John H. Walton Ph.D., Old Testament professor at Wheaton is the author of many books on the Old Testament and the editor of some widely recognizable commentaries. He is highly respected among many evangelical scholars.
“My title for the Monday evening lecture is ‘The Genesis Account of Origins and its Relationship to Modern Secular Theories of Origins.’ It will be a presentation of the position that I developed in my recent book, ‘The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate,’” Walton said.
Doug Nykolaishen Ph.D., acting chair/assistant professor for biblical studies, said he sees great importance in Walton’s lecture.
“Walton’s lecture will address the Genesis account of origins and its relationship to modern secular theories of origins,” Nykolaishen said. “This lecture is important because, for many years now, a large portion of the Western world has thought that the findings of science and the teachings of scripture are in conflict with each other.”
Nykolaishen explained the results of thinking the teachings of biblical scripture and findings of science conflict with each other.
“This has led many people to conclude that you believe either one or the other, but not both,” Nykolaishen said. “Nowhere has this perceived conflict been more evident than in the debate about the origin of life on the earth. It has gotten to the point where many people familiar with current scientific theories think that
Bible believers are avoiding reality, and many thinking Christians wonder if they can maintain their faith and still be intellectually rigorous.”
Nykolaishen explained what Walton will be speaking on.
“While not arguing for any particular scientific theory, Walton believes he can show that when scripture is correctly understood, some of the most important perceived conflicts between scripture and science disappear. Obviously, this has the potential to help both thinking Christians and skeptics see that no one has to choose between using their head and being a Christian,” he said.
Walton encourages students to come with an open mind.
“Open your minds and be ready to think outside the box,” Walton said. “You can take the Bible seriously without rejecting modern science; you can be a serious science student without rejecting the Bible or the faith. All of this is possible when we remember that the Bible was written for us but not to us.”
All students, staff and faculty are invited to attend the lecture, which will be in Young Auditorium of Hickingbotham Hall, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Walton will also be speaking in a Penateuch class on Monday and in Chapel on Tuesday.
By Glenn Bolton, Signal Writer
