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Evolution: Is God Just Playing Dice?

Evolution: Is God Just Playing Dice?

With his standard panache, the late Harvard paleontologist Stephen J. Gould argued strenuously that evolution had no inherent directionality. We are mere accidents; a "tiny twig on an improbable branch of a contingent limb on a fortunate tree".
Oct 11, 2011 
Matt J. Rossano 
Divine Action & Purpose, Evolution - How It Works, Randomness, Atheism & Scientism
154
<strong>Series:</strong> Reviewing

Series: Reviewing "Why Evolution is True"

In this three part series, Robert C. Bishop provides a helpful review for Evangelicals of the book Why Evolution is True by Jerry Coyne. He first debunks many outdated ideas and myths about the theory of evolution and its implications. He then goes on to critique Coyne’s conclusions about God as a “bad designer.” He further addresses how Christianity and science overlap as well as how to have a meaningful discussion between two individuals with radically different views.
May 19, 2011 
Robert C. Bishop 
Science & Worldviews, Evolution - How It Works, Randomness, Atheism & Scientism

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Evolution and Immunity: Same Story?

Evolution and Immunity: Same Story?

The evidence suggests that God has chosen to work through a random process, one which involves the routine creation and destruction of millions of cells that never get used. This is the ordinary means by which God maintains our health. The miracles of healing recorded in the Bible are miraculous precisely because they don’t occur by this normal, natural process.
Mar 23, 2013 
Kathryn Applegate 
Divine Action & Purpose, Evolution - How It Works, Randomness
22
<strong>Series:</strong> Ephesians 4:1-6: A Call of Christian Unity

Series: Ephesians 4:1-6: A Call of Christian Unity

This series discusses the importance of unity among Christ’s believers. Ross Hastings, an expert in the areas of both chemistry and pastoral theology, is eager to see the church seek out unity rather than divisions in this science/faith interface. Unpacking Ephesians 4:1-6, he explains that unity in Christ through the Holy Spirit is the primary concern of both Jesus as seen in John 17 and Paul in Ephesians 4, making this matter pressing. He urges all believers to be in agreement that God indeed created, yet to be in dialogue over how that creative process occurred.
Mar 08, 2013 
Ross Hastings 
Christian Unity
A Plea to My Shepherds

A Plea to My Shepherds

... I would exhort these, my fellow conservative evangelical shepherds and thinkers, to set aside all reticence and fear, emerge from anonymity, and storm the forum of discourse, engaging this most pressing matter with vigor, equanimity, and humility. In doing so, know upfront that there will be few handrails to guide; you will not be building upon an extensive precedence of published conservative thought.
Feb 27, 2013 
Stephen Blake 
Christian Unity, Young Earth Creationism, Old Earth Creationism
158
Evangelicalism and Adaptation

Evangelicalism and Adaptation

I look my students dead straight in the eye and tell them that no matter what, debate within the intellectual sphere cannot and should not take away or diminish the importance of the personal nature of their faith. The intellect, to use a scientific phrase, while necessary for the faith, is not sufficient
Feb 22, 2013 
Justin Topp 
Christian Unity
8
Evolution, the Enlightenment, and Worldviews

Evolution, the Enlightenment, and Worldviews

In this video conversation, N.T. Wright discusses how the Enlightenment worldview -- which clearly separates God from the world -- has impacted our view of Scripture, and why cleaning the "spectacles" through which we view the world can help us see both Scripture and the world more clearly.
Feb 08, 2013 
N.T. Wright 
Science & Worldviews, Atheism & Scientism
104
Made in the Image of God: Human Values and Genomics

Made in the Image of God: Human Values and Genomics

Genes and physiology are seen as something different from "us" and "our mind," and they seem to be controlling us, so we can't even change our mind. Humans are presented as pawns of their biology, puppets dancing to the tune of their genetic masters.
Jan 15, 2013 
Denis Alexander 
Genetics, Image of God, Atheism & Scientism
9
Does Evolution Compromise Human Morality?

Does Evolution Compromise Human Morality?

Once we have a scientific hypothesis for how something exists, it is tempting to make the philosophical inference that this is also why it exists.
Jan 14, 2013 
Loren Haarsma 
Morality & Ethics, Atheism & Scientism
78
<strong>Series:</strong> “And God Saw That It Was Good”: Death and Pain in the Created Order

Series: “And God Saw That It Was Good”: Death and Pain in the Created Order

The tension generated by our understanding of God’s character, as revealed in the Bible, and by the reality of the natural world around us has been the focus of much debate within the Christian church since the first century. This series examines critically several of the proposed solutions to this problem, viewing them from the perspective of a geologist, paleontologist, and orthodox evangelical Christian.
Nov 24, 2012 
Keith Miller 
Problem of Evil, Evolution - How It Works, Young Earth Creationism
Can Science Ever Know Enough?

Can Science Ever Know Enough?

