The 67th Annual Meeting of the American Scientific Affiliation
Science, Faith, and the Media: Communicating Beyond Books
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” —Ephesians 4:25, NIV
July 20–July 23, 2012
Point Loma Nazarene University 3900 Lomaland Drive San Diego, CA 92106
Program Contents
General Information ...... 1
2012 ASA Annual Meeting Schedule ...... 2
Plenary Abstracts Rebecca Ver Straten-McSparran...... 6 John E. Johnson...... 6 Ralph Winter...... 6 Dean Nelson...... 7 Christopher Perez...... 7
Symposia and Session Abstracts
I-A. INFORMATION, GENETICS, AND ORIGINS OF LIFE Stephen Freeland ...... 8 Walter Bradley ...... 8 Loren Haarsma...... 8
I-B. TEACHING SCIENCE AND FAITH IN THE CURRICULUM Raymond J. Lewis...... 9 Glenn A. Marsch...... 9 John R. Staver...... 9
I-C. SCIENCE AND FAITH: HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY, AND THEOLOGY Leslie A. Wickman ...... 9 Jimmy H. Davis...... 9 Edward Davis...... 10
I-D. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES Janet Warren ...... 10 Max Bonilla ...... 10 Linn Carothers ...... 10
II-A. INFORMATION, GENETICS, AND ORIGINS OF LIFE (cont’d) Stephen Meyer, William Dembski, and Casey Luskin...... 11 Randy Isaac...... 11 Thomas L. Walters...... 11 Ann Gauger ...... 12
II-B. COMMUNICATING EARTH SCIENCE TO THE PUBLIC Darrel Falk ...... 12 Davis A. Young...... 12 Josh Rosenau ...... 13 Keith B. Miller...... 13
II-C. CHRISTIANS IN SCIENCE AND FILM Paula Gossard...... 13 David A. Vosburg...... 13 Hank D. Voss...... 13 Peter M. J. Hess ...... 14
II-D. SCIENCE, FAITH, ENGINEERING, AND APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGIES Barbara Ressler...... 14 Ray Norman, Barbara Ressler, and Nate Kamban ...... 14 Walter Bradley ...... 15 Dominic M. Halsmer, Kenneth Weed, and Taylor Tryon...... 15 III-A. INFORMATION, GENETICS, AND ORIGINS OF LIFE (cont’d) Melissa Antonio ...... 15 Mark Shelhamer ...... 16
III-B. CHRISTIAN VIEWS ON SCIENCE AND FAITH David Bundrick and Mike Tenneson ...... 16 Mike Tenneson and David Bundrick ...... 16
III-C. SCIENCE AND FAITH: HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY, AND THEOLOGY (cont’d) Steven Ball...... 17 Harry Lee Poe...... 17
IV-A. INFORMATION, GENETICS, AND ORIGINS OF LIFE (cont’d) Chris Osborne...... 17 *Deborah L. Osae-Oppong...... 17 Paul A. Nelson...... 18
IV-B. RESOURCES FOR DIALOGUE AND ENGAGEMENT IN SCIENCE AND FAITH Jennifer Wiseman ...... 18 Deborah Haarsma ...... 18
IV-C. SCIENCE AND FAITH: HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY, AND THEOLOGY (cont’d) Richard F. Carlson and Jason N. Hine...... 18 Paul H. Seely...... 19 Denis Lamoureux...... 19
V-A. TEACHING SCIENCE AND FAITH IN THE CURRICULUM Stephen M. Contakes ...... 19 Michael A. Everest...... 20 *Blake Horridge ...... 20
V-B. PERSONAL BRANDING AND SOCIAL MEDIA Stephen Mapes and Michael Marcacci ...... 20 Lara Touryan-Whelan, Kenell Touryan, and Cheryl Touryan...... 20 Mary Ann Pearson ...... 20
V-C. WHY PUBLIC RELATIONS MATTERS David Fisher...... 21 Caroline Crocker...... 21 Sandra Romo...... 21
Poster Abstracts Katherine Addicott ...... 22 J. Scott Buchanan...... 22 Jennifer Hall...... 22 *Rebeca Maynard, working with Dennis K. Bideshi, Hyun-Woo Park, Bruce A. Prins ...... 22 Bradley McCoy, Tim Heumier, and Chris Bassey ...... 23 A. E. Sikkema, T. Jelsma, F. G. Oosterhoff, J. M. van der Meer ...... 23 Sara Sybesma Tolsma...... 23 *Edith Waskel, Monica Rubalcava, Britney Lumbard, Lawrence D. Longo, and Sean M. Wilson.....23
Presenters’ Contact Information ...... 25
ASA Business Meeting Agenda ...... 27
Index of Presenters ...... 28
*Student or early career scientist presenting a paper through donated scholarships. General Information
ASA Book Table Book tables featuring books of interest to attendees will be in the Point Loma Nazarene University bookstore located in Nicholson Commons, Monday to Friday, 9 AM–4 PM. They will also be available in the lobby of Crill Performance Hall during the following hours: Saturday: 9:45 AM–4:45 PM Sunday: 1:15 PM–4:45 PM
Bobby B’s Coffee Shop Hours Friday: 7:00 AM–2:00 PM; 8:00 PM–11:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM; 8:00 PM–11:00 PM Monday: 7:00 AM–2:00 PM
PLNU Contact Numbers Conference Services: 619-718-0695 Public Safety (emergency only): 619-849-2525
PLNU Quiet Hours Every day: 10:00 PM–6:00 AM
Plenary Sessions All plenary sessions will be held in the Crill Performance Hall in the Cooper Music Center. Friday: 7:30 PM Rebecca Ver Straten-McSparran, “Embodied Visions” Saturday: 8:45 AM John E. (Jack) Johnson, “Maturation of dsDNA Bacteriophage: Insights into Elegantly Programmed Nanomachines” 1:15 PM Ralph Winter, “Christianity, Science, Politics, Blockbusters, and Independent Films: What Hollywood Portrays to the Public” Sunday: 10:30 AM Dean Nelson, “Science, Religion and the News Media” Monday: 8:45 AM Christopher Perez, “Why Public Relations Matters: The Battle for Public Opinion”
Special Events Friday: 8:30 AM Workshop: Christianity and the Scientific Revolution –Cunningham A 1:00 PM Workshop: Coming Out Christian Online –Cunningham A 9:00 PM Fellowship Mixer –Patio outside Crill Performance Hall Lobby Saturday: 6:00 PM Panel: “So You Have an Idea for a Movie: Process, Opportunities, Pitfalls, and Profound Stories” –Crill Performance Hall 7:30 PM From the Dust, a feature-length documentary film followed by a panel discussion –Crill Performance Hall 9:00 PM Ice Cream Social –Nicholson Commons 9:00 PM CSCA Meeting –Thomas Room, Nicholson Commons 9:30 PM InterVarsity Reception –Cunningham A Sunday: 9:00 AM Worship Service –Crill Performance Hall 5:30 PM Women in Science Gathering –Cunningham A 6:45 PM ASA Business Meeting –Crill Performance Hall 7:30 PM Communications Meeting –Crill Performance Hall 9:00 PM Students and Early Career Scientists
Many thanks to … Program Chair Jim Buchholz and Local Arrangements Chair Michael McConnell. We are especially thankful for the donors who contributed to the Students and Early Career Scientists’ Scholarship Fund.
The ASA Spirit The American Scientific Affiliation encourages thoughtful and provocative scientific presentations and discussions. Presenters and discussants are expected to maintain a humble and loving attitude toward individuals who have a different opinion.
Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA 1 2012 ASA Annual Meeting Schedule
Thursday, 19 July 2012—Tuesday, 24 July 2012
2:00 PM–5:00 PM; Lodging check in at Wiley or Flex Garage 43F. If you are arriving later, call 619-718-0695 before midnight. 6:30 PM–10:00 PM If PLNU staff are unavailable at the check-in location, call 619-718-0695 to make arrangements.
8:00 AM–10:00 AM Lodging check out no later than 10:00 AM each day. Luggage may be brought to a designated area TBA.
Thursday, 19 July 2012
3:00 PM–9:00 PM ASA meeting registration, Crill Performance Hall Lobby in the Cooper Music Center
• Abstracts for each session are listed on the pages noted in parentheses.
Friday, 20 July 2012
7:00 AM–8:00 AM Breakfast –All meals are in Nicholson Commons.
8:15 AM–9:00 PM ASA meeting registration, Crill Performance Hall Lobby in the Cooper Music Center
8:15 AM–5:00 PM Balboa Park Museums and Gardens field trip –depart from Brown Chapel loading area
8:15 AM–5:00 PM San Diego Zoo field trip –depart from Brown Chapel loading area
8:30 AM–12:00 PM Workshop 1: Christianity and the Scientific Revolution –Ted Davis, Cunningham A
10:30 AM–5:00 PM Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve field trip –depart from Brown Chapel loading area
12:00 PM–1:00 PM Lunch, Nicholson Commons
12:45 PM–5:00 PM USS Midway and Seaport Village field trip –depart from Brown Chapel loading area
1:00 PM–4:30 PM Workshop 2: Coming Out Christian Online –Pamela Gay, Cunningham A
1:00 PM–5:00 PM Cabrillo National Park field trip –depart from Brown Chapel loading area
4:30 PM–6:00 PM Dinner, Nicholson Commons. Please note: There is another large group coming to the dining hall at 5:00 PM.
7:00 PM Welcome and Introductions, Crill Performance Hall in the Cooper Music Center u Randy Isaac, ASA Executive Director u Darrel Falk, Point Loma u Michael McConnell, Local Arrangements Chair u Jim Buchholz, Program Chair
7:30 PM Plenary Session I, Crill Performance Hall Moderator: Ralph Winter (6) Rebecca Ver Straten-McSparran, “Embodied Visions”
9:00 PM Fellowship Mixer, Patio outside Crill Performance Hall Lobby
• Abstracts for each session are listed on the pages noted in parentheses.
Saturday, 21 July 2012 7:00 AM Breakfast, Nicholson Commons 8:15 AM Devotions: Jim Peterson; Pianist: Hannah Quinn –Crill Performance Hall 8:45 AM Plenary Session II, Crill Performance Hall Moderator: Darrel Falk (6) John E. (Jack) Johnson, “Maturation of dsDNA Bacteriophage: Insights into Elegantly Programmed Nanomachines”
2 2012 ASA Annual Meeting Saturday, 21 July 2012
Saturday, 21 July 2012 9:45 AM Refreshment Break, Patio outside Crill Performance Hall Lobby Parallel I-A. Information, Genetics I-B. Teaching Science and I-C. Science and Faith: I-D. Behavioral Sciences Session I and Origins of Life Faith in the Curriculum History, Philosophy, and and Humanities –Crill Performance Hall(8–9) Theology Moderator: Stephen –Colt Hall (9) –Cunningham A (9–10) –Cunningham B (10–11) Freeland Moderator: Steve Contakes Moderator: Leslie Wickman Moderator: Linn Carothers 10:15 AM Stephen Freeland Raymond Lewis Leslie Wickman Janet Warren “The Origins of Genetic “A Model of Science Higher “Exploring the Wonders of “Science, Psi, Spirits, and Information” Education as Christian Creation through the Lens Spirituality” Service in China” of Science” 10:45 AM Walter Bradley Glenn Marsch Jimmy Davis Max Bonilla “What Do the Informational “Communicating Truths “Does Modern Science “The Integration of Faith and Requirements of the Origin about Faith, Science, and Communicate Purpose?” Reason: A New Anthropology of Life Imply?” Origins through a General for Science, the Humanities, Education Requirement” and Higher Education” 11:15 AM Loren Haarsma John R. Staver Edward Davis Linn Carothers “Increasing Information and “The Indiana General “Altruism and the Adminis- “Living above the Pain: Keys Self-Organizing Complexity: Assembly and Creation tration of the Universe: to Raising a Resilient Jabez” Some Examples” Science: 2012 and Beyond” Kirtley Fletcher Mather on Science and Values” 12:00 PM Lunch, Nicholson Commons 1:15 PM Plenary Session III, Crill Performance Hall Moderator: Jim Buchholz (6) Ralph Winter, “Christianity, Science, Politics, Blockbusters, and Independent Films: What Hollywood Portrays to the Public” 2:15 PM Beverage Break, Patio outside Crill Performance Hall Lobby Parallel II-A. Information, Genetics II-B. Communicating Earth II-C. Christians and II-D. Science, Faith, Session II and Origins of Life (cont’d) Science to the Public Science in Film Engineering, and –Crill Performance Hall –Colt Hall (12–13) –Cunningham A (13–14) Appropriate Technologies (11–12) Moderator: Keith Miller Moderator: Rebecca –Cunningham B (14–15) Moderator: Stephen Ver Straten-McSparran Moderators: Walter Bradley Freeland and Anthony Donaldson 2:45 PM Casey Luskin Darrel Falk Paula Gossard Barbara Ressler “A Taxonomy of Information “BioLogos Workshops for “If They Do It, “Appropriate Medical and the Design Inference” Science Teachers in It's Propaganda, but If Technology: Biomedical Christian Schools” We Do It, It's Education” Engineering Projects in Macha, Zambia” 3:15 PM Randy Isaac Davis Young David Vosburg Barbara Ressler “What Is Information and “Exchanging a Lie for the “From the Dust and Test of “Low-Cost Technologies for Where Does It Come Truth: On Responding to Faith: Catalyzing Deeper the Disabled: Facilitating From?” Scientific Misinformation” Conversations on Science Access and Use of Water and Faith through Film” and Sanitation Facilities in Mali, West Africa” 3:45 PM Thomas Walters Joshua Rosenau Hank Voss Walter Bradley “Domains of Inquiry and “The Bedrock of Science “An Inclusive Science and “Increasing Income of Poor Evolution” Communication: The Nature Faith Message for the Coconut Farmers by of Science” Media” Converting Their Agricultural Waste into Composite Materials” 4:15 PM Ann Gauger Keith Miller Peter Hess Dominic Halsmer “The Origin of Enzymes: “The Media and the Public “Could an Extraterrestrial Be “Introducing the Possibility of All in the Family?” Understanding of a Christian? Theology, Film, Corruption to Facilitate Paleontology” and the Evolution of Spiritual Reverse Engineering of Consciousness” Natural Systems” 5:00 PM Dinner, Nicholson Commons 6:00 PM Panel: “So You Have an Idea for a Movie: Process, Opportunities, Pitfalls, and Profound Stories,” Crill Performance Hall Moderator: Rebecca Ver Straten-McSparran Panelists: Dean Batali, Charles B. Slocum, Christina Lee Storm 7:30 PM From the Dust, a feature-length documentary film followed by a panel discussion, Crill Performance Hall Moderator: David Vosburg, Panelists: Dean Smith, Kathryn Applegate, April Maskiewicz
Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA 3 Sunday, 22 July 2012
Saturday, 21 July 2012 9:00 PM Ice Cream Social –Nicholson Commons CSCA Meeting, Jim Peterson,presiding–ThomasRoom,NicholsonCommons 9:30 PM InterVarsity Reception, Dwight Schwartz, presiding –Cunningham A
• Abstracts for each session are listed on the pages noted in parentheses.
