Ka Leo O Hawaii

Issue date: 12/5/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Courtesy of Victor Stenger Stenger

Has science refuted God? A panel of University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa faculty who believe in the existence of God will discuss this controversial topic with prominent atheist and former UH professor Dr. Victor Stenger tonight at 7 in the Campus Center Ballroom.

Stenger was a physics professor at UH until 2000, when he retired to Colorado. He is now an adjunct professor of philosophy at the University of Colorado.

Stenger has written seven books. His last, "God: The Failed Hypothesis. How Science Shows That God Does Not Exist," made the New York Times bestseller list last March.

The panel features UH astronomy professors Robert Joseph and Alan Stockton, genetics professor David Haymer and visiting architecture professor Marga Jann.

Stenger hopes his participation in this panel will "contribute in some small way to people thinking critically about everything others tell them and not just accepting most preposterous claims because of tradition or authority."

Stockton disagrees with Stenger's views.

"Science is only one way of knowing about the world we find ourselves in," Stockton said. "Contrary to Dr. Stenger's assumption, I feel that it is a rather blunt and ineffective instrument in attempting to discern matters of purpose and meaning in life. I would hope that those of us on the panel can articulate this view in a way that would get across to the audience."

Haymer joined the panel because he feels that "scientists should not be afraid of discussing religious points of view." He hopes to "give people some things to think about."

The event is sponsored by Waterhouse Lecture Series and Youth for Christ. Youth for Christ invited Stenger in 2003 to participate in "The Great Debate" on the existence of God with philosopher-theologian William Lane Craig. The debate was followed by a panel discussion with UH professors on who they believe won the debate.

Youth for Christ decided to do a panel format this time rather than a debate because "the panel format shows that thinking people can discuss controversial issues in a productive and meaningful way," said Keli'i Akina, executive director of Youth for Christ. "It prevents the event from being a shouting match," he added.

The panel discussion will be followed by a question-and-answer session. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 946-1300.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools