Relationship Between Science and Religion Topic of Public Lecture at the University of Dallas

University of Dallas Press Release 

Vatican Astronomer Guy Consolmagno to Deliver Address on March 6

(Irving, Texas – Feb. 6, 2008) – The University of Dallas will sponsor a public lecture by Guy Consolmagno, S.J., distinguished scientist and major interpreter of the relationship between science and religion, on Thursday, March 6, 2008. The lecture, “How Scientists Think About Religion,” will be held from 3:30 – 5 p.m. in the Gorman Lecture Center, Room A, on the University’s Irving campus located at 1845 E. Northgate Dr. in Irving. The lecture is free and seating is limited.

“Bro. Guy is both a first rate scientist and a man committed to living the faithful, reflective, religious life of a Jesuit brother,” said Dr. William Frank, professor of philosophy at UD and lecture organizer. “He is a living witness of the compatibility of scientific inquiry and Christian faith. It is an important part of wisdom to understand that compatibility of faith and reason.”

Consolmagno has been an astronomer at the Vatican Observatory since 1993 and is currently the curator of the Vatican meteorite collection in Castel Gandolfo, one of the largest in the world. He has coauthored five astronomy books: Turn Left at Orion (Cambridge University Press, 1989); Worlds Apart (Prentice Hall, 1993); The Way to the Dwelling of Light (U of Notre Dame Press, 1998); Brother Astronomer (McGraw Hill, 2000); and God's Mechanics: How Scientists and Engineers Make Sense of Religion (Jossey-Bass, 2007). He has also published more than 100 scientific papers.

Consolmagno obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Earth and Planetary Sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and his Ph.D. in Planetary Science from the University of Arizona. After taking his vows as a Jesuit brother, he studied philosophy, theology, and physics before his assignment to the Vatican Observatory.

The public lecture by Consolmagno, sponsored by the University of Dallas Departments of Physics, Philosophy, and Theology, is part of a three-day visit to the University of Dallas. In addition to the lecture, he will be leading discussions in selected classes and meeting with students and faculty.

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Sin and the Issue of Illegal Immigration

There was a panel discussion on Immigration from a Theological Perspective at the University of Dallas last night. I applaude their efforts at being an insitution that at least tried to address this issue from a theological point of view. There were some good ideas as well as some pointed questions but overall the event went well. However, I wanted to write to some of the participants about an issue that I think should be considered when dealing with the illegal immigrant situation. Below was my email:

Folks, I first want to appreciate the effort that was done to take on this monumental and sticky topic. I know that we did not know what to expect, seeing that this issue has been a hot agenda at the local level. The event was well planned and efficiently moderated with few hiccups, if any. As a Hispanic and a beginning student at the school of ministry, I felt proud to see that the school opened up its door to deal with such topics.

I wished that I had to opportunity to share this but I wanted to be conscious of the time and make room for some of the more seasoned folks to chime in. With that said, I just wanted to mention something that was somewhat, but not explicitly, mentioned during the presentation. It is the basic but essential issue of sin. I know that this word does not amount to much in our postmodern world because we have euphemized it to death. However, a basic understanding of this word tell us a lot about who God us and who we are. Before I develop this notion a bit more and how it relates to the immigration issue, let me say that I was very pleased to hear words and phrases such as “human rights,” “the moral law,” and “made in God’s image.” Much to the emotional upset of some, this at least established a solid platform from which we could see and deal with Immigration, from a Theological Perspective.

Nevertheless, let me relate an experience I had when I first received the press release of this event and how this will tie with the above topic. I decided to circulate this to several “Christian” circles to see if anyone was interested in attending. I then received a response from one gentleman who was a Christian researcher of some kind and proceeded to tell me that “These people are just people who placate illegal immigration.”  “I speak with experience.” “I do a Cable show exposing illegal immigration and have gone through it all with these people, especially the Churches.” “The "Alien Resident" argument doesn't apply here.” He then proceeded to direct me to one of his “cable shows” on the internet that “exposed illegal immigration.” The video did not mince words and at times seemed a bit vitriolic and borderline hateful. Moreover, the show aired a clip of another show where the gentleman there was going to “tell it like it is” and proceeded to call all illegal immigrants “filthy cockroaches.” To be honest, this disturbed me deeply – that those within our camp would have such a horrid description of illegal immigrants. It was futile to engage in any reasonable conversation with someone who had such a terrible social, and psychological bent of hatred and disrespect.