Sunday, 22 July 2012 7:00 AM Breakfast, Nicholson Commons 9:00 AM Worship Service, Crill Performance Hall Worship leader: Mark Pitts; Song leader and special music: Craig Johnson; Pianist: Brenda Martin Minister: Rev. Mark Trotter, “Seeing The Truth,” John 9:1–12, 18–25 10:00 AM Beverage Break, Patio outside Crill Performance Hall Lobby 10:30 AM Plenary Session IV, Crill Performance Hall Moderator: Kathryn McConnell (7) Dean Nelson, “Science, Religion and the News Media” 12:00 PM Lunch, Nicholson Commons Parallel III-A. Information, Genetics III-B. Christian Views on Science III-C. Science and Faith: History, Session III and Origins of Life (cont’d) and Faith Philosophy, and Theology (cont’d) –Crill Performance Hall (15–16) –Colt Hall (16–17) –Cunningham A (17) Moderator: Melissa Antonio Moderator: Michael Everest Moderator: Hal Poe 1:15 PM Melissa Antonio David Bundrick Steven Ball “Genetics and Human Origins” “Science Professors’ Science-Faith “God’s Two Books: Both Divine and Integrative Paradigms: How Well ‘Natural’ Authors” Do They Integrate?” 1:45 PM Mark Shelhamer Mike Tenneson Hal Poe “The Nature and Purpose of “Faith and Science Integrative Paradigms “The English Bible and the Days of Creation: Randomness” of Assemblies of God Pastors, Educators, When Tradition Conflicts with Text” and Students” 2:15 PM Beverage Break, Patio outside Crill Performance Hall Lobby 2:15 PM Poster Session, The Cooper Music Center, Room 116 (22–24) u Katherine Addicott, “Evolution and the Evangelical Mind: A Case Study,” presented by James Hofmann u J. Scott Buchanan, “How Beneficial Are Mutations?” u Jennifer Hall, “Science and Faith in Film” u Rebeca Maynard, “The Dual-Activity Insecticidal Protein, Cry2Aa, Does not Enhance the Mosquitocidal Activity of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis” u Bradley McCoy and Tim Heumier, “Outlining a Physics-Faith Integration Curriculum” u Arnold Sikkema,“Reformed Academic: A Denominational Blogging Experience” u Sara Tolsma, “Scientists as Members of the Body of Christ: Expanding the Scope of Adult Discipleship” u Edith Waskel, “Ryanodine Receptor Expression in Fetal Pulmonary Arterial Myocytes” Parallel IV-A. Information, Genetics IV-B. Resources for Dialogue and IV-C. Science and Faith: History, Session IV and Origins of Life (cont’d) Engagement in Science and Faith Philosophy, and Theology (cont’d) –Crill Performance Hall (17–18) –Colt Hall (18) –Cunningham A (18–19) Moderator: Melissa Antonio Moderator: Michael Everest Moderator: Hal Poe 3:15 PM Chris Osborne Jennifer Wiseman Richard Carlson “Implications of High Mutation “The AAAS Dialogue on Science, Ethics, “The Voice from the Whirlwind and Rates and Other Recent and Religion” Natural Evil” Genomic Advances upon the Question of Human Origins” 3:45 PM Deborah L. Osae-Oppong Deborah Haarsma Paul Seely “The Contribution of “The Ministry Theorem: Resources for “Why the Framework Hypothesis Bioinformatics to Pastors and Churches” Does Not Work and What Does” Evolutionary Thought” 4:15 PM Paul Nelson Denis Lamoureux “What Is the Size and Topology “Adam, Original Sin, and Human Evolution” of the Genomic Universe?” 5:00 PM Dinner, Nicholson Commons
4 2012 ASA Annual Meeting Monday, 23 July 2012
Sunday, 22 July 2012 5:30 PM Women in Science Gathering –Cunningham A 6:45 PM ASA Business Meeting –Crill Performance Hall 7:30 PM Communications Meeting, Emily Ruppel, presiding –Crill Performance Hall 9:00 PM Students and Early Career Scientists
• Abstracts for each session are listed on the pages noted in parentheses.
Monday, 23 July 2012 7:00 AM Breakfast, Nicholson Commons 8:15 AM Devotions: Rev. Nancy Moore; Pianist: Hannah Quinn –Crill Performance Hall 8:45 AM Plenary Session V, Crill Performance Hall Moderator: Mary Ann Pearson (7) Christopher Perez, “Why Public Relations Matters: The Battle for Public Opinion” 9:45 AM Beverage Break, Patio outside Crill Performance Hall Lobby Parallel V-A. Teaching Science and Faith V-B. Personal Branding and V-C. Why Public Relations Matters Session V in the Curriculum (cont’d) Social Media –Crill Performance Hall (19–20) –Colt Hall (20) –Cunningham A (21) Moderator: Steve Contakes Moderator: Mary Ann Pearson Moderator: Sandra Romo 10:15 AM Stephen Contakes Stephen Mapes and Michael Marcacci David Fisher “Exploring the New Atheist “Science, Faith, and Facebook: “Pulling Weeds before Planting Seeds” Movement with Wilhelm Ostwald, How Online Communications Early Physical Chemistry's Can Improve the Dialogue” ‘New Atheist’” 10:45 AM Michael Everest Lara Touryan-Whelan Caroline Crocker “Augustine, Radiometric Dating, “Out of Step and Anti-Science? “Bunk Detecting Principles to Help the and First-Year Chemistry: Integrating Science and Faith for Public Assess ‘Scientific’ Claims” A Guided-Inquiry Exercise” Christian Youth through Modern Media and the Web” 11:15 AM Blake Horridge Mary Ann Pearson Sandra Romo “Beyond the Lecture: “Personal Branding and Social Media” “Delivering the Message— Problem-Based Learning in Public Relations Basics” Science and Religion Courses” 12:00 PM Lunch, Nicholson Commons
Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA 5 Plenary Abstracts
recently was elected head of the arts council in that Johnson has over 300 publications that cover the area of Los Angeles. structure (at near atomic resolution) and function of LENARY ESSIONS P S 17 different viruses, as well as cryoEM and solution She was a pastor for 14 years, developed arts x-ray scattering studies of particle dynamics. Friday, 20 July 2012 7:30 PM ministries and urban ministries while a pastor, and He currently holds the Elden R. Strahm Chair in planted a church for artists. Rebecca was president Structural Virology at the Scripps Research Institute. Embodied Visions of the interfaith council for the Wilshire area of Los Angeles for four years. She received her Rebecca Ver Straten-McSparran Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary Saturday, 21 July 2012 1:15 PM • Is God’s footprint visible in the and BA in philosophy with highest honors from Bethel University. hallowed halls of Hollywood, the Christianity, Science, Politics, avenues of the stars or the sacred Blockbusters, and Independent space of the theater? Saturday, 21 July 2012 8:45 AM Films: What Hollywood Portrays • Are people of faith making a differ- Maturation of dsDNA Bacteriophage: to the Public ence on the inside of Hollywood: Insights into Elegantly Programmed Ralph Winter back lots, studios, movie sets, writers’ Nanomachines How do we as people of faith journey rooms, director’s chairs or film through our various cultures and content? John E. Johnson markets today, align our jobs and our • Bacteriophages are viruses that infect How should people of faith on the faith? For me as filmmaker, whether bacteria. They constitute the largest outside of Hollywood engage with it’s a tentpole (X-Men, Fantastic Four, biomass on earth with estimates of the world of film? Star Trek, etc.), politically-based 1031 viruses in the environment • What does it mean to think theologi- (Reagan), science-based (Cool It), (mostly in the oceans). The accessibility cally about film, to go deeper than faith-based (Left Behind, Purpose Driven of bacteriophages to study by struc- counting bad words or ratings? Life), independent (The Least of These), tural, biophysical and genetic methods • or television (Dean Koontz’s Franken- Where do Christians enter in? has enhanced our understanding of stein), there are always stories of • Can the much-maligned alliance of novel processes in biological dynamics. profound faith and challenge. science and faith offer a fresh vision, These include identifying mechanisms vibrant and visceral so that glimpses that create energy landscapes for As a career producer of films and of the Holy may be seen? exothermic virus maturation as well television in all of these categories, as discovering a means of directing I will talk not only about my experi- These questions will be explored to the effects of thermal fluctuations ences as a Christian making films in awaken, encourage, and forge new for particle development through Hollywood, but also about what I see possibilities for the engagement of the a Brownian ratchet. The structurally as the direction the media industry is science and faith community with the encoded program that directs heading toward in faith, science, and world through film and media. bacteriophage maturation will be politics, and what influence, if any, Rebecca Ver Straten- described. This talk is “self contained” Christians and scientists could have. McSparran is the director and and requires no previous experience Are the stories made in Hollywood a professor at the LA Film with viruses to understand it. films and media positive, negative, Studies Center, a program correct, incorrect? What about those of the Council for Christian John E. (Jack) Johnson made by Christians? What should Colleges and Universities. obtained a BA in chemistry She speaks at conferences those who feel change is needed do? from Carthage College, and universities, leads spiritual Hopefully, this audience of scientists Kenosha, Wisconsin, retreats, and gave a Princeton Lecture in January, (who happen to be Christians) will be In 1967 and his PhD in to be published this summer. physical chemistry at Iowa inspired and/or directed toward strat- Last fall her article, Andrei Tarkovsky: Holy Cinema State University in 1972. egies that could foster engagement and was published in the CIVA journal, SEEN. Rebecca Following post doctoral studies of virus structure and a more meaningful media landscape. wrote a chapter in the book, Reframing Theology and function, he was on the faculty at Purdue University Film, edited by Robert K. Johnston and worked with from 1978 to 1995 studying the structure of viruses Ralph Winter is a Hollywood him on the revision of his book, Reel Spirituality. with crystallography. film producer who has helped Currently she is working on a PhD in philosophical In 1995 Johnson moved to the Department of to produce blockbuster movies theology and film at Kings College London. Molecular Biology at the Scripps Research Institute in such as the X-Men, Fantastic She is on the Reel Spirituality Committee at Fuller La Jolla, California. There his research includes virus Four and Star Trek series as Seminary and on the boards of City of the Angels Film particle dynamics studied by mass spectrometry, well as I, Robot and the first Festival (past director). Rebecca created the Miracle cryoEM, computational methods and spectroscopy remake of Planet of the Apes. Mile Art Walk, sponsored by LA County Museum of as well as crystallographic studies of viruses infecting His films have grossed Art and Mid City WEST Community Council, and until mammals, insects, yeast and bacteria. collectively over $2 billion (USD).
