China: Pastors and Teachers Participated in Creationism, Faith and Science Conference

August 14, 2007 Kunming, China

Ninety delegates representing schools from elementary to tertiary levels with pastors from Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong gathered together in the Kai Wah Plaza International Hotel in Kunming, Yunnan, China for the 1st International Conference on Creation, Faith and Science Conference from August 13th to 17th, 2007 sponsored by the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD). A special delegate, Dr Hudson Kibuuka, Education Director from the East Central Africa Division (ECD) also came to participate in this Conference. The Conference was jointly sponsored by the Education and Ministerial departments, and the Geo-science Research Institute of NSD.

 

The Conference Coordinator, Dr Phoon Chek Yat who also serves as NSD Education Director said “The main purpose of the conference is to re-emphasize the place of Creationism as a scientific proposition for the origin of the world.   All educators and pastors can dialogue on how this important view can be inculcate in all schools and churches for the young people so that they can have faith in the science of Creationism.” 

 

During the first day of the Conference, Dr Jim Gibson, General Conference Geo-science Research Institute (GCGRI) Director, presented two lectures:  “When Faith and Reason are in Tension”, and “God and Nature:  A Biblical Approach to Origins.”   In these lectures, the participants were already challenged to have appropriate answers to the question of Creationism as a scientific proposition.

 

Dr Timothy Standish, another scientist from the GCGRI and Dr Miguel Luna, NSD Ministerial Secretary will present lectures together with Dr Gibson in the next few days.  Elder Upson, NSD treasurer, and Dr Eugene Hsu, GC vice-president will provide the devotionals in the next few days too.  In order that the Conference is not only theoretical but “hands-on”, a special field trip study tour on a geological site will be lead out by Dr John Choi, Chong Geol, NSDGRI director on Wednesday, August 15^th.

 

The second day, August 14^th, 2007, of the Creationism, Faith and Science Conference at Kunming, Yunnan Province, China, was another exciting learning experience for the 90 science teachers, educational administrators and pastors.  Elder Don Upson, NSD treasurer, started the day with the challenge and a call for recommitment for all to serve God and follow His plan for their lives.

 

The presentation of Dr Jim Gibson, GCGRI Director entitled:  “Issues in Biology and Creation” and “A Creationist View of Diversification and Change in Species” brought out many questions on integration and tension of science and biblical faith.  Dr Timothy Standish, GCGRI research scientist, presentation entitled, “Bits and Particles:  Information and Machines Sufficient to infer an Intelligent Designer” which uses the example of the endothelin-1, a vasoconstrictor, also brought out interesting questions from the participants.

 

In the afternoon, Dr John Choi, Chong Geol, NSDGRI director, gave an introduction on the geological site which the group will visit on August 15^th.  The day concluded with an hour of discussion on the issues presented in the last two days and all participants have felt very rewarded.