvin College and offers constructive advice. The last blog is Daniel Camacho’s letter to Ken Ham.
2 Part Series: Signature in the Pseudogenes
This brief series explains the significance of pseudogenes. Darrel Falk and Dennis Venema demonstrate how the theory of common descent provides a fine framework in which to interpret the existence of these once-functional genes. They also discuss the relationship of various primates and other mammals based on shared pseudogenes. The evidence in support of evolutionary theory, they argue, is compelling when examining the rich history disclosed in the DNA of every organism.
2 Part Series: Responding to Stephen C. Meyer's "Signature in the Cell"
In this brief series, Darrel Falk looks at the discussion generated by ID proponent Stephen Meyer’s book Signature in the Cell, which took heavy criticism from leading evolutionary biologist Francisco Ayala. Falk examines their responses, adding constructive criticism of his own.
2 Part Series: Reducing Irreducible Complexity
In this series, Darrel Falk and Ard Louis carefully examine the idea that certain biological structures are irreducibly complex—an idea put forth by scientists such as Michael Behe and Michael Denton. After providing a brief background on Behe and the beginnings of the Intelligent Design movement, Falk dives into Behe’s mouse trap model. He then reveals the scientific and theological problems associated with design inference. The series finishes with a discourse about the bacterial flagellum (another classic example of an irreducible structure). There is, Falk and Louis confirm, no sound reason on the basis of Christianity or science to assert that divine intervention was necessary at specific points in the unfolding creation process.
The Vision Lives On . . . and On
I cannot overstate the joy and privilege of leading an organization that— from the beginning—was so uniquely poised to help the conservative church in its process of coming to peace with science in general, and evolutionary biology, in particular.
BioLoguration II
We want to cultivate a world where Christian young people feel emboldened in their faith—rather than weakened—when they come to understand the strength of the scientific data.
Dead Bones with a Living Message
In this video, Pääbo covers a lot of ground, noting several lines of genetic evidence for the evolution of modern humans from earlier hominids in Africa, as well as for the interbreeding between early humans and Neanderthals.
A Response to Mr. Ham’s Video: “The Anti-biblical Teachings of BioLogos”
We have been tempted not to respond to this video. The people in his huge audience— those who are laughing at his remarks and applauding his words—are not going to be swayed into changing their opinion by anything we would say. There are millions in that audience and for them the choice is simple: what is most trustworthy—God’s written Word or as Mr. Ham terms it, “man’s historical science?” Mr. Ham is adept at speaking to the heart of their concerns.
A Geneticist’s Journey
Prior to analyzing her genome, investigators expected to find that either she was a human being like us, or she was a Neanderthal. What they found, however, no one was prepared for. No one!
On Deciphering the Signature
The interesting thing about this is that Steve Meyer and I are probably really in almost the same exact position when it comes to our core beliefs. We differ primarily in one regard.
Was Humanity Inevitable?
If the tape was rewound and evolution started over from scratch, Conway Morris says, the evolutionary details would be different, but the end result would be similar: a species characterized by intelligence and complex civilization.
NPR’S Adam and Eve Story
All science can say is that there was never a time when only two people existed on the earth: it is silent on whether or not God began a special relationship with a historical couple at some point in the past. This subtle but extremely important point was missed entirely in the NPR story.
BioLogos and the June 2011 “Christianity Today” Editorial
The editorial, in other words, has shown that in their view mainstream evangelical Christianity and mainstream science can co-exist in harmony. There are still many details to be worked out and much conversation lies ahead, but there is reason for optimism.
BioLogos and the June 2011 “Christianity Today” Cover Story
They all together cry out in unison with a loud voice—“Created!” However, they also, in a subtle, but persuasive whisper, add the all-important qualifying phrase—“…slowly and not in an instant!”
Bad Science and Weak Theology?
Many scientists feel that the ID movement is an attempt to locate gaps in our scientific knowledge and then to presume those gaps can only be filled by intervention of an external intelligence. It is important to note that ID leaders do not view their work this way.