6 2012 ASA Annual Meeting PLENARY SESSIONS
Winter is also a partner in ThomasWinterCooke, In addition to directing the PLNU journalism program, In this plenary session, professional which produces television commercials and Nelson also hosts the annual Writer’s Symposium by communicator and educator represents a number of commercial directors. He is the Sea, where prominent writers come to discuss a member of the Directors Guild of America and the the craft of writing. Nelson has interviewed Amy Tan, Christopher Perez will present Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Anne Lamott, Gay Talese, Anchee Min, Ray the methods by which media and Bradbury, George Plimpton, Otis Chandler, Kathleen public perception have been and A native of Glendale, California, Winter attended the Norris, Donald Miller, Bill Moyers, Jim Wallis, Chitra continue to be manipulated. University of California, Berkeley, where he studied Divakaruni, Joseph Wambaugh, James Fallows, The session will explore why history. His first experience in production was Barbara Brown Taylor, Eugene Peterson, Philip this battle for public opinion matters, producing training videos for Broadway Department Yancey and dozens of others. Many of those Stores. In 1978, Winter started working in the film interviews are viewable on UCSD-TV’s website. and most importantly, what can be business for Paramount Pictures television, where he done to encourage a more fair and worked on Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, and Mork Nelson came to San Diego from Minneapolis, where positive perspective on the integration and Mindy. Following his experiences in television, he was working as a business reporter. He has a PhD of the worlds of faith and science. he started working alongside Harve Bennett on in journalism from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, the Star Trek films. He was an associate producer a master’s degree in journalism from the University on Star Trek III, executive producer on Star Trek IV, of Missouri at Columbia, and a bachelor’s degree Communications professional and and producer on both Star Trek V and VI. in literature from MidAmerica Nazarene University educator Christopher Perez, APR in Kansas City. has counseled and assisted over Winter has been active in producing Christian movies, 80 diverse clients throughout his such as Thr3e, based on Ted Dekker’s book, and 25-year career. He owns and Hangman’s Curse and The Visitation, both of which operates his own PR consultancy, were novel-to-movie creations written by Christian and has held senior positions at author Frank Peretti. Winter’s faith influenced him Euro RSCG, Fleishman-Hilliard, to cooperate on a movie based on the Left Behind Monday, 23 July 2012 8:45 AM and Golin-Harris, some of the world's largest public series of books. Recently, it was announced that relations firms. He has led strategic planning for PR, he is producing a film version of C. S. Lewis’s Why Public Relations Matters: marketing and reputation campaigns for some of the The Screwtape Letters. world's largest brands, including Johnson & Johnson, The Battle for Public Opinion Toyota, Pioneer Electronics, Goodwill, Sprint, Christopher Perez Anheuser-Busch, and the American Cancer Society. He is currently contracted with Idea Hall, a leading Since the writers of the Rosetta Stone interactive marketing and design firm in Costa Mesa, Sunday, 23 July 2012 10:30 AM used it to promote the pharaoh and California. his accomplishments, humankind has Science, Religion and the long recognized the importance of Chris is also an adjunct communications professor, currently with Chapman University in Orange, News Media persuasion. Historical record itself California and formerly with California Baptist Dean Nelson often represents the consensus of University in Riverside, California. He has received public opinion about any given topic. numerous awards and commendations for his work, News organizations know how to When examining the public perception and has earned the professional designation of cover science, and they know how to surrounding faith and science, we see Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) by the Public cover religion, especially if there are an interesting paradox. Namely, we see Relations Society of America. He has Bachelor's new developments or controversies. Degree in Journalism/Public Relations from the that scientists that embrace their faith But how do news organizations handle University of Southern California. have a public relations problem. science and religion in the same story? How can those in the science Surveys consistently show Americans community help journalists get past are comfortable with both institutions the “either/or” mentality, or the of science and of religion. For example, traditional conflict model of covering a 2006 survey conducted by Virginia a story? Commonwealth University found that 87 percent of the population thinks that A veteran journalist who wrote for the scientific development has made for New York Times for fifteen years and a better society. Among those who wrote a recent biography on John describe themselves as being very Polkinghorne, will offer insight and religious, the same number, 87 percent, advice. share that opinion. Dean Nelson is the founder But despite these high “approval and director of the journalism program at PLNU. He writes ratings,” science and religion have occasionally for the New York traditionally, and incorrectly, been Times, the Boston Globe, viewed as enemies. It is a point of view Christianity Today, proliferated by a relatively small Sojourners, and several other percentage of zealous proponents, national publications. He has won several awards from the Society of Professional on both sides, of a Conflict Thesis. Journalists for his reporting, and has written or The silent majority, therefore, has cowritten eleven books, mostly on spirituality themes. surrendered perceived public opinion Nelson is a frequent speaker at writing workshops and to the minority opinion. conducts retreats that focus on spiritual depth.
Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA 7 Symposia and Session Abstracts
environment into genetic material. Saturday, 21 July 2012 11:15 AM I-A. INFORMATION, GENETICS, AND In fact, Darwinian evolution is exactly ORIGINS OF LIFE this natural process by which DNA Increasing Information and becomes shaped by an environment Self-Organizing Complexity: This symposium seeks to feature contrasting views of to reflect some of its key features. Some Examples the implication of the generation of information in the Something similar happens when Loren Haarsma scientific study of the origin of life. ASA is not gravity causes raindrops to form Both in the natural world and in endorsing any individual perspective presented in this a puddle, and the shape of the ground symposium but wishes to foster constructive dialog man-made systems, there are many beneath becomes reflected in the among advocates of differing positions. different types of information. Some underside of the water. examples include the following: Saturday, 21 July 2012 10:15 AM • information in the “finely-tuned” rules and initial conditions of a system, The Origins of Genetic Information Saturday, 21 July 2012 10:45 AM • combinatoric information describing Stephen Freeland What Do the all possible combinations of Information is a word with many components, Informational Requirements of the different meanings. Within the physical • Origin of Life Imply? contingent history information sciences, ordered patterns are often describing the particular historical Walter Bradley interpreted as having a lower paths taken by a system, information-content than streams Steven Meyer in his book Signature in • information needed to describe of unpredictable, random noise. the Cell (Harper Collins Publishers, At other frontiers of research, an environment, 2009) has argued that the informational • a near-opposite definition is found. requirements for the origin of life count information needed to describe Wherever researchers focus on as significant evidence for the require- a complex object (e.g., a self-replicator) “meaning,” information is what ment of some form of intelligence in in an environment, distinguishes this semantic content creation. Dennis Venema and Randy • information to describe just the from random noise. For example, high Isaac have argued in different ways “interesting” features of an environ- information-content is precisely what in articles in Perspective in Science and ment for the complex object, distinguishes a computer program or Christian Faith (PSCF) that the inference • information to describe the “genome” book from a random stream of letters of intelligence from informational of a self-replicator, and and punctuation. requirements for the origin of life • information to describe the inter- is not warranted after all. Within biology, the concept of genetic dependent complexity of an object’s information has not been widely allied This presentation will examine the functional subunits. with either of these two meanings. conflicting claims made by Meyer and Recognizing different types of informa- Some have argued that this is a telling Bradley (“Information, Entropy, and tion will help us analyze arguments omission. Clearly the biological world the Origin of Life,” in Debating Design, about information and origins. displays nonrandomness, and ed. William A. Dembski and Michael Under the right conditions, natural if physical sciences cannot measure Ruse [Cambridge University Press, processes such as physical laws and this concept of information (whereas 2004]) and Venema and Isaac regarding random events can dramatically we already know it to be possible whether information can be used to increase certain types of information through intelligent design), then infer intelligence in the origin of life. and complexity. Under the right perhaps the intuitively high informa- The minimum functional requirements conditions, natural processes can tion-content of the living world is a clue for a simple living system will be transform some types of information to its origins through intelligent design. identified along with the biopolymers into other types, permitting self- that provide these functional require- Here I argue that such an explanation assembly of complex things. is not helpful or necessary. From an ments. The information requirements evolutionary standpoint, the intuitively in these function polymers will be I will describe several (really cool!) high information content of biological estimated. The possibilities of examples, both from the natural world systems (and their genetic material) is generating these levels of complexity and from computer simulations, a reflection of the even higher semantic (or information) in the simplest living in which “natural” processes lead information-content inherent to the systems via random processes to increasing information and self- universe at large. Biological evolution combined with some form of organization of interdependent does not create new semantic informa- selection will be explored. complexity. Some examples of tion—it copies information from the increasing information and complexity
8 2012 ASA Annual Meeting I-C. SCIENCE AND FAITH: HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY, AND THEOLOGY are easy to describe and to simulate; other similar enterprises in which movement through the Indiana others are more challenging. The self- higher education in science can General Assembly, eventual resolution, organization of self-replicators is provide an opportunity for Christian and future of a bill to approve the a particularly challenging step to service and witness. teaching of creation science in Indiana describe or to simulate. However, schools. I will discuss the various I will contend that arguments based Saturday, 21 July 2012 10:45 AM approaches taken by proponents of the on information pose no barrier to bill as well as the strategies of its self-assembly of complex self- Communicating Truths about Faith, opponents. replicators, either in the origin of life Science, and Origins through As an opponent of the bill, I presented or in computer simulations. a General Education Requirement testimony against the bill and was Glenn A. Marsch interviewed a number of times by local Hired by Grove City College in 2004, print and electronic media. The most I-B. TEACHING SCIENCE AND FAITH I assisted in the development of important factor in the eventual death IN THE CURRICULUM a course called Studies in Science, of the bill was the legislators’ concerns Faith, and Technology (SSFT 212), about possible lawsuits, even though Saturday, 21 July 2012 10:15 AM and I now teach four sections per year. the leadership of the legislature did Since Fall 2006, this course, or one not object to the content of the bill. AModelofScienceHigherEducation similar to it, has been required of all Proponents of the bill plan to resubmit as Christian Service in China students at Grove City College. it in the next session of the legislature. Raymond J. Lewis While faith and science courses are not uncommon at Christian colleges, The Yanbian University of Science and I-C. SCIENCE AND FAITH: HISTORY, it is rare that one is a requirement Technology (YUST) is the first PHILOSOPHY, AND THEOLOGY Chinese-foreign joint university in for graduation. China, with instruction beginning in We decided that the course would be Saturday, 21 July 2012 10:15 AM Fall 1992. In its twenty years, it has divided into four parts: (1) a three- provided a successful model for Chris- week theology of science module, Exploring the Wonders of Creation tian service through higher education (2) a three-week history of science through the Lens of Science in science and other subjects. module, (3) a five-week origins science Leslie A. Wickman This university was built by donations module, and (4) a three-week capstone This presentation traces the historical from Christians, and most of the on late-breaking contemporary issues development of the scientific method faculty members are Christians, in science that provide challenges within the Judeo-Christian tradition, primarily from outside China. to faith. as well as its roots in Greek natural Currently, about 2,000 students are Most sections of SSFT 212 are philosophy. Differences between enrolled, with the majority from the team-taught, with a humanities deductive and inductive reasoning are Korean-Chinese population that lives faculty member teaching the first two highlighted. The applicability of the in and near the Yanbian Autonomous modules, and a science or engineering scientific method to the pursuit of truth Region in northeast China. faculty member teaching the second in the realms of both science and theol- ogy is discussed. The contemporary Eight academic departments offer two modules. Both instructors are dialogue between science and religion fourteen different majors, including present for each class, to model is characterized, with references to the scientific, technical, and language godly debate to our students. anthropic principle, quantum physics, fields. All students are required to In this way, Grove City College has and the multiverse hypothesis. learn Chinese, Korean, and English. now respectfully communicated In closing, the audience is left with I served as a visiting faculty member often-controversial truths about a list of suggestions for getting at YUST during the Fall 2011 semester. science to over 3,500 students since comfortable with the tensions and Through my participation in teaching, 2006. We are careful to protect the unanswered questions within the departmental planning, various consciences of our students while “Science and Faith” dialogue. campus activities, speaking at equally careful to present truths about a workshop to improve instruction for cosmology, geology, and biological Saturday, 21 July 2012 10:45 AM faculty, and leading a group of faculty origins as the scientific community in considering the integration of presently understands these things. Does Modern Science Christian faith and science, I was able Communicate Purpose? to learn some of the strengths and Saturday, 21 July 2012 10:45 AM Jimmy H. Davis weaknesses of YUST, and to contribute The concept of purpose is one of those toward the work of this university. The Indiana General Assembly and Creation Science: 2012 and Beyond areas where Christian faith and I will describe this model, including John R. Staver modern science seem to have no its strengths and weaknesses, and common ground. On the one hand, describe ways Christians can be My purpose in this talk is to summa- biblical writers and orthodox theolo- involved in the work of YUST and rize and discuss the submission, gians through the ages affirm the
Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA 9 I-D. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES doctrine of the divine plan in which his former teacher, geologist Thomas concerned about the detrimental effects God has planned what is to occur and Chrowder Chamberlin. of secular humanism within the that history is carrying out his inten- sciences and professional programs, Human values, including cooperation tion. On the other hand, “purpose or the Spanish university Francisco de and altruism, had emerged in such direction” are words that seem only to Vitoria (UFV) in Madrid initiated a context: “the administrative directive appear in modern science when we are a systematic program that questioned toward orderly organization of increas- being told that “purpose or direction” secular prejudices and presuppositions ingly complex systems transcends the do not exist in modern science, within all fields of knowledge. This led urge for survival.” Mather was also in neither the natural nor the biological initially to intellectual mutiny among active in the early years of the Institute sciences. Is there any way to reconcile traditionally trained scientists. on Religion in an Age of Science, the two books of God (as Francis Bacon an organization created by his good After almost ten years of dialogue, called them: the book of God’s word friends Ralph Wendell Burhoe and however, a large number of the faculty and the book of God’s works) in regard Harlow Shapley. have come to see not only the impor- to purpose? tance of a Christian anthropology in This address will use the philosopher the way we do science—that is, the William Hasker’s faith-discipline recognition that the proper disposition I-D. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES integration model to question whether of humans is humility before the AND HUMANITIES modern science allows room for Mystery that revealed his love in the purpose. Hasker employs four major Incarnation of Jesus Christ, but it also Saturday, 21 July 2012 10:15 AM dimensions of integration: showed the moral emptiness that an anthropology without God necessarily 1. Worldview Foundations (Christian Science, Psi, Spirits, and Spirituality brings. For it to succeed, this project worldview convictions that address Janet Warren required an academically mature and the scientific question); In the television and film industry, compelling approach that would gain 2. Disciplinary Foundations (method- themes which involve magic, spirits, the respect of those who seek to be ological, epistemological, and wizards, mediums, and the paranormal intellectually honest. It also required ontological foundational assumptions are perennially popular. Although easy leadership and perseverance. of the scientific field); to dismiss as pure fiction, there is growing and convincing scientific Now, UFV seeks to expand its efforts 3. Disciplinary Practice (issues that evidence for psychic phenomena such in order to improve them by reaching arise in the day-to-day practice of the as clairvoyance, telepathy, psycho- out to institutions and individuals in discipline that are of special interest kinesis and precognition. What should the United States and Europe that to Christians); and the scientist committed to Christianity might be similarly interested in the integration of faith and reason. This 4. Worldview Contributions (contribu- make of this? Parapsychology plus the shift in worldview from Newtonian to presentation will explore the intellec- tions the discipline makes to the tual basis for this endeavor and some Christian vision of reality). quantum, from modern to postmodern, from locality to nonlocality requires of its practical applications, and will The author will argue that this analysis responsible theological reflection. conclude with an outline of future will reveal that purpose is indeed plans for the creation of an interna- communicated by modern science. This paper first reviews and evaluates tional working group that will first some of the psi research, then con- meet in Madrid for the purpose of siders some explanations and theories Saturday, 21 July 2012 11:15 AM exploring new and better expressions to account for psychic phenomena. of this initiative. Altruism and the Administration of Potential areas of integration of the Universe: Kirtley Fletcher Mather parapsychology and theology as well Saturday, 21 July 2012 11:15 AM on Science and Values as the challenges faced by Christian theology as a result of parapsychology Living above the Pain: Keys to Edward Davis research are also addressed. Finally Raising a Resilient Jabez Few American scientists have devoted future research endeavors and Linn Carothers as much attention to religion and questions for Christian faith and science as Harvard geologist Kirtley spirituality are discussed. “Jabez was more honorable than his Fletcher Mather (1888–1978). Respond- brothers, … his mother named him Jabez ing to antievolutionism during the Saturday, 21 July 2012 10:45 AM saying, “… I bore him with pain.” 1920s, he taught Sunday school classes, Job 24:12, NASB95 assisted in defending John Scopes, and The Integration of Faith and Reason: The pain of family dysfunction is part wrote Science in Search of God (1928). A New Anthropology for Science, of everyday life with nearly half of all Over the next forty years, Mather the Humanities, and marriages ending in divorce today explored the place of humanity in the Higher Education (CDC, March 22 2012). As parents and universe and the presence of values Max Bonilla parental surrogates, what are the key in light of what he often called factors in communicating faith, hope, “the administration of the universe,” Wishing to create a true integration and love to the next generation? a term and concept he borrowed from between faith and reason, and
10 2012 ASA Annual Meeting II-A. INFORMATION, GENETICS, AND ORIGINS OF LIFE (cont’d)
This study uses the longitudinal For parents and parental surrogates, could have been selected. For users of perspective of a Danish cohort (N=857) the key components of resilience the internet, information is the set of followed over a 23-year period to involve teaching self-monitoring skills, concepts conveyed by those physical examine the association of the social valuing work, and engagement during configurations. and familial environments with latency with positive role models. Some cosmologists state that informa- adolescent and young adult criminal The results of this study contribute tion entered this universe through behavior. Based on both mother and important clues to preventing criminal quantum fluctuations that collapsed teacher ratings, the study examines behavior among those with unstable into “real” particles. Subsequently, variables measuring the family’s family environments and provide information has been conserved, but is stability and structure, parental additional longitudinal perspectives transformed from one mode to another. characteristics, household on the linkage between the instability characteristics, and the child’s social In the world of information technol- of home and subsequent crime. and academic competencies. ogy, humans have designed complex information systems that minimize Stepwise discriminant analyses unintended influence from the natural indicated that five variables describing II-A. INFORMATION, GENETICS, AND world and maximize the meaning the family atmosphere during child- ORIGINS OF LIFE (cont’d) conveyed by physical bits. This infor- hood—instability of adult mation is generated and interpreted by constellations, parent crime, poor Saturday, 21 July 2012 2:45 PM intelligent agents. economic conditions, and the work organization and athletic skills of the A Taxonomy of Information and Biological systems have a complex child—have significant associations the Design Inference structure of information encoded in with the development of criminal Stephen Meyer, William Dembski, and DNA and RNA biomolecules. These behavior. Casey Luskin systems have fascinating analogies to human-designed systems. Their ability Log-linear analyses revealed that Within the technical literature of the to reproduce with variation generates while family instability at any age information sciences, the concept of new modifications of information. was significantly associated with information has been defined in crime, if it occurred and continued various ways. One finds discussions Nonbiological systems also exhibit in early adolescence, it had its most of Shannon information, information the ability to generate new information damaging influence. Important carrying capacity, functional in the sense of configurational contributors to the negative effect of information, complex and specified adaptations, though vastly simpler an unstable home included the father’s information, Kolmogorov information, than what biological systems produce. criminal record, the mother’s content- syntactic information, and semantic From crystal growth to self-assembly ment, the mother’s education, and the information, among many other to complex networks of organic com- mother’s efficiency. concepts. pounds, information can be seen to be transformed in many different ways. The child’s academic, physical, and This paper will present a taxonomy of social competencies were also shown to different types of information, and will The mystery of life’s origin centers on contribute, along with family stability, define and distinguish different types whether the genetic code could have to subsequent criminal behavior. of information from one another. arisen from a nonbiological system Academic competencies revealed It will also ask what type or types through natural processes or whether a significant additive effect with family of information need be present in some intelligent designer is the most instability in contributing to later a system in order to indicate the prior likely agent. Though the mystery is far criminal activities. The child’s athletic activity of a designing intelligence. In from being solved, growing evidence and work-organization skills were so doing, it will also examine the claim, indicates that the inference to the best shown to have independent and made recently in Perspectives on Science explanation is not an indeterminate significant associations with criminal and Christian Faith, that the presence of intelligent agent but a natural process behavior, each suggesting an important only semantic information, rather than designed by our Creator God. interaction with an unstable family functional information, is necessary to ecology. justify an inference to design. Saturday, 21 July 2012 3:45 PM Specifically, greater athletic skill and Domains of Inquiry and Evolution the ability to work without structure Saturday, 21 July 2012 3:15 PM both helped to “buffer” the potential Thomas L. Walters What Is Information and damaging effects of family instability. This paper analyzes some aspects of In once-broken homes, boys with high, Where Does It Come From? the theory of evolution in terms of the work-organization skills tended to Randy Isaac methods of the various domains of engage in crime less than those in any “Information exists where something inquiry. The manipulative domains other type of family. These skills made could be different,” John Wilkins of inquiry include • independent and significant remarked in 1641. For information Technology, which seeks contributions over and above more theorists, information is physical, to manipulate the natural, general academic abilities. a specific configuration where another that which has mass;
Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA 11 II-B. COMMUNICATING EARTH SCIENCE TO THE PUBLIC
• Religion, which seeks to manipulate are typically very weak and need many Saturday, 21 July 2012 3:15 PM the nonnatural (or supernatural), more specific base changes than can that which does not have mass; and plausibly be achieved in a natural Exchanging a Lie for the Truth: • Politics, which seeks to manipulate setting. Our own research indicates On Responding to Scientific what happens. that there may be no accessible Misinformation evolutionary path between structurally Davis A. Young The understanding domains of inquiry similar enzymes with distinct include At the beginning of the nineteenth chemistries. Thus, converting enzymes • Science, which seeks to understand century, scientific information was to genuinely new chemistries may be the natural; transmitted via a few broadly scientific beyond the reach of neo-Darwinian • Metaphysics, which seeks journals, hand-written letters, books, mechanisms. to understand the nonnatural/ classroom instruction, public lectures, supernatural, that which does not and word of mouth. Since then, have mass; and, we have added radio, telephones, II-B. COMMUNICATING EARTH • History, which seeks to know and motion pictures, television, audio- SCIENCE TO THE PUBLIC understand what happened. and videotapes, compact discs, digital versatile discs, cell phones, email, chat Saturday, 21 July 2012 2:45 PM As considered in a previous presenta- rooms, websites, social media, a vast tion, “All Data Are Equal, but Some array of specialized scientific journals, Are More Equal than Others,” by the BioLogos Workshops for Science Teachers in Christian Schools e-books, and skywriting! The potential author at the 2011 ASA Annual for the transmission of scientific Darrel Falk Meeting, there are significant differ- information is unprecedented and ences in the way data is generated and The BioLogos Foundation exists seemingly unlimited. Given that accepted within the various domains. to show that mainstream science and evil is the perversion of the good, This paper analyzes some aspects of the Christian faith (including our own the potential for the transmission the theory of evolution in terms of the evangelical faith) exist in harmony. of distorted or false information is domains of inquiry and proposes that Over each of the last three summers, likewise unprecedented and unlimited. the Foundation together with Point it is rooted in both science and history. Examples of the latter kind of transmis- Loma Nazarene University has We also argue that the theory of evolu- sion illustrate poor understanding of sponsored workshops for science tion has become politicized, and that it scientific theories, belief in scientific teachers in Christian schools. Teachers is in the interests of the scholarly conspiracies and hoaxes, confusion come to the college campus for one community to remove the discussion, about the limits of science, suspicion of week over each of two successive as much as possible, out of the political the scientific community, and rejection summers and many also participate domain and into the science and of well-established data and theories in an online component during the history domains. that challenge strongly held beliefs. academic year. Teachers in the Saturday, 21 July 2012 4:15 PM program have a variety of perspectives The fact that we will never eradicate on the age of the earth and the mecha- pseudoscience any more than we will The Origin of Enzymes: nisms by which God created life’s eradicate poverty is no excuse for indif- All in the Family? diversity. ference but a call to concerted action. Distortions of science must be met with Ann Gauger The program is a professional develop- responses to authors; television, radio, ment opportunity where teachers Enzymes can be grouped into families, and video personalities and producers; study a particular topic (developmen- according to similarity of sequence and websites; and politicians. A major tal biology or organismal diversity) in structure. This similarity has been initiative for ASA must be the promo- considerable detail. Since all work is taken to mean that these families arose tion of scientific knowledge among done within the context of mainstream by a process of gene duplication pastors and other Christian leaders. biology, and not all teachers subscribe followed by divergent evolution. Theological seminaries should expect to this view, the program fosters Yet the diversity of enzyme chemistries greater scientific understanding by a spirit of Christian unity through within extant families and super- entering students. Professors of worship and biblical study despite families can be quite large. For this apologetics and systematic theology, the diversity of perspectives. The four model to be correct as an account of in particular, must be knowledgeable goals of the program will be described enzyme origins, enzymes must be able about the basic science that relates with an emphasis on how Christians to acquire genuinely new reaction to biblical data and themes. ASA and can comfortably discuss views about chemistries relatively easily. Indeed, its members are well positioned to which they disagree in a respectful the constraints of neo-Darwinism encourage such an initiative. require that this acquisition must occur and loving community. within a very few mutational steps. Reported experiments on enzyme conversion paint a different picture, however—one in which conversions
12 2012 ASA Annual Meeting II-C. CHRISTIANS IN SCIENCE AND FILM
Saturday, 21 July 2012 3:45 PM of an evolutionary interpretation Saturday, 21 July 2012 3:15 PM hinges on the discovery of a particular The Bedrock of unique specimen. “Missing links” are From the Dust and Test of Faith: Science Communication: perceived as critical breaks in the con- Catalyzing Deeper Conversations on The Nature of Science tinuity of life, and their absence as Science and Faith through Film Josh Rosenau evidence against evolution. The media, David A. Vosburg and scientists themselves, are often Discussing science as a process rather How can science and faith documen- responsible for helping to perpetuate than simply presenting it as a collec- tary films be used to inform and to the false views that surround the tion of facts helps avoid common inspire healthy dialogue on college popular reference to “missing links.” pitfalls in science education and campuses (secular or Christian), in our science communication. Integrating Emphasis on placing new fossil speci- churches, and to the general public? key ideas about the nature of science mens into existing higher taxa may How can we bring conversations into science communication and also distract from the actual patterns beyond polarized shouting matches science education makes it easier in the fossil record. The popular focus and seek truth and harmony together? for students and audiences to relate on placing a fossil specimen in one This presentation will describe how to new scientific ideas and to avoid higher taxonomic category or another high-quality films such as From the seeing these ideas through the lens of can reinforce the impression of discon- Dust and Test of Faith have been and social controversy. Providing the tinuity. By focusing on assigning can be used to foster understanding, context of how scientists test their ideas specimens to “bird” or “dinosaur,” truth-seeking, and compatibility provides the narrative drive that turns “mammal” or “reptile,” etc., the actual between science and Christian faith. dry statistics into a thrilling story on intergradations of life’s diversity These are important goals for Chris- film or in the classroom. By helping is lost. tians and for Christian witness to audiences see how scientific ideas are nonbelievers. tested and become accepted by the scientific community, science commu- Saturday, 21 July 2012 3:45 PM nicators can guide audiences past II-C. CHRISTIANS IN SCIENCE social controversies surrounding scien- AND FILM An Inclusive Science and Faith tifically uncontroversial topics such as Message for the Media evolution and climate change. Saturday, 21 July 2012 2:45 PM Hank D. Voss If They Do It, It’s Propaganda, For widespread media impact, a clear, comprehensive, and inclusive Baseline Saturday, 21 July 2012 4:15 PM but If We Do It, It’s Education Creation (BC) model and message Paula Gossard The Media and the Public needs to be established and supported Understanding of Paleontology This session presents a college-level by Christians (Eph. 4:25) that is true to lesson designed to reveal the “if they scripture (OE, YE, TE viewpoints) and Keith B. Miller do it, that’s propaganda, whereas science (13.7B yr). As an inclusive All living things on Earth are under- if we do it, then that’s information and example, the “Baseline Conjunction” stood to be connected by an unbroken education” misconception that exists in model for understanding the Star of series of ancestor/descendent relation- the minds of many Christian students Bethlehem is widely shown in many ships to a common origin, such that today. Inherit the Wind and Expelled— esteemed planetariums at Christmas. they can be pictured as a branching No Intelligence Allowed are examined Although recognized as a very improb- tree or bush. This simple but powerful as examples of propagandist films able coincidence, it uses mainstream model makes predictions about the that end up casting Christians in a bad science and “literal” Bible facts to patterns of organic change that should light: in the first case, directly as objects expose astronomical falsehoods and characterize the history of life. A vast of ridicule; in the second, indirectly as effectively educate and excite the body of paleontological evidence perpetrators of untruths and palpable public with a mutual explanation and supports this view of life. The power propaganda. Students are asked to appreciation of science and the Bible. of this evidence is in the historical, consider the question, “Is there a better Teaching Astronomy 101 and Issues in geographic, and anatomical patterns way to influence public perception of Science and Religion (IAS231) over the that are present. Christians and if so, what is it?” past eight years to many hundreds of This lesson was originally taught However, the public face of the science evangelical students has helped in a senior-level humanities course is almost always in the particulars. The pioneer new ways of effectively entitled Film and Culture and is easily emphasis on particulars—on specific communicating with the public. No adapted for secondary students. fossil discoveries, or specimens—can parent complaints and highest student hide from public view the very histori- evaluation scores are received in faith cal patterns that make those particulars and science topics. In brief, a “literal” important in the first place. For reading of Gen. 1:1–2 is suggested by example, the casual use of the term using it to describe the Big Creation “missing link” emphasizes particulars, Bang event (sudden ex nihilo inflation, not patterns. It implies that the validity Heb. 11:3) followed by the unfolding of
Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA 13 II-D. SCIENCE, FAITH, ENGINEERING, AND APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGIES the universe, and recent observations suitable planets within the habitable A team of biomedical engineering (NASA Hubble, Kepler, others) of zone of suitable stars. If a religious students from Messiah College many extrasolar planetary systems response to the universe arises with traveled to Zambia to diagnose the “without form, and void.” Certain consciousness, is belief in God problems with the concentrators. exoplanets in the habitable zone are a product of evolution? Since God These students are currently redesign- now consistent with watery super- became incarnate as Jesus at a particu- ing the concentrators for improved earths with thick-dark atmospheres. lar time in terrestrial evolutionary function and prolonged use in a rural history, could the “Christ principle” and isolated environment. The viewpoint location for the creation become incarnate elsewhere in the “days” is referenced to the earth’s In this presentation, I will describe universe as well, perhaps multiple watery surface (Gen.1:2, phenomeno- how the project was initiated at Macha times? If “the Christ” became incarnate logical geo-viewpoint). Earth creative Hosptial, how we established our client a million years ago on Planet X, would Day 1 is linked to the huge and rapid relationship that is so important for the members of an expedition from darkness to light transition generated a successful student design project, and that planet recognize Jesus of Nazareth by the mainstream science finding of how cultural and environmental differ- as God incarnate? Is God necessarily a highly improbable but perfect colli- ences have influenced the redesign of triune, or is that an artifact of our own sion (<24hrs) of a Mars-like planet that a relatively simple piece of medical religious experience in a mono-solar produced the moon’s stabilizing equipment in unexpected ways. cosmology? How might God be presence, the earth’s internal plate conceived of in a binary star system? structure, common isotopes, and the Saturday, 21 July 2012 3:15 PM blow off of ~99% of our opaque/ Hollywood’s portrayal of extra- poisonous early atmosphere (first terrestrial life is too often blunt and Low-Cost Technologies for the light). two-dimensional. Aliens are portrayed Disabled: Facilitating Access and either as malign or monstrous (Alien, Days 1–6 are associated with God’s Use of Water and Sanitation Independence Day, Galaxy Quest) or creative fiats (<24hrs) but may include Facilities in Mali, West Africa as benign or angelic (E.T., Starman, time between the days (parenthesis) for Ray Norman, Barbara Ressler, and The Day the Earth Stood Still). It is more damping dynamic responses (geology). Nate Kamban likely that extraterrestrial life that has Strong YE readings do not include time evolved (like Homo sapiens) within Faculty and multidisciplinary under- before Day 1 or pauses between days. an ecological web of predator-prey graduate research teams from Messiah The anthropic principle (improbable relationships will reflect an evolution- College conducted a three-year study mega-gaps) is applied not only to ary morality, moral ambiguity within to assess means of facilitating access astronomy but may also be linked to a widening circle of ethical inclusion. and use of water and sanitation facili- each of the fiat events in Days 1–6. Theologically such a species would ties for disabled persons in Mali, West Strong TE readings do not include likely be like us—“simuliustus et Africa. World Vision’s Water, Sanita- biological mega-gaps or Day associa- peccator”—at the same time, justified tion, and Hygiene (WASH) project has tions. Various other evangelical and sinners. sought to enhance hygiene and health interpretations are included and among poor communities through the compared for students. A cohesive BC installation of village boreholes and model motivates students and the II-D. SCIENCE, FAITH, hand-pumps, as well as by encourag- public to unity, to worship, to discover, ENGINEERING, AND APPROPRIATE ing the use of low-cost latrines. and to leadership in STEM Space and TECHNOLOGIES Until recently, little attention has been Geoscience vocations. given to assure that these activities are Saturday, 21 July 2012 2:45 PM inclusive of the disabled—some of the Saturday, 21 July 2012 4:15 PM poorest and most marginalized Appropriate Medical Technology: members of target communities. Could an Extraterrestrial Biomedical Engineering Projects Be a Christian? in Macha, Zambia This study utilized an extensive, random-sample household survey and Theology, Film, and the Evolution of Barbara Ressler participatory appraisal methods to Spiritual Consciousness Medical equipment is generally assess needs and to prioritize research Peter M. J. Hess designed for use in Western hospitals objectives. A range of simple, low-cost, This presentation explores two and homes, but once it is placed in the assistive technologies were developed, theological dimensions of the ongoing environs of rural hospitals in develop- tested, and refined over a period of two conversation about extraterrestrial life. ing countries, the equipment may too years. A parallel outcome was the In the spirit of moving beyond books, quickly reach the end of its useful life. development and use of the participa- it contrasts the theology of extra- Macha Hospital in southern Zambia tory process by which technology gaps terrestrial life with portrayals of the has experienced difficulties with its were identified and prototypes devel- subject through the art form of late oxygen-concentrating machines used oped and improved upon. Moreover, modernity: film. for delivering life-saving oxygen this study played an unexpected therapy to critically ill patients, advocacy role (among both target Numerous questions are raised by the particularly to infants and children communities and among development evolution of rational life on chemically with severe respiratory infections. workers) for the disabled—specifically,
14 2012 ASA Annual Meeting III-A. INFORMATION, GENETICS, AND ORIGINS OF LIFE (cont’d) the need for enhanced inclusivity in Saturday, 21 July 2012 4:15 PM naturalism, data-interpretation and community-based initiatives. theory-building need not be so Introducing the Possibility of constrained, unless suffering under the Utilizing video and slides, this presen- Corruption to Facilitate Reverse imposition of a materialist worldview. tation will (a) highlight the process Engineering of Natural Systems A relational theory of design and employed and developed in this study, Dominic M. Halsmer, Kenneth Weed, and reverse engineering with the possibility (b) provide a brief review of several Taylor Tryon of corruption provide a rich setting in of the developed technologies, and which to collect and conjoin the (c) detail other impacts of the study In conducting reverse engineering consilience of pertinent data from which reflect core Christian values studies on man-made systems, it is various fields of study that bear on the imbedded in the study’s (and World often necessary to consider the possi- questions of human origin, purpose, Vision’s) objectives—notably the value bility that the specimen under and destiny. of each human life, and the restoration investigation has experienced wear, of hope and dignity to those damage, or corruption due to misuse, marginalized by society. fatigue, exposure to corrosive III-A. INFORMATION, GENETICS, elements, etc. A clear example of this AND ORIGINS OF LIFE (cont’d) Saturday, 21 July 2012 3:45 PM is seen in the case of the severely corrupted Antikythera Mechanism, Sunday, 22 July 2012 1:15 PM Increasing Income of which took most of the twentieth Genetics and Human Origins Poor Coconut Farmers by century to successfully reverse Converting Their Agricultural Waste engineer. The disintegrated gear Melissa Antonio train from this undersea artifact was into Composite Materials “… For in him all things were created: eventually reconstructed through the things in heaven and on earth, visible and Walter Bradley painstaking process of teasing apart invisible, whether thrones or powers or the original design from the effects Eleven million coconut farmers grow rulers or authorities; all things have been of corruption. However, this was not 50 billion coconuts per year, which at created through him and for him. He is accomplished by analyzing the recov- $0.10/coconut, provide about before all things, and in him all things hold $500/year in income. The primary ered specimen in isolation from other together.” (Colossians 1:16-17) commercial constituent of the coconut pertinent information. Reverse is the white meat from which coconut engineering necessarily makes use of “Genetic changes underlie the evolution of oil can be extracted. Many of the available information regarding all six organisms; mutations are the ultimate coconut shells and husks are burned of the relationships between the four source of the genetic variation that makes for fuel or disposed of as agricultural entities that comprise the “big picture” possible the evolutionary process.” waste. Research has been done to of design and reverse engineering (Francisco Ayala & G.L. Stebbins, explore the possibility of utilizing (designer, artifact, user, and investiga- “Is a New Evolutionary Synthesis coconut shell and coconut fiber as tor). This “relational” theory of design Necessary?,” Science 213 [1981]: 967–71) functional fillers in polymeric compos- has proved helpful in capturing and Where did humans come from? Have ite materials. The unique combination elucidating key design affordances we evolved from a common ancestor of physical properties of the coir fiber provided to the end user. shared with the great apes? Or did God derived from the coconut husk and the Is it possible that this same kind of create us uniquely from all other living coconut shell processed into a fine relational approach may be helpful things on Earth? This is the question of powder have made them extremely when conducting reverse engineering an on-going debate: the origin of interesting candidates to be functional studies of natural systems? A Christian modern humans. fillers. worldview posits a similar big picture Part of the debate revolves around the The coir fiber can be blended with of Creator, cosmos, human as user, and geographical origin of humans: one a synthetic binder fiber, carded, and human as seeker of truth. Consider- theory that Homo sapiens migrated needle punched to make a felt that can ation of the relationships between these across the world from a single point in then be compression molded into entities may assist in addressing Africa; another theory states that multi- automotive trunk trim parts. Exciting questions of meaning and purpose. ple populations of Homo sapiens details of the commercialization of When seen from this perspective, independently evolved from Homo polymeric composite materials that recent biological discoveries, such as erectus in regions beyond Africa. utilize constituents of coconuts will be those made in the field of epigenetics, At this point, the debate continues presented. The means by which the appear to confirm the importance of further between creationists and evolu- local community can be blessed will moral and lifestyle choices and their tionists with the question of how we also be presented. Production facilities influence on human flourishing. Of evolved from Homo erectus, where in Indonesia and Dominican Republic course, these considerations may cross some evolutionists would answer that will be presented as this is now a the boundaries of common definitions genetic variability caused by mutations full-scale commercial venture. of science, but such is the nature of the is the ultimate source of evolution. reverse engineering enterprise. On the contrary, some would argue Although experimentation and against the possibility of mutation data-collection must necessarily come as a mechanism for evolution since under the scrutiny of methodological
Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA 15 III-B. CHRISTIAN VIEWS ON SCIENCE AND FAITH mutations are almost always harmful relevant to an understanding of infor- conflict—theology over science (3%). and rarely beneficial. In addition, mation content in the early universe, We expected higher percentages of geneticist R. H. Byles presents nine its increase over time, and its relation compartmentalism (a.k.a. “non- limiting conditions to be present for to the creation of life. overlapping magisteria” as espoused mutation fixation and after evaluating by Stephen Jay Gould) and conflict— Genetic algorithms and Monte Carlo each condition, it is concluded that science over theology. It appears that simulation both deliberately introduce meeting any one of the conditions in science faculty may be less dualistic random mutations to explore system nature is extremely rare and thus in their thinking about science and properties. Thus randomness can be mutation cannot be the sole mechanism theology interfaces than anticipated. used to serve a distinct end. Therefore for macroevolution. I propose that we as Christians have The SFPS is a useful tool for faculty This talk will briefly present the two nothing to fear from randomness. The and researchers interested in under- sides of the story with the use of an beauty of random behavior, like the standing and communicating the example of a significant chromosome beauty of other mathematical and various ways in which people relate mutation suggested to be evidence that physical laws, may truly reflect God’s science and faith. The fivefold schema we have evolved from a common handiwork. of integrative paradigms described ancestor—the fusion of chromosome 2. above could provide unambiguous In addition, the purpose of this talk is language when discussing faith and to provide a brief overview of the III-B. CHRISTIAN VIEWS ON science with the media and public. topics that will present the various SCIENCE AND FAITH viewpoints in this parallel session of Sunday, 22 July 2012 1:45 PM “Information, Genetics, and the Origins of Life.” Sunday, 22 July 2012 1:15 PM Faith and Science Integrative Science Professors’ Science-Faith Paradigms of Assemblies of God Sunday, 22 July 2012 1:45 PM Integrative Paradigms: Pastors, Educators, and Students The Nature and Purpose of How Well Do They Integrate? Mike Tenneson and David Bundrick Randomness David Bundrick and Mike Tenneson The authors report on a survey, Mark Shelhamer Several science and theology integra- Science-Faith Paradigm Scale (SFPS), tive approaches have been described that measures attitudes and beliefs Randomness surrounds us but is often about the integration of faith and misunderstood, even feared. Evolution (Barbour, Peacocke, Polkinghorne, Rohr, Wright, Bube, Carlson, etc.). science. This is the first time Assem- via natural selection is based on blies of God (AG) constituents have random mutations. How can humans We find most useful a fivefold schema: conflict—science over theology; been examined using this instrument. be the result of God’s plan if we are Respondents (n=117) were AG pastors, a product of chance? A broader conflict—theology over science; compartmentalism; complementarism; educators, and students who attended perspective can help address these a faith and science conference issues. and concordism. Previously, no psychometric instrument existed sponsored by the AG in June 2011. The study of random noise has a rich for identifying people’s integrative The survey’s validity (content and history. Tracking down noise in approaches. One of us (Bundrick) construct) and reliability are high, and telecommunication led to radio developed a Science-Faith Paradigm the survey discriminates between five astronomy and discovery of the Scale (SFPS), which is demonstrated to integrative approaches: conflict-science cosmic background radiation. be valid and reliable. Principal Compo- over theology, conflict-theology over Behavior is often considered random nents Analysis confirms the existence science, compartmentalism, when we do not (or cannot) have of the above-mentioned five science- complementarism, and concordism. sufficient information to treat it as faith paradigms for the sample of Survey respondents were deemed to deterministic. Sometimes a behavior 312 science professors from various embrace a paradigm if they agreed or that appears random—and is, for all higher education institution types, strongly agreed with 80% of the survey practical purposes, unpredictable—is, science disciplines, and religious affili- statements allied with that position. in fact, deterministic; this is the essence ations in the United States. The original SFPS had 50 items. The current revised Complementarism was the majority of chaos. But there are other behaviors paradigm (67%), followed by con- that truly are random, such as radio- version, also shown to be valid and reliable, consists of 25 items. cordism (32%) and conflict-theology active decay. To the extent that atomic over science (17%). Compartmentalism particles impact DNA and produce Faculty respondents utilized a variety (a.k.a. non-overlapping magisteria) mutations that drive natural selection, of integrative paradigms. Based on and conflict-science over theology such randomness has more than their responses to survey items, had no adherents in this sample. passing interest. we determined that 35% used This finding is not unexpected given Uncertainty can also be a measure complementarism, 11% aligned with the homogenous religious views of of information, related to statistical conflict-science over theology, 10% the respondents. Some respondents physics and the degrees of freedom of used concordism, followed by conflated the concordist and molecules in a specific volume; this is compartmentalism (7%) and complementarist paradigms,