Back to the event - while this did not have any of the marks of the above situation, there was a question or two that sparked the above concept of sin and the human condition as it related to illegal immigration. There were some great points that were raised as well as some challenging questions. But the issue I would like for us to introspectively ask is “what is the condition of my heart in regards to these issues?” Or better yet, “what is the real motivation for my strong opinion on this matter?” I think we (myself included) need to take ourselves to task and ask these penetrating questions when dealing with any issue that has to do with humans. It gave me a chuckle to hear statements like “what part of illegal immigration do you not understand?” I think that most of us understand illegal immigration very well but we are tied to the political, socio-economical, post 9-11 everyone across our borders is a terrorist, agendas that stagnate the congressional waters of our “legal system.” Nevertheless, a more fundamental question should be “what part of illegal immigration is an actual legitimate issue and what part of it is an emotional, or even (may I say?) sinful one?

I couldn’t of agreed more with some of the solutions proposed by Owen Ross as well as some of the more stringent ones proposed by members of the audience. I will also admit that this is a serious issue and that we need to fix and implement whatever immigration laws need to be in place in order to perpetuate the survivability of our country as well as the protection of our security interest in addition to meeting the most basic human needs (legal or illegal). Nevertheless, I will challenge each one of the readers that we be a bit more honest and ask if these issues are motivated by the above principals only or if his or her judgment has been clouded because we feel as though “our space” is slowly being consumed by these “illegals,” who deplete our resources and are erasing what we know to be “the American way of living.” Why am I saying this? Do I know the intentions of the heart? That would be a resounding no! Only God knows the true intentions of the heart and the last time I checked the closest thing to a throne in my house is called a commode. Nevertheless, I can speak from experience. Even I, as a Hispanic, Latino, Mexican-American or whatever I am to be called, have had these feelings with my own kind! I will admit my sin and territorial arrogance when I say that sometimes, just sometimes, I am not too happy with everything that comes across the border. But once I realized that, I asked myself, “is it really about a border per say?” I think that a more fundamental issue is at stake and you could call it by its subcategories such as arrogance, sectarianism, pride, or even racism. However, sin is at the root of all of it.

In some cases I would venture to say that if it were really about laws (a very much discussed thread at tonight’s panel discussion), then why don’t we see people protesting about tougher laws against speeding. You don’t see the multitudes going to congress by the droves declaring that it is so unfair that there are so many people breaking the speeding laws that we just need to impose tougher restrictions, heavier fines, sophisticated equipment, etc. If you think about it, speeding has also caused a lot of damage such as fatal accidents, children’s safety compromised, higher insurance premiums and so on. Nevertheless, since it doesn’t carry much of the emotional baggage that immigration does, we just don’t see it as an issue we care to talk about….unless, we get a ticket for speeding. I think that what I’m suggesting  is (I’m still working this out) that lets be careful of not letting our prejudices and violated comfort zones cloud our judgment when it comes to immigration policies. As was mentioned last night, there were many laws that were in place such as slavery and women’s status in society that just because they were laws didn’t mean that they were right. In fact, the bible tell us of a rich young ruler who kept all of the laws since he was a boy (Mark 10:18-21). However, Jesus knew his heart and since his vertical relationship was not in line, Jesus proceeded to expose him horizontally and see if he could at least give everything he had. The Bible says that he “went away sad because he had great wealth.” Let me steal this analogy and say that we might come up with a great and reformed immigration policy that will accomplish what is needed to fix this situation, but what after that? If the vertical is not in line with God, it doesn’t matter if we are successful. We have already failed on the inside.

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News Release: Immigration from a Theological Perspective

The following press release was distributed today. Please let me know if you have any questions. I appreciate your support in helping us spread the word about this timely discussion.

http://www.udallas.edu/advancement/pr.cfm?NewsArticleID=2824&Cat=PR

UNIVERSITY OF DALLAS SCHOOL OF MINISTRY TO EXAMINE IMMIGRATION FROM A THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

Panel Discussion To Include Local Leaders From Journalism, Academia and Ministry

(IRVING, Texas – October 11, 2007) – The School of Ministry (SOM) at the University of Dallas (UD) will present a panel discussion titled “Theological Perspectives on Immigration” on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2007, at 7 p.m. in UD’s Haggerty Art History Building.  Designed as a theological reflection on the issues, the SOM hopes to make a positive contribution to this important public policy debate by featuring local leaders from the fields of journalism, academia and ministry.

“By examining such a controversial and challenging issue from a theological perspective, we hope to take the immigration debate to a higher level of analysis,” said  Dr. Brian Schmisek, Dean of the SOM.  “Our panel includes a diverse mix of leaders in the Metroplex, including accomplished scholars, social commentators and service providers who work with immigrants.  I am confident that the exchange of ideas will be both intellectually stimulating and inspirational.”

The conversation will be moderated by William McKenzie, editorial columnist for The Dallas Morning News, who has written about immigration issues and called for theologians to discuss the balance between respect for the law and the biblical order to welcome strangers. 

McKenzie will be joined by several leaders in the local theological community, including:

• Dr. John Norris of UD’s Department of Theology.  The former chair of the Department of Theology and past director of UD’s signature Rome Study Abroad Program, he offers expertise on historical theology, patristics, patristic exegesis and St. Augustine.

