Mere Creation:
Reclaiming the Book of Nature
Conference on Design and Origins
Biola University, November 14-17, 1996
Conference Purpose:
A major research conference, attended by invitation, bringing together scientists and scholars who reject naturalism as an adequate framework for doing science, and who advocate a common vision of creation whose unifying idea is intelligent design.
Steering Committee:
| Mike Behe, Ph.D. | Biology, Lehigh University |
| Walter Bradley, Ph.D. | Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University |
| Bill Dembski, Ph.D. | Philosophy, Notre Dame University |
| Phil Johnson, J.D. | Law, University of California Law School, Berkeley |
| Sherwood Lingenfelter, Ph.D. | Anthropology, Biola University |
| Rich McGee, Th.M. | Director of Research, Christian Leadership Ministries |
| Steve Meyer, Ph.D. | Philosophy, Whitworth College |
| J. P. Moreland, Ph.D. | Philosophy, Talbot School of Theology |
| Paul Nelson | Editor, Origins & Design |
| Pattle Pun, Ph.D. | Biology, Wheaton College |
| John Mark Reynolds, Ph.D. | Philosophy, Biola University |
| Fritz Schaefer, Ph.D. | Quantum Chemistry, University of Georgia |
| Jeff Schloss, Ph.D. | Biology, Westmont College |
Conference Organizers:
| Conference Director: | Richard McGee Christian Leadership Ministries 3440 Sojourn Dr., Suite 200 Carrollton, Texas 75006 rich@clm.org 972-713-7130 originsconf@clm.org |
| Academic Editor: | William Dembski 600 Davis Street, 3W Evanston, IL 60201-4419 847-733-9417 104313.3704@compuserve.com |
| Chair, Steering Committee: | Paul Nelson Origins and Design 600 Davis Street, 3W Evanston, IL 60201-4419 847-733-9417 pnelson@ix.netcom.com |
Specific Conference Goals:
1. To Build a Community of Thought
Many scholars and scientists who work in disciplines dominated by naturalism personally reject that philosophy and its methodological consequences. They want positive alternatives to naturalism, yet do not see (or see only faintly) a broader intellectual community of their own. The conference should bring together these scholars, to discuss their points of commonality, and should provide them with fellowship in a group of like-minded colleagues who are pursuing scientifically promising theistic alternatives in their own fields. A scientist who knows he is not alone in dissenting from naturalism will be better equipped to encourage others to think differently.
2. To Share Ideas and Knowledge
Science and the generation of knowledge generally have grown more specialized. In many respects this division of labor is natural and healthy. Yet in a culture dominated by naturalism, it can also be pernicious. "Everyone knows" (for instance) that neo-Darwinism is well-established, because the neo-Darwinians themselves have so assured the rest of the world. Theistic scholars recognize that the intellectual world itself is in chaos. Secularists are having difficulty justifying the most basic academic standards and programs. It is past time for theists to propose a way out for their secular colleagues. The conference should enable scholars in fields such as the life sciences, earth sciences, astrophysics, history and philosophy of science, etc., to communicate what they know about the shortcomings of governing naturalistic theories, e.g., neo-Darwinism. Far more importantly, however, conferees could learn, in some detail, of the work and thinking of others which does not presuppose naturalism; what common problems are faced; what research should be undertaken; and how the group might interact with the scientific and intellectual worlds at large.
3. To Unite on Common Ground
The Christian world is badly riven on the "creation-evolution" issue. Yet a surprising amount of common ground actually unites many (if not all) of the feuding parties. The conferees should seek a way of approaching the origins issue that will unify Christians. The conference should provide a means to discover shared principles and ideas, by letting disputants spend time together amicably in a private setting where reputations are not on the line. The conference would also seek to formulate a general position statement on origins ("mere creation") which could be widely endorsed by Christians.
4. To Communicate to Others
Wonderful ideas left under a bushel do no good. The conference should produce tangible results which will accelerate the growth of this new alternative to naturalism, encouraging and disseminating scholarship both at the highest level and at the popular levels via such activities as:
