Intelligent Design: Is It Viable?

The year 2009 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, the 150th anniversary of the publication of Darwin's On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection and the first year of the IU College of Arts & Sciences Themester ("theme" "semester"). As a leading university in evolutionary biology research, the University is being host to a semester of classes, lectures and debates surrounding the topic of evolution, diversity and change. You can view the calendar at www.themester.indiana.edu.

Cru is being a part of the "themester" by sponsoring a debate titled "Intelligent Design: Is It Viable?"

Click here to visit the official debate site.

Debaters

Philosopher Dr. William Lane Craig	Evolutionary Biologist Dr. Francisco Ayala	Philosopher Bradley Monton
Debater	Debater	Moderator

Philosopher Dr. William Lane Craig and evolutionary biologist Dr. Francisco Ayala will debate the issue at 7 p.m. November 5 in the IU Auditorium on the IU-Bloomington campus. The debate will be moderated by philosopher Bradley Monton, who recently wrote Seeking God in Science: An Atheist Defends Intelligent Design.

The second definition of "themester" states that a "themester" is for "a reconsideration of old truths and an investigation of new perspectives." Intelligent Design is by far the most well-known contemporary critique of naturalistic Darwinian evolution even though it has roots that pre-date Darwin. All events listed on the themester calendar that either have "Intelligent Design" or "Creationism" in the title are given by opponents to those positions. This event is unique in the themester calendar in that it is the only event that allows for a balanced discussion of the topic.

While Cru is sponsoring this event, it should be noted that Campus Crusade for Christ does not take an official stance for or against Intelligent Design Theory. It is in the spirit of neutrality that we are offering this event. For those who call themselves Christians, we acknowledge that Intelligent Design Theory is not the only position to have in order to be faithful followers of Jesus of Nazareth. We are interested in a knowledgeable and serious discussion of the issue, which is why Cru is bringing in participants with the appropriate knowledge and credibility to have this discussion. This is so we may not only support the endeavors of the University community through the "themester" by organizing a relevant and quality event, but also to challenge ourselves with this topic since it has ramifications in informing God's relation to Creation. It is through this challenging of ourselves that we also hope to enter into conversations with others regarding God's existence and relationship to Creation, which informs the sending of Jesus Christ to redeem mankind.

Click here for FAQs about the debate.