“Seeking Truth.” Are scientists and
academics free to do it? Some say not when it comes to challenging
certain, prevailing views.
There's no doubt that the worlds of
science and academia are driven by the quest for knowledge. But recent
developments in those worlds are causing some to ask whether the
authentic search for truth is running into some roadblocks.
THE CONTEXT
Perhaps
the Pope illustrates it best. At 81 years of age, most of his career
was spent in the university. He was a specialist in exploring faith
and reason, a fabulous teacher and author. He is welcome almost
everywhere - but was recently rebuffed by academics and students.
Rome's prestigious La Sapienza University protested the Pope's
planned visit because they felt he had scientific views that were
offensive (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7188860.stm).
His
visit there was cancelled in the name of the "secular nature of
science.” It’s the kind of interference that's launched a high-budget,
satirical documentary that says it is just that "secular nature" that
is hampering the scientific quest.
A shutting down of faith
and reason discussion, excluding entire fields of human inquiry from
consideration. Academics seem to rule there's no room for the God
question.
"Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed" makes the
point that in science and academia of the 21st century, the freedom to
pursue the unfettered search for truth wherever it leads, is
encountering some barriers.
Uncommon Descent – The Intelligent Design Weblog of William Dembski, Denyse O’Leary and friends www.uncommondescent.com
A Study Course in the Intelligent Design Controversy: By Design or by Chance? www.arn.org
New Scholars Society – To promote Christian Scholarship in every
field, with a special interest in those areas where philosophy, faith,
and science intersect, especially the problems and issues that arise
out of that intersection. www.newscholars.com
MARTIN LUTHER KING Jr. SPEECH
Excerpt from “Our God is Marching On” quoted by Ben Stein
I come to say to you this afternoon, however difficult the moment,
(Yes, sir) however frustrating the hour, it will not be long, (No sir)
because “truth crushed to earth will rise again.” (Yes, sir)
How long? Not long, (Yes, sir) because “no lie can live forever.” (Yes, sir)
How long? Not long, (All right. How long) because “you shall reap what you sow.” (Yes, sir)
How long? (How long?) Not long: (Not long)
Truth forever on the scaffold, (Speak)
Wrong forever on the throne, (Yes, sir)
Yet that scaffold sways the future, (Yes, sir)
And, behind the dim unknown,
Standeth God within the shadow,
Keeping watch above his own.
How long? Not long, because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice. (Yes, sir)
How long? Not long, (Not long) because:
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; (Yes, sir)
The question of whether we’re all the product of a higher
intelligence, or merely the result of some huge, cosmic mistake is a
debate – say this film’s producers – that’s no
longer welcome in many corners of the scientific and academic world.
They say that when it comes to the theory of evolution, dissenting views are simply not allowed.
It’s a message and a movie that’s causing quite a fuss. Patricia Paddey met with the star and the producer of Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed to find out why.
Walt Ruloff has a background in technology and shifted his focus to bio-technology and genomics…
“We realized very quickly, that
we needed to create political will for change. And the best way to
create political will for change in this particular issue is with a
movie. With a nationally, internationally released film that deals with
this suppression. This academic suppression. So that was the original
formation of the film and the company.”
A long time apologist and one time speechwriter for Richard Nixon and
Gerald Ford, Stein is used to controversy. He’s also used to the
spotlight. An author, public speaker, economist, lawyer, actor and game
show host, he’s had a remarkable career.
Kirk is a Canadian Intelligent Design theorist, and the national
director of the New Scholars Society. He has two undergraduate degrees
in science, a Masters degree in philosophy and he’s a Ph.D.
candidate in Biophysics at the University of Guelph.
Today’s program reminds me that all of us have a
way of seeing the world. We each have a worldview – it’s a framework
of thought and ideas that helps to arrange a person’s beliefs about how
life and the world work. Today we featured a conflict between the
naturalist worldview and the Christian worldview. The Christian
worldview includes God - a supernatural creative force in the world.
The naturalist worldview says that the Universe is the sum total of all
that is – a self-contained and self-explanatory system. I’m not
anti-science but there is something naturalism can’t explain – why
there is something rather than nothing. And what do I do with the
mystery that there are some things in my life science can’t explain. I
believe we were built to respond to God, and debate over Intelligent
Design is just one more tool God uses to get our attention. That’s why
a Christian worldview makes sense to me.
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On April 30, 2005 Lorna was privileged to receive an honorary Doctorate of Christian Ministries from Canada's largest Christian university, Trinity Western University. Lorna was recognized for the witness and leadership that Listen Up TV has provided in public messaging: "a leader in the voice of evangelical life in Canada."
