Wednesday, November 19, 2003
|
Wednesday, November 19, 2003 |
|
Creation vs. creation debate is tomorrow at Clayton State In an event unlike the typical “Creation vs. Evolution” debate, Clayton State’s Baptist Student Union invites the community to attend a free “Creation vs. Creation” debate on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 7-9 p.m. in the Clayton State Arts & Sciences theater. Christians Dr. Greg Hampikian (biologist) of Clayton State and Dr. Terry Mortenson (geologist) of “Answers in Genesis” will debate the literal and figurative meanings of scripture in Genesis chapters one and two. The purpose of the debate is to examine whether the first two chapters of Genesis literally describe the beginning of life on earth. Hampikian will maintain the position that the accounts at the beginning of Genesis are to be taken figuratively — meaning, for example, that there was no talking serpent, that the days of creation were not the usual 24-hour events, and that the forbidden fruit is symbolic. “Genesis gives us a timeless explanation of God’s relationship to his creation, and the relationship of husband and wife. It is an explanation that worked before humans discovered the scientific method, and one that works for children and old people, philosophers and farmers,” Hampikian says. Mortenson will counter Hampikian’s argument with claims of the literality of the events described in Genesis —meaning, there was a real fruit; the serpent is not a metaphor but a true snake, and the days were like our own days. Both speakers will present their views for 20 minutes. Following the lectures, the debaters will have 10 minutes to bring a rebuttal. The speakers will give their closing statements and the floor will be opened to questions and answers. Hampikian, a Christian since the 1970s, is a world-renowned forensic expert and an associate professor of biology at Clayton State. He is also a cofounder of Clayton State’s Campus Christian Ministries (CCM), a non-denominational outreach of the United Methodist Church. CCM’s website states, “We believe that the Christian faith benefits from the careful scrutiny of all those who seek truth.” Also influential in the Clayton State Theater, Hampikian has written two plays with religious connotations. His most recent work, “Things Not Seen,” focuses on the question of faith in marriage. The story centers on a pastor and his wife who face a relationship crisis, when only one of them experiences a miracle. The play, whose title derives its origins from Hebrews 11:1, runs in the Clayton State Theater from Dec. 4-6 and 11-13 at 8 p.m. Admission is $8; $4 for seniors citizens. Mortenson, also a Christian since the 1970s, is in charge of “Answers in Genesis,” a Christian apologetics ministry that equips the church to uphold the authority of the Bible from the very first verse.” He has debated creation related matters since the 70s and has spoken in an array of places including the United States, England, Russia, and most countries in Eastern Europe. For more information on Mortenson, visit http://www.answersingenesis.org/ To learn more about the free Nov. 20 debate, contact Hampikian at GregHampikian@mail.clayton.edu or Rhonda Boozer at rhondaboozer@mail.clayton.edu (Baptist Student Union).
|
