PERSPECTIVES on Science and Christian Faith JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SCIENTIFIC AFFILIATION In This 75th Anniversary of ASA Issue … 1941–2016: The American Scientifi c Affi liation at 75 Bernard Ramm’s Scientifi c Approach to Theology The Changing Face of the Science-Faith Dialogue in a Biomedical Arena The ASA Does Not Take an Offi cial Position on Controversial Questions An Interview with Randy Isaac, ASA Executive Director, 2005–2016 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.” Psalm 111:10 VOLUME 68, NUMBER 3 SEPTEMBER 2016 (US ISSN 0892-2675) (CPM #40927506) Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith Manuscript Guidelines © 2016 by the American Scientifi c Affi liation The pages of Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith (PSCF) are open Editor-in-Chief to original, unpublished contributions that interact with science and Christian J C. P (Roanoke College and faith in a manner consistent with scientifi c and theological integrity. A brief Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine) description of standards for publication in PSCF can be found in the lead 221 College Lane editorial of the December 2013 issue. This is available at www.asa3.org under Salem, VA 24153 publications PSCF index. Published papers do not refl ect any offi cial [email protected] position of the American Scientifi c Affi liation. 1. Submit all manuscripts to: James C. Peterson, Editor, Roanoke College, 75th Anniversary of ASA Issue Co-Editor 221 College Lane, Salem, VA 24153. E-mail: [email protected]. C M. R (Baylor University) Submissions are typically acknowledged within 10 days of their receipt. 1301 S University Parks Drive 2. Authors must submit an electronic copy of the manuscript formatted Waco, TX 76798 in Word as an email attachment. Typically 2–3 anonymous reviewers [email protected] critique each manuscript considered for publication. 3. Use endnotes for all references. Each note must have a unique number. 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ASA/CSCA members who would like to be Ancaster, ON L9K 1J4 considered as potential reviewers are welcome to express interest to the book [email protected] review coordinating editor for inclusion in the reviewer database. Publishers may also contact the book review coordinating editor if they are not sure Editorial Board which subject area reviewer would best consider a particular book. R B, Wheaton College • Patrick Franklin ([email protected]): book review coordinating D B, Gordon College editor; subject areas: ethics, philosophy, and theology. W L. B, Baylor University • Arie Leegwater ([email protected]): cosmology, history of science, S M. C, Westmont College mathematics, and physical sciences. E B. D, Messiah College • Sara Sybesma Tolsma ([email protected]): biology, environment, O G, Harvard-Smithsonian Center genetics, and origins. for Astrophysics • Heather Looy ([email protected]): anthropology, neurology, S G. H, North Carolina State University psychology, and sociology. 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No registration with CCC is needed: postage paid at Topsfi eld, MA, and additional mailing simply identify the article being copied, the number of copies, and the journal offi ce. POSTMASTER: Send address changes title (Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith). For those who wish to to: Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith, request permission for other kinds of copying or reprinting, kindly write to 218 Boston Street Suite 208, Topsfi eld, MA 01983. the Managing Editor. Editorial Since ASA Is Open to Dialogue, Would PSCF Publish an Article Advocating Geo-centrism? James C. Peterson t the 2016 ASA Annual Meeting, I was asked But openness to new readings is also a deep com- the above-titled question, no doubt to test mitment of both the ASA and the journal. If an essay Ahow open Perspectives on Science and Chris- appears to have a case worthy of peer reviewer tian Faith (PSCF) is to minority views. Let me say time, expert peer reviewers are not asked if they in response that science continues to grow in its agree with the author. They are asked if the author achievements and infl uence. The Christian faith is makes an informed and compelling case for a new the world’s most global movement. Where they meet, and important contribution. That contribution might the ASA has pioneered for 75 years. When you turn be quite different from what has been argued pre- the page that you are reading now, you will see the viously. Such is most welcome. Consensus views front cover page and foreword of the fi rst issue of this usually start as minority, or even solitary, views. journal, then known as the Journal of the American Sci- entifi c Affi liation (JASA). Over the years, our purpose In this issue, Andrew Kim describes the rigorous has remained quite consistent: to bring into dialogue explorations that Bernard Ramm published in JASA the best of the sciences and Christian faith. To begin over many years. In the following article, D. Gareth this issue, Chris Rios traces some of that conversation Jones expresses appreciation for the fairness of through several anniversaries. He notices that a dis- ASA and PSCF in the discussion of bioethics. Terry tinctive commitment of ASA from the beginning has Gray then writes of the challenges and advantages been to welcome into fellowship Christians of diverse of wrestling openly through important topics, as views. The ASA and PSCF then provide a place for PSCF has and, he argues, should continue to do so. active listening and testing of one another’s per- Randy Isaac completes the issue, and his tenure as spectives. That is essential to understand better our Executive Director, in an interview about how he callings in the sciences and as part of God’s people. always sought both to make the wide range of mem- bers feel welcome, and to spur thoughtful debate Groups have split off from the ASA to advocate toward better understanding. He speaks as well of for one particular perspective or another, but even his hopes for ASA in the years ahead. then membership in the ASA and the new advocate groups have often substantially overlapped.