Southern Professors Explore the Connection Between Faith and Science
5 January 2025 |
For nearly two decades professors from Southern Adventist University’s science department and religion department have hosted a discussion group aimed at exploring the intersection of the two disciplines.
Those involved are experts in their fields but approach the discussion group as avid students. According to a press release regarding the group, “The group’s study materials include pieces by conservative authors, such as Nancy Pearcey and Don DeYoung, as well as Michael Behe, Lee Strobel, and others who combine biblical and evolutionary views. During the Biology and Allied Health Department’s annual Origins Weekend each spring, one of the authors is often invited to speak at convocation, allowing students to participate in these critical discussions.”
The group was founded in 2010 after the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists released a statement calling on all Adventist institutions to uphold the one-week creation story found in Scripture. This prompted a desire to connect to other disciplines and fostered an inter-departmental camaraderie leading to a broader discussion on faith and science.
Chemistry professor Dr. Mitch Menzmer states, “I want to have a solid understanding of what the Bible teaches and what we find in nature. Since I’m a scientist, I have greater exposure to scientific thinking and ideas, so I ask different kinds of questions than a theologian,” he says. “During our gatherings, we go through each publication methodically, probing and critiquing and comparing ideas with our church’s view.” Menzmer’s favorite discussions have centered on thermodynamics and the origin of life from nonliving matter.
Physics professor Dr. Kenneth Caviness drew on the groups’ discussions for his work, giving presentations inspired by their insights across the US, South India, Ukraine, Argentina, and Germany.
Many of the members use the monthly meetings as a chance to investigate, challenge, and confirm their beliefs. Through shared knowledge of multiple academic disciplines, they have found common ground in the glory of God’s creation leading to a more informed and intentional faith.