16 2012 ASA Annual Meeting IV-A. INFORMATION, GENETICS, AND ORIGINS OF LIFE (cont’d) making integrative decisions by the inability of science to provide based on both approaches. viable explanations of origins. IV-A. INFORMATION, GENETICS, AND ORIGINS OF LIFE (cont’d) This survey would be valuable to Sadly, many in the Christian individuals interested in furthering community are unaware of the Sunday, 22 July 2012 3:15 PM metacognition of integrative paradigms explanatory power of scientific models by people examining faith and science such as the big bang theory, the solar Implications of High Mutation Rates interactions. This paper supplements model, and the collision-ejection theory and Other Recent Genomic “Science Professors’ Science-Faith of the moon’s formation. Rather, Advances upon the Question of Integrative Paradigms: How Well Do these models represent threats to the Human Origins They Integrate?,” another paper by the claim of creation, indicating a fear that Chris Osborne authors. if science can explain the origin of the moon, the sun, the solar system, and Computerized population genetics properties of the cosmos, then a divine simulations, utilizing “Mendel’s Accountant,” provide excellent graphi- III-C. SCIENCE AND FAITH: agent is unnecessary. However, this cal insight into how mutation, natural HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY, AND kind of approach to establishing divine activity is at odds with how divine selection, and general population THEOLOGY (cont’d) authorship is established for the variables interact to affect human Sunday, 22 July 2012 1:15 PM scriptures, where both divine and fitness over time. In this presentation, “natural” authorship is accepted. Mendel’s Accountant will be intro- God’s Two Books: The Christian community needs to be duced and some of its implications Both Divine and “Natural” Authors consistent and accept both divine and concerning human origins will be illus- Steven Ball “natural” authors for both books. trated and discussed. This program allows one to control essentially every Two books were written to reveal God known significant variable affecting to humankind: the Bible and the agenome’sfitness: physical world around us. The former Sunday, 22 July 2012 1:45 PM • mutations (rates and fitness claims divine inspiration (2 Tim. 3:16, intensity curve distribution of 2 Pet. 1:20). The Bible speaks of The English Bible and the harmful, neutral/near neutral, creation as a messenger from God Days of Creation: When Tradition and beneficial mutations), (Ps. 19:1), boldly proclaiming that Conflicts with Text • type and intensity of natural the physical world has a divine origin. Harry Lee Poe selection, and What compels us to accept a divine • general population parameters In the conversations between science authorship? Do we eliminate non- (e.g., birth/death rates, population and religion, the time span of creation divine authors? size, subpopulations, migration, in Genesis forms one of the most generations). Divine inspiration is an issue with important points of conflict. The debate many different approaches, but has tended to rage over how the When all of the parameter values no theologian argues that one can Hebrew word yom should be under- inputted are within a magnitude of establish divine authorship by denying stood in English. This presentation what are supported by the literature, human authorship. Rather, human focuses instead on the grammatical simulated human populations not only authors are accepted as an instrument, constructions of the first chapter of fail to improve in fitness, but they also guided by God to give us the Genesis to argue that the text says become extinct well before reaching Scriptures. In fact, the consistency of nothing about six consecutive days. the 50,000th generation (about one messages by numerous authors over The ordinal numerals (second, third, million years). many centuries is used to support the fourth, etc.) are unaccompanied by the claim of divine inspiration. Hebrew definite article he, and the verb Once more, biblical-based simulations construction indicates ongoing or result in a model which is a close fit However, authorship of the other continuous action. with what we now know about the book, that of nature, is viewed very human genome! Recent molecular differently. Ironically, in contrast The idea of action taking place over genetic findings concur with these to the dual authorship of the Bible, six consecutive days (the first day, Mendel’s Accountant simulations. some view the evidence for divine the second day, the third day, etc.) activity in creating the physical world was introduced to our understanding as the absence of any viable “natural” beginning with Wycliffe’s translation Sunday, 22 July 2012 3:45 PM authors. The “natural” authors, in this in the late 1300s and has continued by The Contribution of Bioinformatics case, represent the natural laws tradition to the present day, with the governing our universe whose exception of the American Standard to Evolutionary Thought signatures appear when these laws Version, the New American Standard Deborah L. Osae-Oppong explain how the cosmos has changed Version, and the Jewish version known The history of evolutionary thought over time. In other words, unwittingly, as the Tanakh. relating to common ancestry between some see the divine origin of the chimpanzees and humans is primitive. physical world as demonstrated It dates back to 1698 when the English
Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA 17 IV-B. RESOURCES FOR DIALOGUE AND ENGAGEMENT IN SCIENCE AND FAITH anatomist Edward Tyson acquired other possible geometries). Theories Sunday, 22 July 2012 3:45 PM the remains of a chimpanzee and about the origin of life, bearing on the published his thoughts on the LUCA singularity, will also be The Ministry Theorem: Resources anatomical similarity between the addressed. for Pastors and Churches chimpanzee and a human. Deborah Haarsma Recently, the field of bioinformatics One of the best ways to reach the has begun to contribute to the search IV-B. RESOURCES FOR DIALOGUE typical evangelical Christian is through for answers. All life forms share AND ENGAGEMENT IN SCIENCE their pastor. Yet most pastors and ministry leaders feel ill-equipped to the same fundamental biochemical AND FAITH organization: nucleic acids, which discuss science and faith issues with encode genetic information, are Sunday, 22 July 2012 3:15 PM their congregation. In order to encour- transcribed and translated into protein, age ministry leaders to engage science mediated by enzymes and ribosomes. The AAAS Dialogue on Science, in positive ways, we have created In addition, the genetic code is nearly Ethics, and Religion the Ministry Theorem (http:// identical for all life forms currently Jennifer Wiseman ministrytheorem.calvinseminary.edu). known to exist. It is such similarities We commissioned essays in which The American Association for the that have prompted bioinformaticians scientists from several disciplines write Advancement of Science (AAAS) is the to meticulously compare sequences, to their pastors (also available in the nation’s largest scientific society. pseudogenes, and repeated sequences book Delight in Creation: Scientists Share AAAS publishes the journal Science in the genomes of humans and Their Work with the Church) and and also fosters a range of public chimpanzees. comment on Bible passages often science engagement programs, includ- invoked in science-faith debates. In order to examine the evidence for ing the Dialogue on Science, Ethics, common ancestry, it is essential to and Religion (DoSER). While the The Ministry Theorem website also acquire a general knowledge of DoSER program has been active for includes a database of over 400 recom- comparative genomics. I would like over 16 years, the last two years have mended books, blogs, curricula, to demonstrate the abilities of various brought a new emphasis on helping sample sermons, and other resources programs and databases, including foster communication and understand- that are annotated, searchable, and Entrez, BLAST, and UCSC Genome ing between scientific and religious tagged by science topic and ministry Browser, to provide information communities across a larger swath of type. (The Ministry Theorem is led by about common ancestry. mainstream America. the Center for Excellence in Preaching at Calvin Seminary and the Science As the newest Director of DoSER, I will Division of Calvin College with a grant Sunday, 22 July 2012 4:15 PM discuss several new DoSER initiatives from the Templeton Foundation.) that will be of particular interest to What Is the Size and Topology of the ASA members. These initiatives Genomic Universe? include supporting seminaries wishing IV-C. SCIENCE AND FAITH: Paul A. Nelson to integrate more science into the HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY, AND Prior to the genomics (i.e., DNA education of future clergy, and THEOLOGY (cont’d) sequencing) revolution of the supporting scientists who wish to be Sunday, 22 July 2012 3:15 PM mid-1990s, nearly all evolutionary better equipped to communicate biologists accepted that the informa- science to a largely religious public. The Voice from the Whirlwind and tion present in all life on Earth Perhaps of most interest to ASA Natural Evil descended from a historical singular- members is our recent major grant to Richard F. Carlson and Jason N. Hine ity, an organism designated as the Last study perceptions of science amongst The problem of evil remains a theo- Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA). evangelical Christians, and likewise the logical puzzle. We limit our focus to perceptions scientists have of evangeli- Within the past 15 years, however, the domain of natural evil, the kind cals. With ASA as one of our primary a growing number of biologists have experienced by Job. We posit that the partners, we are constructing a major argued that the unexpected genetic responses Job receives in Job 38–41, poll of evangelicals and scientists. The diversity of life revealed by DNA while not answering Job directly, results will guide us as we create sequencing, and widespread phylo- provide Job and us with useful material and gatherings designed to genetic anomalies among microbial insight into the questions substantially improve the relationship groups, have brought about “the death surrounding natural evil. between evangelicals, science, and of Darwin’s Tree of Life” (TOL). scientists. Job suffered grievously and This talk will summarize the major undeservedly. It is natural to ask, discoveries motivating these challenges “Why do we suffer?” especially when to the TOL, will look at the rapidly suffering is not being inflicted by growing size of the genomic universe, another person but instead has natural and will address alternative topologies causes. Job rejected the analyses (i.e., whether the evidence is better offered by his “friends,” who were described as a network, “forest,” or convinced Job’s troubles were the
18 2012 ASA Annual Meeting V-A. TEACHING SCIENCE AND FAITH IN THE CURRICULUM result of his sin. Job rejected that • The reason the creation of dry land conclusion, and turned to (screamed at) had to occur on the third day. V-A. TEACHING SCIENCE AND God, asking for justice. • Why the sun, moon, and stars were FAITH IN THE CURRICULUM created on the fourth day, and are Job’s demands evoked a surprising Monday, 23 July 2012 10:15 AM parallel to the second day. response from God in the form of • Three reasons the creation of fish Exploring the New Atheist two speeches from the whirlwind. on the fifth day is not parallel to the These speeches do not directly answer Movement with Wilhelm Ostwald, waters of the second day. Job’s demands; God offered Job no Early Physical Chemistry’s • If Genesis 1 is saying the universe principles or explanation. Rather, God “New Atheist” was created in six twenty-four-hour pointed out some examples from the Stephen M. Contakes days, why are Christians not bound world of creation—features of creation to accept that as a divine revelation Episodes from chemistry’s history and from the physical world, short of science? philosophical issues associated with descriptions of some birds and • Why the revelation in Genesis 1 is its practice and epistemological status animals, and longer descriptions of still true. parallel many of the issues and two fearsome creatures, the Behemoth historical episodes discussed in science and the Leviathan. From these Sunday, 22 July 2012 4:15 PM and religion textbooks. These parallels examples, God expected Job to may be used to integrate science and understand his strategy in creating Adam, Original Sin, and religion topics into undergraduate and sustaining the world. Human Evolution chemistry courses and even We believe that by deriving and eluci- Denis Lamoureux systematically explore contemporary dating God’s creation strategy as faith-science topics throughout the An introduction to an evolutionary indicated in the whirlwind speeches, curriculum. In this presentation, I will creationist view of human origins that we can, in turn, gain a better under- demonstrate an example of such asserts the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit standing of natural evil. integration by comparing and con- created men and women through trasting the New Atheist Movement an ordained, sustained, and design- Sunday, 22 July 2012 3:45 PM with the philosophical and social reflecting evolutionary process. endeavors of Wilhelm Ostwald Why the Framework Hypothesis This lecture examines biblical creation (1853–1932), one of the founders Does Not Work and What Does accounts dealing with human origins of modern physical chemistry. and theological challenges regarding Paul H. Seely the manifestation of the image of God, Like the New Atheists, Ostwald was Some Christians have argued that the human sin, and physical death. dazzled by the success of a branch of days of Genesis 1 are not historically In particular, it deals with the science, thermodynamics, in account- successive. Rather, they have been traditional doctrine of original sin. ing for a wide range of phenomena arranged by the author in a literary and attempted to develop it into The uniting thesis argues that science pattern. It is an attractive hypothesis a comprehensive worldview. Ostwald and religion are intimately related so because it eliminates chronological also shared New Atheist assumptions much so that they are easily conflated. conflicts with science, for example, about secular progress and their antag- This is the problem with human having land animals created after onism toward religion, as illustrated by origins throughout church history birds, and most notably having the his cofounding and later leadership up until today. I will argue that the sun created after the appearance of the German monist league. historicity of Adam is the retrojective of vegetation. In spite of these conclusion of an ancient Near Eastern Through the league, Ostwald called on advantages, a close look at the biblical understanding of human origins Germans to abandon traditional Chris- text in the light of its biblical and (de novo creation). Ergo, Adam tianity, adopt social and educational ancient context indicates that the order never existed. reforms based on the idea of scientific of the creation events was determined progress, and adhere to a moral system by nonliterary factors. Steeped in this ancient view of origins, based on the laws of thermodynamics. the towering figure of St. Augustine This paper will cover: Unlike the New Atheists, Ostwald’s conflated the existence of Adam to his • What exactly is the Framework advocacy of a “scientific” substitute doctrine of original sin (which refers to Hypothesis? religion was explicit and self- the very first sin even committed by • To what extent does Scripture conscious, involving sermons, the very first human Adam and to the support the Framework catechisms, and feasts. Although belief that sin is transmitted through Hypothesis? Ostwald never abandoned his scientific Adam to all humans). But again with- • Two reasons daylight had to be worldview, his enthusiasm for the out a historical Adam, the traditional created on the first day, and why monist movement was dampened by notion of original sin has no founda- the sun had to wait until later. internal struggles within the monist tion in reality. Regrettably, the western • The reason the creation of the league and WWI, which called into Christian tradition throughout history firmament and the splitting of the question science’s ability to truly has conflated an incidental ancient primeval sea had to occur on the advance and stabilize society. science to the vital and inerrant belief second day. of human sinfulness.
Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA 19 V-B. PERSONAL BRANDING AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Monday, 23 July 2012 10:45 AM publishing world, the integration of V-B. PERSONAL BRANDING AND books and the internet in education, Augustine, Radiometric Dating, and SOCIAL MEDIA the potential and power of social media First-Year Chemistry: to reach a large audience, and the A Guided-Inquiry Exercise Monday, 23 July 2012 10:15 AM author’s efforts to establish a personal Michael A. Everest Science, Faith, and Facebook: brand. Christian colleges are obligated to How Online Communications expose their students to difficult issues Can Improve the Dialogue pertaining to the interaction of science Stephen Mapes and Michael Marcacci Monday, 23 July 2012 11:15 AM and faith. General chemistry is a good place to expose first-year students to The growth of social media outlets and Personal Branding and Social Media some of these issues. online blogs in the past decade has Mary Ann Pearson fundamentally changed how society, The public knows the brands they like. I have developed a guided-inquiry especially the younger generation, Pepsi-Cola, Coca-Cola, Levi’s, comput- exercise that introduces students to discusses the “big questions” of our ers like MACS and PC’s or Apple and passages in Augustine’s “On the Literal age: including questions about origins Dell are all identifiable brands. What Interpretation of Genesis” which and science and faith. While the oppor- about the idea of a personal brand? encourage the Christian to be humble tunities for engagement are plentiful, What do others think of when they in discussing the natural world with starting and running a dialogue consider who you are? “Your brand is non-Christian experts. Particular through online tools can be a daunting what people say about you,” said Jeff attention is given to Augustine’s task for anyone, regardless of their Bezos, Founder if Amazon. reason: that Christians might maintain technical savvy. credibility when discussing “the resur- Personal branding is a public relations In this short presentation, we will rection of the dead, the hope of eternal process that helps individuals to cover some of the basic free tools avail- life, and the kingdom of heaven.” identify strengths and weaknesses. able to scientists, pastors, and leaders The personal brand is presented to the Following this lesson in humility, for fostering online discussions, includ- various audiences that the individual students are led through some radio- ing how best to use them to reach an may deal with on a regular basis. metric dating data taken from audience. We’ll also look at some of the Understanding the various audiences, “Radiometric Dating; A Christian potential problems and challenges that including the Millennial Generation, Perspective” by Roger Wiens, an article arise when using these tools, as well as is important in public relations and on the ASA website. These data show how best to make sure conversations is important for all those interested the earth to be billions, not thousands, stay focused, civil, and beneficial for in successfully delivering a message, of years old. Students are then encour- everyone involved. aged to consider how to discuss the including scientists who seek to convey age of the earth with non-Christians. scientific claims to a society that has been bombarded with messages about Monday, 23 July 2012 10:45 AM evolution being the only reasonable Monday, 23 July 2012 11:15 AM true explanation for our existence. Out of Step and Anti-Science? Beyond the Lecture: Integrating Science and Faith for “Improving your brand is an invest- ment in building your personal profile, Problem-Based Learning in Christian Youth through Modern reputation and the results you will Science and Religion Courses Media and the Web achieve,” claims Rachel Quilty, Blake Horridge Lara Touryan-Whelan, Kenell Touryan, an expert on personal branding and Cheryl Touryan Science and Religion courses in higher (http://rachelquilty.com/). Part of education can vary widely in their Public media and educational materials understanding the communication content but most are still taught as too often present science and faith process today involves understanding either a lecture or seminar. Using issues from an agenda-laden platform, how to present a personal brand to the current research in pedagogies, partic- fostering adversarial positions, which public through social media network- ularly those dealing with the natural result in disunity among Christians. In ing websites such as Facebook, Twitter, sciences, this paper seeks to suggest this paper we will present our recent and LinkedIn. a relatively new teaching method that efforts to integrate and teach both Information about the personal brand- might prove more suited for science science and the Christian faith in a way ing process and creating a presence on and religion courses: problem-based that fosters a sense of wonder rather social media sites will be provided. learning. than dwelling on apologetics. Our Reaching the masses for Christ requires efforts have been focused particularly In addition to an overview of the an understanding of today’s communi- on presenting these concepts to young cation methods. pedagogy’s strengths and weaknesses, people through the emerging forms of an emphasis will be placed on potential digital media that are increasingly classroom applications for the method predominant in their experience. To within the context of a science and this end, we will briefly discuss the religion introductory course. revolution that is taking place in the
20 2012 ASA Annual Meeting V-C. WHY PUBLIC RELATIONS MATTERS
has been clinically proven to reduce you apart from the rest? What can you V-C. WHY PUBLIC RELATIONS cellular aging rate, that physicians say about a scientific claim that MATTERS endorse use of all kinds of drugs, and resonates with everyone? Use basic that scientists have proven we don’t public relations tactics to deliver the Monday, 23 July 2012 10:15 AM have free will. The thoughts and message. actions of the public are molded by Pulling Weeds before The practice of public relations politically, religiously, and financially emphasizes strategic communications Planting Seeds motivated, or just inaccurate, “science.” David Fisher between a company, nonprofit, or We who are scientists have a grave individual and the various publics. “And thus continues the age-old battle responsibility to educate others on Understanding how to connect with between science and religion,” a recent what science can, and does, say. But publics is critical to the successful ABC Evening News report concluded. since experts are not always readily delivery of messages about products, The template is so ingrained in much available (or right), we also need to services, and brand. How the public of the media, that a wide range of empower the public to assess scientific perceives the message is part of public scientific reportage reinforces that claims for themselves. relations. interpretation. In this presentation, a set of Effective utilization of a public The Apostle Paul said that part of his “bunk-detecting” principles will be relations approach to connect with job description was to “demolish introduced. These are rules of thumb consumers about research and other arguments and every pretension that that will help nonexperts to evaluate important information can be achieved sets itself against the knowledge of claims made in the name of science. by using public relations methodolo- God …” (2 Cor. 10:5, NIV). With this • Most people have had some science gies. Developing an effective message in mind, I write and produce the Truth education; therefore they are that effectively communicates scientific in the Test Tube broadcast/webcast to encouraged to think about what is claims from a faith-based perspective “pull weeds before planting seeds.” being said. Is it consistent with can be done through the use of public Additionally, in June we added an what they know and can the claims relations research, methods, and strate- audio version to the “Jesus Daily” be tested scientifically? gies. Learn how public relations can segment of Facebook. By pointing out • They are advised to notice enhance your message and help it to that the popular “warfare model” is if the authors declare something stand out as you reach various a pseudo-scientific oversimplification, controversial to be a fact or assert audiences. it has opened minds to consider the that they have accomplished valid evidences for theism. something beyond what is The program series has attracted possible to do. • a large response when broadcast and They are warned to beware of webcast to Marxist countries. For grandiose claims. • example, 1.4 million episodes of the They are instructed to be careful Mandarin version were downloaded when too much is made of the in one recent year. One Russian listener scientific qualifications of those said the head-on collision between involved, or when those who do what he had been taught and what we not agree with the “expert” views were telling him, was “like an explo- are disparaged. • sion in my mind.” Does infringement upon one of these rules automatically mean By sharing some of the experiences a claim is scientific bunk? No. that I have had during 32 years of this outreach, I hope to encourage ASAers Will the bunk-detecting principles to do something comparable in the US. totally prevent abuse of science? No, From their feedback, I also hope to gain but with input from and refinement additional insights into how to make by ASA scientists, they might help. my overseas outreach more effective.
Monday, 23 July 2012 11:15 AM Monday, 23 July 2012 10:45 AM Delivering the Message— Bunk Detecting Principles Public Relations Basics to Help the Public Assess Sandra Romo “Scientific” Claims Consumers are bombarded by Caroline Crocker messages every day. From public The public is constantly bombarded service announcements to advertise- with allegedly scientific claims. They ments, they are inundated with various are told that a particular supplement messages. How does your message set
Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA 21 Poster Abstracts
for evangelical Christians who remain Science and Faith in Film POSTER SESSION unsure of their scientific beliefs and Jennifer Hall need guidance pursuing a career in In today’s society, the media has science. become very influential in shaping our Sunday, 22 July 2012 2:15 PM views of the world. Knowing this, the media via many outlets such as music, Evolution and the Evangelical Mind: How Beneficial Are Mutations? A Case Study TV, and film seek to manipulate the J. Scott Buchanan truth or fiction in such a way that Katherine Addicott In discussions of design and evolution, benefits them so they can merely make My thesis topic as an undergraduate there is sometimes confusion over the an extra dollar. in the University Honors Program at effectiveness of genetic mutations. Are This is especially true in the film indus- California State University, Fullerton, essentially all mutations deleterious? try. We see so many films today being is a study of a specific group of people Have any been shown to increase produced that cover such topics as who have differing views about evolu- genetic information? Here we survey science and faith that continuously tion. I looked at individual factors some recent results which bear on play in favor of one or the other and among evangelical Christians with these questions: rarely both. But the question becomes, relevant scientific backgrounds that • Mutated strains of bacteria can show are these interpretations of science and caused them to accept or reject evolu- improved fitness both in a novel, faith correct? tion at a macro level. stressful situation and in their original It is understood that most people in The controls for the subject were “wild” environment. Thus, these today’s society search for something to that every person I studied was both mutations are unequivocally beneficial. believe in, whether it is God or evolu- an evangelical Christian and a scientist • While some studies have shown only tion. People need to know that there is with a PhD relevant to evolution. about one in a million fixed mutations more to life than what is, where we These degrees include biology, chemis- to be beneficial, the Lenski long-term came from, if we are the only ones out try, biochemistry, paleontology, and E. coli study demonstrates that this there, etc. Media strives, through film, geology. These controls helped me can be sufficient to drive forward to play upon those ideas in any way focus on reasons why evangelicals with the fitness of a population. Also, possible in order to successfully appeal the same scientific knowledge about other studies show that over 10% of to one audience or the other. evolution tend to accept or reject it. all mutations can be beneficial under Six evangelical scientists were studied: appropriate conditions. three evolutionary creationists • Gene duplication provides The Dual-Activity Insecticidal (Francis Collins, Denis Lamoureux, a mechanism for increasing genetic and Keith Miller) and three young Protein, Cry2Aa, Does Not Enhance information. Two objections are that the Mosquitocidal Activity of earth creationists (Todd Wood, gene duplications are unlikely to be Marcus Ross, and Kurt Wise). fixed because they are not beneficial, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis In order to complete the study, I read and that formation of an identical copy their publications and completed of a gene creates no new information. Rebeca Maynard, working with Examples are given of gene duplica- Dennis K. Bideshi, Hyun-Woo Park, personal interviews with five of the Bruce A. Prins six individuals. I found that there is no tions in mosquitoes and yeast which specific reason among all six individu- were immediately beneficial. Cry2Aa, one of the major insecticidal als, for accepting or rejecting evolution. Moreover, some of the duplicated proteins produced by Bacillus Instead, there are certain patterns that genes were modified (not identical) thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki HD1, these individuals share. For example, copies, which immediately introduced is known to be active against both the evolutionary creationists went genetic novelty. lepidopteran and dipteran larvae. In order to determine whether through more spiritual changes in These results support a providential Cry2Aa could enhance or synergize college and their early adulthood model of the development of new the mosquitocidal activity of than did the young earth creationists. species in accordance with the regulari- B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis, The young earth creationists all perma- ties of chemistry, with no necessity of we constructed a plasmid vector nently rejected evolution in their special intervention. childhood. And, interestingly, all six of that harbored the cry2Aa operon the subjects believe that the acceptance and transformed crystalliferous or rejection of evolution is not crucial and acrystalliferous strains of for salvation. This study is important this bacterium.