• Professor María Pía Septién Ramírez of UD’s SOM.  Born and raised in Mexico City, her academic interests include biblical studies and Catholic outreach to the Hispanic community.  Additionally, she has played a leading role in the offering of SOM courses in both English and Spanish.

• Reverend Owen K. Ross, founding pastor of La Fundicion de Cristo/Christ's Foundry.  Prior to establishing his current ministry, he has worked in Ecuador with the United States Peace Corps and studied in Zimbabwe.  He is also an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church.

• Sister Nancy Sullivan, Director of Mission Awareness/Justice and Peace for the Diocese of Dallas.  As a teacher, social services administrator and advocate, she has served disadvantaged populations – including large numbers of immigrants – in the United States and abroad for more than fifty years.   

About the School of Ministry (SOM)
The University of Dallas School of Ministry (formerly the Institute for Religious and Pastoral Studies) celebrated its 20th anniversary this year and is one of the fastest growing graduate schools in its field in the U.S.  The School of Ministry is widely recognized as an important center for learning theology, developing pastoral skills, and fostering spiritual growth. The School has assembled an impressive international faculty, formed strong working relationships with dioceses in the region, and developed master’s degree and certificate programs that deliver outstanding educational experiences through classroom and online instruction.
The School of Ministry meets the educational needs of more than 800 students through five strategic areas of focus: its flagship master’s degree programs that include a Summer in Rome study program; the largest Catholic Biblical School of its kind among all Catholic universities nationwide; deacon formation programs and adult faith formation programs at the parish level; and an annual ministry conference. It is a member of the Association of Graduate Programs in Ministry and the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. For more information about the School of Ministry, visit www.udallas.edu/ministry.

About the University of Dallas
The University of Dallas, a highly regarded, nationally recognized private university, celebrated its 50-year anniversary in 2006. With more than 3,000 students, the University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences and business. The University of Dallas has its main campus in Irving, Texas (1845 E. Northgate Drive), along with an international campus near Rome, Italy, and satellite campuses in North Richland Hills (Tarrant County) and Frisco, Texas. For more information about the University of Dallas, go to www.udallas.edu.

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International Congress of Medieval Philosophy in Palermo, 2007

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Dr. William Lane Craigs Apologelistic Efforts | UK Edition

Keep this man in your prayers for the following Debates, Lectures sponsored by UCCF (Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship). He will be busy dealing with topics such as the ressurection of Jesus as well as the popularized ideas floating around from Dawkin’s God Delusion presentation.

Reasonable Faith

A tour of lectures and debates
with William Lane Craig

presented by Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF)

Bill Craig is an instinctive communicator as well as a fine thinker. He is in great demand across Europe and the USA, yet remarkably is largely unknown in the UK. His lectures and debates are world class and appeal to sceptics and believers alike.

Entry to all events is free. No booking required.

To order flyers/posters for distributing please contact Matthew Smith.

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Apologetics | Dr. Ravi Zacharias

This would be a sample of the kind of apologetic material that you could hear from Dr. Ravi at this November’s Apologetic Conference in Charlotte NC.

Click the play symbol:

Communicating the Truth
MESSAGE 4: Flirting with the Truth

Text: Acts 24

Synopsis: The Apostle Paul stands before Felix, and with gentleness and persuasion, brings Felix to common ground and shares the power of the Gospel. Likewise, our challenge is to notice the points of contact we still have in our cultures so that we may effectively communicate the truth of Christ.
Introduction

Historical background of Acts 24

Paul is a model because he had both theological integrity and methodological genius.
I. Paul found common ground in a point of reference

A. The four stages of effective communication

B. The moral argument as common ground
II. Paul moves from a point of reference to a point of relevance

A. The point of relevance for Felix

B. What is the point of relevance in our time?
III. Paul moves from a point of relevance to a point of disturbance

A. The point of disturbance for Felix

B. Why does Paul follow this method?
IV. Three applications for today

© Dr Ravi Zacharias 2003

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National Conference of Apologetics - Nov. 10 & 11

Imagine all these speakers under one roof:
Ravi Zacharias, Josh McDowell, Gary Habermas, Erwin Lutzer, Mark Mittelberg, Lee Strobel, and Norman Geisler.

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Friday, November 10, 6pm to 10pm
Saturday, November 11, 8am to 4:30pm

LOCATION

Hickory Grove Baptist Church (North)
2350 Odell School Road
Charlotte, NC 28262

TICKETS
Adult: $40 each
Students / Teens: $30 each
Group (10+): One ticket free

SATURDAY NIGHT DINNER
WITH LEE STROBEL!

Conference Banquet will begin at 6:30pm and will feature a delicious dinner, special music, and a keynote message by Lee Strobel: $15/person

For Advance Tickets call:
1-800-77-TRUTH (x. 210)

Click
Here to Register

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