Eric Hedin, assistant professor of physics at Ball State University, introduces his students to the idea that nature’s intricate balance reflects intelligent design, as opposed to a random series of chance events. It’s been 10 years since we first spread the word.
The university’s president ruled that such education is not a scientific discipline and has no place in academia, a view widely shared in academia. Dr. Hedin once taught a course titled “The Boundaries of Science,” which was later canceled.
Baylor University became embroiled in controversy in 2007 when Robert Marks, a distinguished professor of electrical and computer engineering, established a website and lab on Baylor’s servers to investigate intelligent design. Marks used the term “evolutionary informatics laboratory.” Both the website and the institute were shut down within months and removed from Baylor’s servers. The lab continues on his evoinfo.org third party server.
This month, a bill that would allow discussions about intelligent design in classrooms passed the West Virginia House of Representatives and went to the Senate for approval. The ACLU claims the bill violates the Establishment Clause, which separates church and state.
Regardless of our academic position on the subject, thinking about creation, purpose, and intelligence beyond ourselves is important for all of us. We must ask the question: “Are we alone?” “Is there anyone else?” “Did humanity just emerge on his third planet from the sun, the result of many years of chance?” “The result of millions of years of chance and survival of the fittest. Was “we” born?”
Or are we created in the divine image of our Creator?
We think of ourselves as smart. we can solve the problem. We can manipulate the physical laws of nature to make them work for us, resulting in mechanical and electronic machines that enhance our power and accelerate our speed. We can think deeply about ourselves and our existence. We can imagine things as they really are.
We are rapidly progressing in our own development of artificial intelligence, the design of robotic machines to perform complex tasks. We already have cars that can drive themselves. Information technology takes us into the realm reserved for his science fiction writers. Data, Star Trek’s popular android, may not be so far-fetched after all.
So what will the android think when we finally create “Data” and others like him? Will they sit around and debate whether they are the result of coincidence and conclude that there is no responsibility or connection to the humans who created them?
The Bible is very clear about our own origins. The psalmist says: You gave birth to me in my mother’s womb. I appreciate you. For I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful and my soul knows it well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was created in secret. ” (Psalm 139:13-15).
When we stand in awe on the rim of the Grand Canyon, something beyond science resonates within us. When you see the beauty of a sunset as the sky is splashed with crimson, purple, and gold. When you walk along the beach listening to the sound of waves crashing on the shore. When you watch a bird fly away, chirping on a tree branch.
Only worship can fill the emptiness in your heart. The realization that we are part of a grand plan in God’s heart calls us to responsibility and fills us with meaning, purpose, and peace.
Bill Tinsley reflects on current events and life experiences from a faith perspective. Visit www.tinsleycenter.com. Please email bill@tinsleycenter.com. )