Karl Giberson Moves On to Create More Time for Writing
Karl’s journalistic expertise, his sense of style, his high expectations, his sixth sense of what will and won’t work and, eminently, his scintillating writing have been key to the impact of BioLogos.
The Crutch
Providing the crutch for non-believers to lean on is a well-intentioned strategic error that has no benefit and likely does much harm. However, I am even more concerned about something else related to our construction of these crutches.
On Answering Answers in Genesis’s Question
Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis has entitled a recent blog, “Do two Nazarene professors endorse the idea that rejecting Christianity is more viable than believing Paul in the New Testament?” He never comes back to address the lead question of his blog. Since he didn’t, let me answer his question here.
Ken Ham, BioLogos, and Calvary’s Love
Among the biggest news in the science and faith dialogue last week was the announcement that Mr. Ken Ham, President of Answers in Genesis, has been disinvited from participating in two upcoming homeschooling events thanks in no small part to his harsh criticism and unkind words about The BioLogos Foundation.
The Dawning of a New Day
BioLogos and its impact on the evangelical scene was one of the top ten stories of 2010 as judged by both Christianity Today and The Gospel Coalition. This is good, I suppose. However, we have barely begun to deal with the issues in a substantive manner.
Joanna’s Story
As a child, I started reading the Bible as soon as I could and I made my decision for Jesus wholeheartedly at the age of nine. Nurtured in an “all Christian environment,” I knew little else. But certain questions tended to nag at me.
The Vision Lives On
BioLogos has remained alive and is thriving. By the time this article was written, 239,000 unique individuals had visited the site.
The BioLogos Forum: A Place for Conversation
In a recent blog post, Dr. Albert Mohler suggests that Biologos promotes the relinquishing of inerrancy, that Paul was wrong about Adam, and that the Fall was not historical. We would like to respond with some constructive remarks.
Are We Facing the Demise of Big Tent Evangelicalism?
Eventually, I think even the fundamentalists will come to see that they need to allow science books in their library and fundamentalism will undergo its own evolution.
On Putting Our Hands to the Plow and Not Looking Back
BioLogos, unless we are careful, could evolve into a place for armchair philosophy.
On Being Able to Stand up Straight Again
The story of Jesus’ experience in the synagogue is not only about a woman stooped over in pain for 18 years and bound up longing to be free. Luke wants us to notice that it is also the story of God’s people unnecessarily carrying the heavy load of legalism.
Defining ID
The topic of Intelligent Design (ID) comes up frequently here. Because ID can be hard to pin down, it’s worth pausing to remind ourselves what we’re talking about when we use the term on this site.
How Should BioLogos Respond to Dr. Albert Mohler’s Critique of The BioLogos Initiative?
The Church must accept a young earth and no macro-evolution, Dr. Mohler says. There is no wiggle room. If we squirm, the Church will begin the downhill slide to apostasy.
On Living in the Middle
This has been an interesting week for The BioLogos Forum. When you’re trying to speak to both of two groups on opposite ends of the spectrum and trying to help each see there is middle ground, the forces tugging from opposite sides can be a little painful. Here are some of the responses we got this week.
Happy Birthday to the BioLogos Community
BioLogos is no longer just the vision of a tiny group of people that helped launch the website last year at this time. It has become much broader now.
On the Courage of Bruce Waltke
Given this state of affairs, academics who work in evangelical institutions put their careers on the line if they accept the scientific data that God created through natural selection. When the church as a whole thinks so differently about something so important, it takes courage to present a view that challenges the status quo.
Joint Statement by Darrel Falk and Bruce Waltke
We are both professors. The controversy over the recent posting of a video by Bruce largely relates to difference in teaching styles, probably significantly affected by differences in our disciplines.
On Seeing Intelligence in Unintelligent Design
We do not pretend that showing faith and science can exist in harmony will be easy. It has taken a long time to get to our current state of disharmony.
Report on BioLogos-Reasons To Believe Dialogue
BioLogos and Reasons To Believe are Christian non-profit organizations. On January 23, 2010, three scientists and a theologian who support BioLogos met in Washington, DC, with three scientists and a theologian from Reasons To Believe to discuss areas of agreement and disagreement.
