What does science tell us about God?
There is a pervasive myth—vestige of a dying modernity—that science disproves faith and that there exists an intractable war between the pure, reasonable findings of objective empirical discovery and the crude, primitive sensibilities of religion. This so called “Conflict Thesis” was advanced by John William Draper (1811-82) in hisHistory of the Conflict between Religion and Science (1874). While his findings have since been discredited, the Thesis gained currency in the popular mind and in intellectual circles, where it remains the dominant paradigm. Meanwhile, events like the Scopes Monkey Trial (1925) cemented, in the popular mind, the view that Bible-believing Christians were resolutely opposed to legitimate science.
But the same God who authored the scriptures created the universe, and we should expect that science—done without bias—would have something important to say about the Creator of the cosmos. And it does. And on Sunday, December 3, we have a chance to hear firsthand some of the fascinating evidence supporting the God of the Bible from the renowned Astrophysicist, Dr. Hugh Ross.
With a degree in physics from the University of British Columbia and a National Research Council of Canada fellowship, Hugh earned a PhD in astronomy from the University of Toronto. For several years he continued his research on quasars and galaxies as a postdoctoral fellow at the California Institute of Technology. Since founding his apologetics ministry, Reasons to Believe, in 1986, Dr. Ross has led a team of scholars who keep tabs on the frontiers of research with the goal of demonstrating that sound reason and scientific findings—including the very latest discoveries—consistently support rather than erode, confidence in the biblical God. Hugh shares this message through numerous books—including Improbable Planet, Navigating Genesis, Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job, and Why the Universe Is the Way It Is—as well as articles, videos, and podcasts. He has also spoken at 300 universities, 400 churches and numerous conferences around the world.
I first heard Hugh back in the 1990s and was mesmerized by the depth and breadth of his knowledge and his exceptional ability to communicate it in a compelling way. Since 2010, I’ve had the privilege of serving with him on the faculty of A.W. Tozer Theological Seminary. For years, I’ve wanted to get Hugh to Neighborhood Church, and I’m thrilled this opening in his schedule allowed him to speak at both services. You will not want to miss him! Bring your friends, especially those interested in science and are skeptical about Christianity. You can read more about the talk he will be giving below.
Trusting you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving
Tom
Dr. Ross’ December 3 Message: “Cosmic Reasons to Believe in Christ”
Astronomy is the only discipline where scientists directly observe history. Today, astronomers can see all the way back to the cosmic creation event itself. Thus, astronomy yields the most rigorous and compelling scientific evidences for a Creator who transcends space and time and personally crafts the universe for the specific benefit of human beings. This talk shows how the Bible accurately predicted the history and structure of the universe thousands of years in advance of the scientific discoveries confirming that history and structure.