SARAH YORO | staff writer
On Wednesday, Feb. 18, the Center for Research in Science held the “Beyond the Evolution vs. Creation Debate” in Munson Chapel featuring Denis Lamoureux, Ph.D., an associate professor of science and religion at St. Joseph’s College in the University of Alberta in Canada. Lamoureux’s lecture included science-religion dialogue and various views on the origin of the universe and life.
“A lot of people think in evolution you have to be atheistic or to be a Christian you have to believe in six-day creation,” Lamoureux said. “My central thesis was ‘Let’s get away from this “either-or.”’ Yes, there are two positions, but there are a number of different positions in between.”
According to Lamoureux, these topics are important for students to be aware of because they will eventually question creation and evolution.
“The majority [of students] are Christians coming from evangelical homes and our tradition wrestles with this issue of evolution. Here’s my concern pastorally—what happens to the student who thinks evolution is the devil’s doctrine?” Lamoureux said. “I worry about students who see the evolutionary evidence, all of a sudden get convinced of evolution and then the next thing they do is turf their faith.”
According to Lamoureux, the problem between the creation and evolution debate is dichotomy—a division of an issue into two simple positions caused by thinking in a “black-and-white” and “either-or” mentality.
“It’s important that you’re aware of different positions, one including a very Christian position, to see God creating through an evolutionary process, so nobody loses their faith once they see the biological evidence for evolution,” Lamoureux said.
During the lecture, Lamoureux discussed scientific terminology and presented information from both the creation and evolution side. Lamoureux also passed out charts to the audience explaining varying views on the origin of the universe and life. The purpose of the chart is to allow people to mix-and-match various viewpoints so they can come away with their own worldview.
“I think he made a strong case as he put out a chart of a number of positions people hold, ranging all the way from young earth creationists to atheistic evolution,” Assistant Professor of the Department of Math and Physics Dr. Timothy Heumier said. “I liked how he showed that there are gradations in between, some of which include being a Christian and being an evolutionist.”
Lamoureux has earned three doctoral degrees in biology, dentistry, and theology. According to Lamoureux, his interest in creation and evolution grew naturally over the course of his schooling.
“I had a biology background and I became a Christian. It’s one of the first questions that comes to mind—what do you do with evolution and creation?,” Lamoureux said. “As a biologist and someone interested in science, I’m reading what the scripture says in terms of creation in six days. How am I to make sense of this if I’m to be a Christian? So, it starts off very personal in terms of building my own worldview.”
Although raised in a Catholic home, Lamoureux has been on both sides of the creation-evolution spectrum. During the lecture, Lamoureux shared his personal voyage and explained how he eventually re-committed his life to the Lord.
“I thought Lamoureux’s testimony—his portrayal of his journey—was particularly riveting,” Heumier said. “It’s interesting seeing him go from one way and turning the other way.”
For some students, Lamoureux’s lecture served as affirmation for their beliefs toward creation and evolution.
“It grounded my views because I’ve felt like I’ve been a combination of believing both,” junior journalism major Sammi Sheppard said. “He just gave me more of a reason that it could be both. It’s not black or white. There are grey areas.”
Furthermore, Lamoureux shared a quote from Billy Graham stating, “Whichever way God did it makes no difference as to what man is and man’s relationship to God.”
According to Lamoureux, his goal for the lecture was to let people know that creation and evolution can co-exist.
“My major argument is if you end up believing in evolution and you see enough evidence, you don’t have to lose your faith in the Lord whatsoever,” Lamoureux said. “You can remain a born-again Christian and you can love the scriptures. There are ways of working that out.”
In concluding his lecture, Lamoureux urged people to open their hearts and to improve their understanding of both creation and evolution.
“Don’t be frightened of science,” Lamoureux said. “The deeper you dig into science, whether you do it in biology or astronomy, the more you’re going to see the magnificence of the creator’s mind pointing to the Lord.”
