Apologetics Conference 2023
– CAN SCIENCE AND FAITH CO-EXIST? –
“Within the church in the West it is almost universally acknowledged that we live in a post-Christian culture,” writes Mark Sayers in his book, Disappearing Church. For that reason, the exhortation from Peter (1 Peter 3:15) to be prepared to make a defense for the hope of the Gospel is all the more relevant and crucial. In 2023, Dr. Jeff Zweerink and Dr. Eric Hedin presented on the relationship between science and faith.
Speakers
ERIC HEDIN
Eric Hedin earned his doctorate in experimental plasma physics from the University of Washington, and conducted post-doctoral research at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. He has taught physics and astronomy at Taylor University and Ball State University in Indiana, and at Biola University in Southern California. At Ball State, his research interests focused on computational nano-electronics and higher-dimensional physics. His BSU course, The Boundaries of Science, attracted national media attention, resulting in Dr. Hedin’s recent book, Canceled Science: What Some Atheists Don’t Want You to See, highlighting scientific evidence pointing to design.
Since fall, 2021, Dr. Hedin has transitioned into speaking at universities around the country with God’s Not Dead Events, led by Dr. Rice Broocks. These evangelistic outreach events present evidence from science, philosophy, and history for God as Creator and the resurrection of Christ.
JEFF ZWEERINK
Astrophysicist Jeff Zweerink is a research scholar at Reasons to Believe (RTB). He writes and speaks on the compatibility of science and the Christian faith and on evidence for intentional design from multiverse theory, exoplanets, and artificial intelligence (AI). His books include Escaping the Beginning?, Is There Life Out There?, Who’s Afraid of the Multiverse?, and Building Bridges (coauthor).
Jeff earned a BS in physics and a PhD in astrophysics with a focus on gamma rays from Iowa State University. Prior to joining RTB, Jeff taught and ran the planetarium at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, until postdoctoral research in gamma rays led him to University of California, Riverside. He still holds a part-time project scientist position at UCLA. Jeff’s speaking engagements take him to universities, churches, conferences, and other venues around the world.
Presentations
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According to the popular narrative, science is on a relentless quest to truly understand the universe and that quest will inevitably make all religions (including Christianity) obsolete. This talk will debunk that narrative by showing how major scientific findings over the past 100 years provide a wealth of evidence supporting the truth of Christianity. Additionally, a little historical investigation shows that the Judeo-Christian worldview provided the necessary philosophical foundation for the scientific enterprise to develop.
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Science has revealed multiple layers of fine-tuning in the physical properties of our home planet that are essential for Earth’s ability to sustain life in all its myriad forms over the course of history. We’ll look at many of these key properties as evidence for God’s creative design and purpose for lives.
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Scientists discover that the universe had no beginning. We live in a multiverse and that explains all the fine-tuning. Astronomers find another planet capable of hosting life. Unless we act now, global climate change will irrevocably destroy the planet. Statements like these—that seem like a challenge to Christian principles—repeatedly show up in the news. By applying a few powerful principles, we can use such controversial ideas to stimulate conversations about important biblical ideas.
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All living organisms exhibit a high degree of information based on the specific complexity of the biochemistry within each cell. This specified complexity results in functional, living systems and stands out as one of the most profound pieces of evidence for God’s hand in creation. We’ll examine this line of evidence in light of nature’s limits to show that life is consistent with John 1:3 – “All things were made through Him.”
