HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?
This half-day conference was aimed at anyone from youth to senior church
leaders. The talks were relevant yet accesible and intended to equip
everyone to consider and engage in the creation/evolution dialogue,
from a perspective that is both scientific and faith based.
Speakers
Sylvia Baker
Sylvia is a biologist who trained under Professor John Maynard Smith
at Sussex University. Subsequently, with her family, she co-pioneered
the thriving Trinity School at Stalybridge near Manchester for many
years. She is author of ‘Bone of Contention’, a popular introduction to
the creation/evolution debate which has sold over 250,000 copies in
10 languages. She is currently overseeing a research team working
with Professor Leslie Francis of Warwick University, researching the
progress of our young people when they leave school. She has four
children and a growing number of grandchildren.
Dr. Arthur Jones
Arthur is a science and education consultant. His first degree was in
Biology and his PhD was a wide-ranging examination of biological origins,
which explored the central role of faith commitments in science. From
biological research he went into education and is currently the Chair of
the Association of Christian Teachers and Course Leader for the
Stapleford Centre postgraduate distance-learning course Faith in Schools.
He is the author of Science in Faith: A Christian Perspective on Teaching
Science (CST, 1998).
He lectures widely on science/religion issues and videos of two recent
lectures can be viewed at www.edinburghcreationgroup.org
Julian Ward
Julian worked in the 1960s in the aircraft industry on aerodynamics for five years, both on new aircraft (the Trident airliner, the DH 125 Dominie executive jet, a predecessor of the Tornado combat aircraft) and on theoretical research. After four years as a pastor in London he became a lecturer in biblical studies, theology and apologetics at Elim Bible College, later called Regents Theological College, now in Nantwich.
One course he developed was on science and the Christian faith, which was awarded $10,000 by the John Templeton Foundation, which does much to encourage debate relating to science – religion issues.
Julian gained an MSc at Cranfield University, an MPhil at the University of Manchester and a BD at the University of London. Since retiring from RTC he has been a part-time lecturer in the New Testament, theology and ethics at colleges in Manchester and London. He also ministers in the Elim church.
Panelists
There was also a panel of experts to
answer delegates’ public questions after the presentations.
