March / April 1995 Edition

This and the previous two editions of The Real Issue are devoted to the theme of faith and science.

Your comments, suggestions, and requests concerning The Real Issue may be mailed to lu@clm.org.

Contents, March/April 1995:

Is There a Role for Natural Theology Today?

Dr. Owen Gingerich, Senior Astronomer at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and Professor of Astronomy and of the History of Science at Harvard University, briefly sketches the modern scientific scenario of the creation of the universe and the origin of the elements. He points out that, despite the rejection by modern science of any hint of design or purpose, there are at least two developments where it appears that a designing hand has been at work: the energy of the universe being so finely tuned, and the unique properties of carbon which make life possible. The intricate design of the natural world, while not proving theism, makes more sense and has more coherence in a theistic framework. Gingerich closes by citing Kepler as a model scientist whom Christians can emulate.

Stephen Hawking, the Big Bang, and God (Part 2)

Dr. Henry "Fritz" Schaefer, the Graham Perdue Professor of Chemistry and the director of the Center for Computational Quantum Chemistry at the University of Georgia, surveys the philosophical aspects of Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time. "The irony of the story is that Hawking's professional life currently is devoted to telling a story about the cosmos in which all the elements which make his own life so fascinating--love, faith, courage and even creative imagination--disappear from view." Schaefer discusses the anthropic principle, Hawking's no boundary proposal, scientists who are Christians, and the limitations of science.

It's Every Student's Choice

Stan Oakes, National Director of Christian Leadership Ministries, explains the Every Student Project, a strategy using issues and a coordinated media campaing to expose every university student in America to the gospel multiple times each year.

Reason in the Balance

An interview with Phil Johnson about his new book (July 1995), Reason in the Balance: The Case Against Naturalism in Science, Law, and Education. Johnson is author of the best-selling Darwin on Trial, and has been a professor of law at the University of California at Berkeley for 26 years.