Why BioLogos?
Outside of my family and my personal relationship with God, there is nothing in recent years that has shaped me more profoundly than the Sunday School class I teach. It all began ten years ago, when I was asked to do a three week series on biology and faith.
On Reading the Signature: A Response to Stephen Meyer
I do not believe, as Dr. Meyer asserts, that he is unqualified—quite the opposite. He is likely more qualified as a philosopher than I am as a scientist. [However], Dr. Meyer has ventured into my discipline, biology.
Signature in the Cell: A Follow-Up
The work Meyer had been discussing that led up to that final dismissive statement about “cranks” on page 322, was that of Gerald Joyce and Jack Szostak. I sent a copy of my overview to all three of them and asked for a response that I would post on this site.
Footprints in the Sand
Until last week’s Nature publication, we didn’t know there were animals with backbones walking on land that early. This is 18 million years earlier than paleobiologists expected.
Signature in the Cell: A Letter to Our Readers
Dr. Stephen C. Meyer says with near certainty that science has reached a dead end and since there is nothing else left, he says, the only other possibility is that there is a mind behind the code of life. So there is one simple question to be addressed. Is the science at a dead end? Has Dr. Meyer demonstrated this or not?
Signature in the Cell
I believe there is a Mind who was before all things and through whom all things are held together (Colossians 1:17)... Hence, I believe in intelligent design. Does that by definition then, place me in the Intelligent Design (ID) movement? No.
Darrel Falk on How We Should Discuss the Question of Evolution
In a recent interview for the Faraday Institute's "Test of Faith" documentary, Darrel Falk was asked how those who accept BioLogos should share their belief with others. His response emphasizes the "mutual respect" we must have when discussing science and religion with those who share different views.
Surprised by Joy
"Forty years ago I began my career as a biologist.... I never expected though that I could be a part of an evangelical community again; the differences between the facts of biology and the views of evangelical Christians seemed too great."
One Hundred and Fifty Years…and Counting
Darrel Falk profiles three individuals with impressive academic credentials who reject evolution on theological grounds. Their stories show why we should focus on the Sacred as much as we do on Science.
On Coming to Peace in the Family of God
The Church will endure not because of articulate words or persuasive arguments. The Church will endure because of what the Church is. It is the Body of Christ united in love. It is the Family of the eternal God.
On Feeling at Home in the Family
In my book, Coming to Peace With Science, I write about my return to evangelical Christianity after a departure caused in part by my views on evolution. What I missed most during those several years away was the joy of being with family. In those early years after my return, we would often sing a chorus, "I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God."
Protecting our Children
Recently BioLogos received the following comment: "I am a Christian and have come to believe in evolution. However, I struggle with how to teach my children to approach science and the Bible in a way that doesn't retard them intellectually or destroy their faith in the accuracy of the Bible..."
Saving Anthony
Some time ago, I spoke with a theologian who has accepted the findings of the physical sciences--the earth is 4.5 billion years old--but not the biological sciences. Macro-evolution, he believes, is an illusion.
Different Types of Origins Stories
Whatever the setting, origins stories excite the imagination, and telling these stories is central to culture.
In The Bones
I am a fan of the blog "Jesus Creed." Recently it published an interesting post about the transition from fins to limbs as evidenced by fossils of an organism trapped in sediment 375 million years ago.
Evidence for Evolution in the Mouths of Birds
A friend tells me the most important task for The BioLogos Forum is to present evidence of evolution in ways people without a biology background can understand.
A Rational Belief
My granddaughter Sara is six years old. About six months ago, her mom called to tell me Sara wanted to talk about some theological concepts. She put Sara on the phone, and I was peppered with questions like, "Who made God?" and "Where is heaven?"
Concerns of the Typical Agnostic Scientist
Falk's paper asks evangelical Christians to explore whether they are propping up a bubble that they, not God, have created, thereby isolating themselves from the world of academics. The essay describes five layers that may play a role in unnecessarily blocking entry, or reentry, of agnostic scientists into the realm of evangelicalism.