To say something is poetic is not to declare it ultimately untrue, futile and meaningless—it is to say it is more profound and meaningful and true than many other modes of expression.
Oct 29, 2012 
James May 
Science & Worldviews, Atheism & Scientism
3
<strong>Series:</strong> Genesis Through Ancient Eyes

Series: Genesis Through Ancient Eyes

In this talk, originally delivered at the BioLogos President's Circle meeting in October 2012, Dr. John Walton discusses the origin stories of Genesis 1-3, and why their focus on function and archetypes mean there is no Biblical narrative of material origins.
Oct 18, 2012 
John Walton 
Creation & Origins, Genesis, Ancient Cultures
<strong>Series:</strong> Divine Action in the World

Series: Divine Action in the World

In this talk, Professor Plantinga addresses the fact that many contemporary thinkers—including many theologians—believe that God cannot perform miracles, providentially guide history, or interact in the lives of people, as these activities would be contrary to science. Plantinga, on the other hand, makes the case that this popular view is mistaken; excluding divine action in the world is not a central feature of natural science itself, but a philosophical or theological preference that has been added on to science (and can just as readily be removed). Plantinga concludes that it is completely logical to accept the miracles of the Bible and support contemporary science.
Sep 04, 2012 
Alvin Plantinga 
Divine Action & Purpose, Miracles, Atheism & Scientism
<strong>Series:</strong> Southern Baptist Voices: Evolution and Death

Series: Southern Baptist Voices: Evolution and Death

This exchange brings together related essays on death in light of evolution and Scripture from Southern Baptist theologian Dr. John Laing. Laing argues that evolutionary theory requires death to play a central role in the creation of new life, but sees Scripture depicting death only "as an invader, disturber of peace, and a force of evil." A BioLogos response is given by Dr. Jeff Schloss.
Aug 12, 2012 
Jeffrey Schloss 
Problem of Evil, Evolution - How It Works, Young Earth Creationism, BioLogos
Gracious Dialogue

Gracious Dialogue

Our desire to engage in gracious dialogue with fellow believers who reject biological evolution has been receiving increased attention in both the Christian and secular press. More importantly, we are being joined in this reconciling project by our brothers and sisters in Christ who have often been defined primarily as our “opponents”.
Jul 21, 2012 
 
Christian Unity, Old Earth Creationism, BioLogos, Young Earth Creationism, ID Movement
16
Naming 'the God Particle'

Naming 'the God Particle'

The discovery of the Higgs boson would certainly be a breakthrough for particle physics and cosmology, but would such a finding also radically redefine theology’s understanding of God or challenge the existence of such a deity? Is there actually any theological or religious significance in Higgs physics at all?
Jul 10, 2012 
Faith Tucker 
Earth, Universe & Time, Atheism & Scientism, Astronomy & Physics
25
What is Scientism?

What is Scientism?

Scientism is a rather strange word, but for reasons that we shall see, a useful one. Though this term has been coined rather recently, it is associated with many other “isms” with long and turbulent histories: materialism, naturalism, reductionism, empiricism, and positivism.
Jun 11, 2012 
Thomas Burnett 
Science & Worldviews, Atheism & Scientism
53
<strong>Series:</strong> Thinking Aloud Together

Series: Thinking Aloud Together

This series by Scot McKnight relates a lecture given at the 2012 BioLogos workshop for Evangelical theologians, scientists, authors and pastors. He explains that evolution is taught in public schools, and therefore must be addressed by Evangelical pastors in the churches as well. This will educate a whole generation of upcoming scientists on the issues of science and faith. Overall, he encourages scientists and pastors to collaborate on the issue as they rethink the long held interpretations of Genesis 1-3.
Apr 26, 2012 
Scot McKnight 
Christian Unity, BioLogos
Why should Christians consider evolutionary creation?

Why should Christians consider evolutionary creation?

Because evolution is a challenging subject, many Christians are tempted to simply ignore or reject it. Yet considering evolutionary creation has important benefits for Christians both in our relationship with the Creator, and with our relationships with other people—believers and non-Christians alike. First, Christians should study evolution because (like all the natural sciences) it is the study of God’s creation. Creation itself is a complementary revelation to what is communicated in the Scriptures, and through it God shows how and when he brought about life, to his honor and glory. Studying the creation is also an invitation into a deeper understanding of the attributes and character of Father, Son and Spirit. Second, considering evolutionary creation aids the Church in its gospel mission, supporting young Christians in their faith, helping answer critics, and equipping us to engage effectively in the wider culture. An anti-evolution attitude can harm Christian young people by presenting them with a false choice between pursuing science OR holding to faith. Similarly, a hostile attitude towards evolution can hinder evangelism when seekers hear that they must reject science to follow Christ. On the other hand, studying evolution as a God-ordained process helps Christians refute arguments that science encourages an atheistic worldview. Furthermore, as the church engages front-page issues raised by the rapid growth in science, medicine, and technology, a Christ-centered voice in such areas as bioethics will be stronger if based on a thorough understanding of the natural sciences, including evolution. (Updated on September 9, 2012)
Mar 15, 2012 
 
Christian Unity, BioLogos
Understanding Evolution: Theory, Prediction and Converging Lines of Evidence, Part 1

Understanding Evolution: Theory, Prediction and Converging Lines of Evidence, Part 1

In science, we don’t really know the true way things actually work. What we have are theories—broad explanatory frameworks supported by experimentation, which we can use to make testable predictions about the natural world.
Mar 08, 2012 
Dennis Venema 
History of Life, Evolution - How It Works
59
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