Re: [asa] Colling Statement

An outsider speaks again. In the present context of evangelicalism and especially in the USA, teaching science in an Evangelical is frankly fraught. It is fine to have principles and say one can stand up and be counted - and lose one's job and see the college move in a YEC direction.
Ultimately a college has to look to its constituents and potential students as if they are lost so is the college. Perhaps a "political" decision was made trying to keep the situation under control and thus the decision on Colling was a sideways move to limit damage.
In many ways I don't like it, but not all Christians have absolute freedom and in difficult situations have to make the best decision to avoid collapse.
Evangelical colleges have to live with this kind of problem and those of us who are not in such a situation need to be more understanding, and possibly silently reserve judgement.
I would add that all of us have to make less than ideal decisions in certain situations and may trim our sails to make headway. Time will tell.

Michael
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Charles Carrigan
  To: asa@calvin.edu ; lfreeman@mbc.edu
  Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2007 9:55 PM
  Subject: Re: [asa] Colling Statement

  Hi Louise,

  Several have responded to this issue with a negative viewpoint toward the college and the decision made, even though I have repeatedly stated that I support the decision as an "insider". Of course everyone is free to their own opinions and insights, but I would like to urge everyone here to take caution when tempted to denounce one side or the other, when the only information you really have is that from a couple of articles, blogs, and email messages. I have tried to make the point very clear that the articles/blogs/etc. are not reporting all of the facts; I have given a few of these in previous messages. Here's another for clarification:

  It is true that Pres. Bowling asked that when the issues of biological origins are taught in general biology (the course from which Rick was removed) that they be team-taught by a biology professor and a professor from the school of religion. However, this is not an attempt to "babysit" the biology faculty, nor is it intended to send some covert message to the students that their professors cannot be trusted. What was not mentioned was that the same thing applies to the Christian Formation course (the "freshman religion course"). It is an attempt to increase communication across the disciplines both ways. Further, I see it as a tremendous benefit for the students. I would gladly welcome one of my colleagues from the school of religion to be a part of my general education courses, and I would be glad to be a part of theirs. The students have all kinds of questions in their minds about what all of this "evolution" stuff means for their faith, and what a great thing it would be for them to be able to ask a theology or science expert right on the spot during class. In one sense, it comes down to authority - the students may not believe me, the scientist, when I tell them that they don't have to believe in a literal 24-hour recent creation or that "billions of years" is compatible with their faith. But it makes a tremendous difference when their theology or bible professor tells them the same, because they see them as having more of the authority of the Church. Instead of some "covert" message of mistrust, it sends a message of community, working together on common ground.

  Best,
  Charles

  _______________________________
  Charles W. Carrigan, Ph.D.
  Assistant Professor of Geology
  Olivet Nazarene Univ., Dept. of Physical Sciences
  One University Ave.
  Bourbonnais, IL 60914
  PH: (815) 939-5346
  FX: (815) 939-5071
  ccarriga@olivet.edu
  http://geology.olivet.edu/

  "To a naturalist nothing is indifferent;
  the humble moss that creeps upon the stone
  is equally interesting as the lofty pine which so beautifully adorns the valley or the mountain:
  but to a naturalist who is reading in the face of the rocks the annals of a former world,
  the mossy covering which obstructs his view,
  and renders indistinguishable the different species of stone,
  is no less than a serious subject of regret."
            - James Hutton
  _______________________________

>>> "Freeman, Louise Margaret" <lfreeman@mbc.edu> 9/18/2007 7:44 AM >>>
  Dr. Colling has apparently posted another statement on a different blog, adding one fact that I
  had not known earlier. Apparently the president is also requireing that a religion professor be
  present in biology classes during the evolution lectures. So, the affects there, at least, are not
  limited to Colling.

  It seems to me to be a horrible covert messge to the students. Here is your professor, whom
  whe have trusted to teach you on this important subject, biology. Your professor is a
  distinguished professional, and a respected authority on the subject. Except when it comes to
  evolution, we're requiring a babysitter from another discipline.

  http://www.energionpubs.com/wordpress/?p=900

  __
  Louise M. Freeman, PhD
  Psychology Dept
  Mary Baldwin College
  Staunton, VA 24401
  540-887-7326
  FAX 540-887-7121

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Received on Tue Sep 18 17:29:28 2007