SHAMOKIN - Dr. Timothy G. Standish, a respected scientist in the field of genetics, and Dr. Ron M. Clouzet, a practical theologian and seminary professor, will present a creation-evolution seminar beginning Thursday at the Shamokin mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 6 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin.
The five evening sessions will be held daily through Friday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Registration is not required. The sessions will cover topics that many find troubling as they read news articles and hear brief reports of recent research that often raises questions regarding creation and evolution.
The seminars can also be viewed on Direct TV, Channel 368.
According to Standish, it is important to understand the debate since it ultimately centers around whom and how people worship. "Creation stands at the core of Christian theology," Clouzet said.
On opening night, Standish and Cloluzet will explore the topic, "The Way We Were: A Look at Deep Time." Over the next four nights, they will discuss the life of creatures, genetics, radiometric dating, the age of the earth and the flood and fossils. The final presentation on Friday will put together the conclusions from various areas of the debate.
Standish, who has a Ph.D. from George Mason University, has pursued research in molecular biology. He is a research scientist at the Geoscience Research Institute in Loma Linda, Calif. The institute seeks to understand more about the origins of life and the earth from a biblical perspective.
Clouzel, D.Min., is a professional of Christian ministry and pastoral theology at Andrews University Theological Seminary in Berrien Springs, Mich.
"People are interested in creation for a reason," Standish noted. "Not only is it at the core of Christian beliefs and a major factor in deciding how we live our lives, but it is also intrinsically amazing and fun."
The Seventh-day Adventist Church, Bible-based Christians who believe that God is the Creator of all life and the Bible reveals a reliable account of His creative activity, is hosting the seminar for the enrichment of community life. The seminar will be uplinked live from Nashville, Tenn., where it will be distributed via satellite across the United States and Canada.
"In the Beginning: Making Sense of the Creation-Evolution Debate," is designed to be science-based, biblically sound and professionally informative, provided by co-hosts who are experts in their respective fields.