22 2012 ASA Annual Meeting POSTER SESSION
The wild-type B. thuringiensis subsp. substantial scientific and theological sophical or theological foundation israelensis, a recombinant problems, and our moderate denomi- necessary to tackle most of the B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis national heritage of carefully nuanced resources that are available. producing Cry2A along with its native views on related matters. But faced Too many available resources are major mosquitocidal proteins, and with censorship in the church papers, written to those who already have a recombinant B. thuringiensis subsp. we proceeded to publish electronically. a scientific, philosophical and/or israelensis producing Cry2Aa alone theological background. We developed a collaborative were tested against three major approach, with full vetting of our own The project, Genetic Technologies: mosquito species—Aedes aegypti, writings and responses as well as Christians Learning and Dialoging Anopheles gambiae, and Culex active comment moderation. We have Together, presented in this poster, quinquefasciatus. been received with confidential words models a way scientists can provide Our results demonstrated that Cry2Aa of encouragement and moderate churches with something different. does not synergize or enhance the appreciation, but also with concern and Genetic Technologies provides clear, mosquitocidal activity of opposition. Still our goal remains to understandable educational materials B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis against (re)create space for our views within for adult discipleship groups around these important vectors of disease. the denominational conversation, but the issues of genetic technologies. perhaps more importantly, among the It seeks first to provide a solid founda- students in our fellowship. tion of science which can then lead to meaningful dialogue around each Outlining a Physics-Faith Our presentation seeks to engender topic. Integration Curriculum a conversation about the perils and Bradley McCoy, Tim Heumier, and pitfalls of denominational blogging, Although this model focuses on genetic Chris Bassey with a view to developing best technologies, it could be applied to Calls have been increasing for practices amid such challenges and other scientific topics that cause Christian universities to integrate faith opportunities. controversy, mistrust, or conflict into their curricula. To integrate faith, in the church. Written by a scientist, it is necessary to show how the study a foundational scientific knowledge of a discipline is relevant to Christians Scientists as Members of the base is a primary focus of each chapter and how Christian faith may reflect on Body of Christ: Expanding or section. A DVD with presentations the practice of the discipline. Physics is the Scope of Adult Discipleship on each topic in which the science necessary to understand the genetic one of the more difficult disciplines in Sara Sybesma Tolsma which to integrate faith. technologies is explained plus an As the impacts of science proliferate, introductory presentation on basic We present four faith integration Christians are increasingly perceived genetics and DNA circumvents the themes that have been adopted as “anti-science.” Christians who reject need for a leader with an extraordinary for development throughout the evolutionary theory, climate change scientific background. undergraduate physics curriculum science, and genetic technologies at Azusa Pacific University, along with among other issues too often come In addition to the science, theological examples of course-specific topics and to these positions because of a lack of and ethical arguments surrounding pedagogy recommendations. understanding or misunderstanding of each issue are presented and discus- the science that underlies the issues. sion encouraged. Discipleship group Misunderstandings lead to a general- participants will be required to do little Reformed Academic: ized mistrust of science and scientists. outside of meeting time so the format A Denominational Blogging is accessible to the busiest church Experience Scientists, particularly scientists who member. are Christians, bear a portion of the A. E. Sikkema, T. Jelsma, F. G. Oosterhoff, responsibility for this lack of trust. Ephesians 4:25 urges us to speak truth- J. M. van der Meer As members of the body of Christ, fully to our neighbors. Providing adult Since April 2009, we have been scientists should actively work to make discipleship resources that help running a blog which aims at scientific understanding accessible to churches grapple with scientific issues an audience within a small conserva- their fellow Christians. In doing so, that have deep theological implications tive Reformed federation of churches they can repair some of the damage is a way scientists can use their gifts to in Canada. We had observed that done when non-Christians communi- serve the body of Christ. membership, publications, and leader- cate about science with Christians, ship within the denomination had which too often lacks sensitivity in slowly but markedly increased in their tone, language, and understanding of Ryanodine Receptor Expression in promotion of young earth creationism the perspectives of people of faith. Fetal Pulmonary Arterial Myocytes as a marker of Reformed Christian Edith Waskel, Monica Rubalcava, An average Christian church member, orthodoxy. Britney Lumbard, Lawrence D. Longo, pastor, or Sunday school teacher lacks and Sean M. Wilson Before starting our blog, we attempted the time to learn about complex scien- to demonstrate three things: the recent tific issues on their own. If they have Pulmonary hypertension in the origins of “scientific creationism,” its the time, most lack the scientific, philo- newborn can have prenatal origins,
Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA 23 POSTER SESSION and exposure to chronic hypoxia while fetus, which compromises lung tion of ryanodine receptor within fetal, in the womb is a risk factor in the function at birth, and that receptor newborn, and adult smooth muscle development of this disease. Chronic expression rebounds in the newborn, cells and to determine the impact of hypoxia is often due to high altitude which further promotes development chronic hypoxia on their expression. living or to smoking. Research aimed of pulmonary hypertension. HHMI52006309, NIH P20MD001632 toward understanding and treating (BL), NSF MRI 0923559 (SMW), NIH This pilot study concentrates on devel- pulmonary hypertension in the P01HD031226, R01HD003807 (LDL), oping a technique to quantify the newborn includes discovering the cell R03HD069746. expression of ryanodine receptors in signaling pathways that regulate the cells so that we can answer the hypoth- development of this disease. Specifi- esis. This study was achieved by cally, the study of ryanodine receptors performing two techniques. We in fetal pulmonary arterial myocytes performed live multicolor imaging of has illuminated a calcium pathway that living pulmonary arterial myocytes is important to vessel dilation at birth and localized cellular organelles. We and to vessel contraction once the also performed immunohistochemistry vessels mature. to show colocalization of actin and Based on our functional data, we ryanodine. In the future, we will hypothesize that receptor expression perform immunohistochemistry is reduced by chronic hypoxia in the studies to compare the relative propor-
24 2012 ASA Annual Meeting Presenters’ Contact Information
Katherine Addicott Jimmy Davis Tim Heumier Rebeca Maynard 2888 English Rd Union University Dept of Mathematics & Physics California Baptist University Chino Hills, CA 91709 1050 Union University Dr Azusa Pacific University 8432 Magnolia Ave [email protected] Jackson, TN 38305 901 E Alosta Ave Riverside, CA 92504 [email protected] Azusa, CA 91702 [email protected] Melissa Antonio [email protected] California Baptist University Michael Everest Bradley McCoy 8432 Magnolia Ave Westmont College Peter Hess Dept of Mathematics & Physics Riverside, CA 92504 955 La Paz Rd 1741 San Lorenzo Ave Azusa Pacific University mantonio.calbaptist.edu Santa Barbara, CA 93108 Berkeley, CA 94707-1824 901 E Alosta Ave [email protected] [email protected] Azusa, CA 91702 Steven Ball [email protected] LeTourneau University Darrel Falk Blake Horridge 2100 Mobberly Ave 6727-Winding Creek Dr 221 W Lemon Ave, Apt 1 Keith Miller Longview, TX 75607 San Diego, CA 92119 Monrovia, CA 91016 Kansas State University [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 108 Thompson Hall Manhattan, KS 66506 Max Bonilla David Fisher Randy Isaac [email protected] 4759 Blueberry Hill Dr 1470 Stonebridge Trail American Scientific Affiliation Houston, TX 77084 Wheaton, IL 60189-7146 PO Box 668 Dean Nelson [email protected] [email protected] Ipswich, MA 01938-0668 Point Loma Nazarene University [email protected] 3900 Lomaland Dr Walter Bradley Stephen Freeland San Diego, CA 92106 86 Sugar Creek 47565A Ahuimanu Rd John E. Johnson [email protected] Woodway, TX 76712 Kaneohe, HI 96744 Department of Molecular Biology, [email protected] [email protected] MB31 Paul Nelson The Scripps Research Institute MA Program in Science & Religion J Scott Buchanan Ann Gauger 10550 N Torrey Pines Rd Biola University 613 Revere Ct 454 N 34th St, 2nd Fl La Jolla, CA 92037 13800 Biola Ave Flemington, NJ 8822 Seattle, WA 98103 [email protected] La Mirada, CA 90639 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Denis Lamoureux David Bundrick Paula Gossard #1106 8510-111 St Deborah L. Osae-Oppong Evangel University School of Education Edmonton, AB T6G 1H7 2065 Half Day Rd 1111 N Glenstone Ave Philadelphia Biblical University [email protected] Deerfield, IL 60015 Springfield, MO 65802 200 Manor Ave [email protected] [email protected] Langhorne, PA 19047 Raymond Lewis [email protected] Department of Biology Chris Osborne Richard Carlson Wheaton College California Baptist University 4004 Damson Ct Deborah Haarsma Wheaton, IL 60187 8432 Magnolia Ave Columbia, MO 65203 Physics/Astronomy Dept [email protected] Riverside, CA 92504 [email protected] Calvin College [email protected] Grand Rapids, MI 49546 Casey Luskin Linn Carothers [email protected] 208 Columbia St Mary Ann Pearson California Baptist University Seattle, WA 98104 California Baptist University 8432 Magnolia Ave Loren Haarsma [email protected] 8432 Magnolia Ave Riverside, CA 92504 Physics Dept Riverside, CA 92504 [email protected] Calvin College Stephen Mapes [email protected] Grand Rapids, MI 49546 2101 Chatsworth Blvd #2 Stephen Contakes [email protected] San Diego, CA 92107 Christopher Perez Westmont College [email protected] Chris Perez Consulting 955 La Paz Rd Jennifer Hall 725 Meridian Circle Santa Barbara, CA 93108 3466 Belgian Dr Michael Marcacci Corona, CA 92882 [email protected] Norco, CA 92860 3104 Poe St [email protected] [email protected] San Diego, CA 92106 Caroline Crocker [email protected] Harry Poe PO Box 15938 Dominic Halsmer Union University Newport Beach, CA 92659 Science & Engineering Glenn Marsch 1050 Union University Dr [email protected] Oral Roberts University Box 3135, Physics Department Jackson, TN 38305 7777 S Lewis Ave Grove City College [email protected] Edward (Ted) Davis Tulsa, OK 74171 100 Campus Dr 23 S Seasons Dr [email protected] Grove City, PA 16127 Dillsburg, PA 17019 [email protected] [email protected]
Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA 25 Presenters’ Contact Information
Barbara Ressler Arnold Sikkema Rebecca Ver Straten- Edith Waskel Messiah College Trinity Western University McSparran California Baptist University PO Box 3034 7600 Glover Rd LA Film Studies Center 8432 Magnolia Ave #1506 One College Ave Langley, BC V2Y 1Y1 5455 Wilshire Blvd, Ste 1615 Riverside, CA 92504 Grantham, PA 17027 [email protected] Los Angeles, CA 90036 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] John R. Staver Leslie Wickman Sandra Romo Perdue University David Vosburg 639 Paseo de la Playa #107 California Baptist University 442 Lourdes Ln Department of Chemistry Redondo Beach, CA 90277 8432 Magnolia Ave Lafayette, IN 47909 Harvey Mudd College [email protected] Riverside, CA 92504 [email protected] 301 Platt Blvd [email protected] Claremont, CA 91711 Ralph Winter Mike Tenneson [email protected] 1680 N Vine St, Ste 600 Joshua Rosenau Evangel University Hollywood, CA 90028 National Center for Science 1111 N Glenstone Ave Hank Voss Education Springfield, MO 65802 Taylor University Jennifer Wiseman 420 40th St, Ste 2 [email protected] Dept of Physics and Engineering American Association for the Oakland, CA 94609 236 Reade Ave Advancement of Science [email protected] Sara Tolsma Upland, IN 46989 1200 New York Ave, NW Northwestern College [email protected] Washington, DC 20005 Paul Seely 101 7th St SW [email protected] 1544 SE 34th Ave Orange City, IA 51041 Thomas Walters Portland, OR 97214 [email protected] Azusa Pacific University Davis Young [email protected] 901 East Alosta 11991 North Labyrinth Dr Lara Touryan-Whelan PO Box 7000 Tucson, AZ 85737 Mark Shelhamer 4066 Mira Verde St Azusa, CA 91702-7000 [email protected] 210 Pathology Bldg Oceanside, CA 92056 [email protected] Johns Hopkins University [email protected] School of Medicine Janet Warren Baltimore, MD 21287 3 Whitetail Ct [email protected] Guelph, ON N1L 1H6 [email protected]
26 2012 ASA Annual Meeting ASA Business Meeting Agenda Sunday, 22 July 2012, 6:45 PM, Crill Performance Hall
1. Call to order and opening prayer Robert Kaita
2. Introduction of staff Randy Isaac
3. Next year’s meeting Robert Kaita
4. Introduction of newly elected Fellows Randy Isaac
5. Recognition of fifty years of ASA Membership Randy Isaac
6. Remembrances Randy Isaac
7. Secretary/Treasurer Report Keith Miller
8. State of the ASA Randy Isaac
9. Offering for the ASA Robert Kaita
10. President’s comments Robert Kaita
11. Closing Prayer Robert Kaita
Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA 27 Index of Presenters
Addicott, Katherine...... 4, 22, 25 A Antonio, Melissa...... 4, 15, 25
Ball, Steven ...... 4, 17, 25 B Bonilla, Max...... 3, 10, 25 Bradley, Walter...... 3, 8, 15, 25 Buchanan, J. Scott ...... 4, 22, 25 Bundrick, David ...... 4, 16, 25
Carlson, Richard...... 4, 18, 25 C Carothers, Linn...... 3, 10, 25 Contakes, Stephen...... 5, 19, 25 Crocker, Caroline ...... 5, 21, 25
Davis, Edward ...... 3, 10, 25 D Davis, Jimmy...... 3, 9, 25
E Everest, Michael...... 5, 20, 25
Falk, Darrel...... 3, 12, 25 F Fisher, David ...... 5, 21, 25 Freeland, Stephen...... 3, 8, 25
Gauger, Ann...... 3, 12, 25 G Gossard, Paula ...... 3, 13, 25
Haarsma, Deborah...... 4, 18, 25 H Haarsma, Loren ...... 3, 8, 25 Hall, Jennifer ...... 4, 22, 25 Halsmer, Dominic...... 3, 15, 25 Hess, Peter ...... 3, 14, 25 Heumier, Tim...... 4, 23, 25 Horridge, Blake...... 5, 20, 25
28 2012 ASA Annual Meeting Index of Presenters
I Isaac, Randy ...... 3, 11, 25 J Johnson, John E...... 1, 2, 6, 25
Lamoureux, Denis ...... 4, 19, 25 L Lewis, Raymond...... 3, 9, 25 Luskin, Casey...... 3, 11, 25
Mapes, Stephen ...... 5, 20, 25 M Marcacci, Michael...... 5, 20, 25 Marsch, Glenn...... 3, 9, 25 Maynard, Rebeca...... 4, 22, 25 McCoy, Bradley...... 4, 23, 25 Miller, Keith ...... 3, 13, 25
Nelson, Paul...... 4, 18, 25 N Nelson, Dean ...... 1, 4, 7, 25
Osae-Oppong, Deborah...... 4, 17, 25 O Osborne, Chris ...... 4, 17, 25
Pearson, Mary Ann...... 5, 20, 25 P Perez, Christopher ...... 1, 5, 7, 25 Poe, Hal ...... 4, 17, 25
Ressler, Barbara ...... 3, 14, 26 R Romo, Sandra ...... 5, 21, 26 Rosenau, Joshua ...... 3, 13, 26
Seely, Paul ...... 4, 19, 26 S Shelhamer, Mark...... 4, 16, 26 Sikkema, Arnold ...... 4, 23, 26 Staver, John R...... 3, 9, 26
Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA 29 Index of Presenters
Tenneson, Mike...... 4, 16, 26 T Tolsma, Sara...... 4, 23, 26 Touryan-Whelan, Lara...... 5, 20, 26
Ver Straten-McSparran, Rebecca ...... 1, 2, 6, 26 V Vosburg, David...... 3, 13, 26 Voss, Hank...... 3, 13, 26
Walters, Thomas ...... 3, 11, 26 W Warren, Janet...... 3, 10, 26 Waskel, Edith ...... 4, 23, 26 Wickman, Leslie ...... 3, 9, 26 Winter, Ralph ...... 1, 6, 26 Wiseman, Jennifer...... 4, 18, 26
Y Young, Davis...... 3, 12, 26
30 2012 ASA Annual Meeting