Does science destroy Christianity? (lecture with audience Q&A)
- Mar 27, 2012 · 6:30 PM
Note: Please help promote this event by telling all your friends. You can give them this Facebook link (no need to be a Facebook user to see it):
http://www.facebook.com/events/308658289199113/
###########################
Admission price: Free
Date: Tue. [masked]
Time: 6:30-7:30 pm
Place: Downtown Portland Central Library, U.S. Bank Room
Topic: Bernie Dehler presents an original lecture called "How science destroys Christianity." The lecture is followed by a critique from a Christian, retired biology professor David V. McCorkle (Western Oregon University).
There will also be time for audience Q&A. The moderator of the event is Justin Gray (a graduate of Canby Bible College).
Event Outline:
6:30 - 7:00 PM: Bernie's lecture
7:00 - 7:15 PM: Prof. David V. McCorkle's critique/rebuttal (feedback part 1 of 2)
7:15 - 7:30 PM: Audience Q&A (feedback part 2 of 2)
................ More info on participants .....................
Bernie Dehler (former evangelical Christian, now Secular Humanist (polyatheist))
Organizer for three meetup.com community groups: Westside Science and Religion Discussion Group, Vancouver Science and Religion Discussion Group, and Natural Spirituality
Education: B.S.E.E.T., Oregon Institute of Technology 1984; Masters in Ministry, Luther Rice University, 2007
Experience: Computer chip designer. A born-again evangelical Christian for over 20 years, and left belief in God in 2009. Moderator and polyatheist presenter at many local religious debates and discussions. See Bernie's YouTube channel for these free debate videos:
http://tinyurl.com/68uzrpk
David McCorkle, Ph.D.:
Biology Professor Emeritus, Western Oregon University
B.S., 1956, Seattle Pacific University
M.S., 1959, Ph.D. 1967, Univ. of Washington
Justin Gray:
Graduate of Canby Bible College. Raised in a non-Christian home, he came to faith at age 13. Active in church staff as a youth leader. Organizer of Canby Bible College's first Christian/atheist debate.
...........................................................
A blog article for the event, at Oregonlive.com:
http://blog.oregonlive.com/my-portland/2012/02/science_vs_god_at_downtown_por_1.html
-
Seth C.
March 30, 2012
-
Steve T.
Informative, although a little bit of apples vs. hammers. Bernie's topic seemed to vacillate between Science destroying Christianity and science destroying God; two very different topics in my mind. (Too many people confuse religion with God.)
The other gentleman didn't really address Christianity, but used physics to help prove eternity. Although I'm an armchair physicist, his arguments didn't seem to connect the dots. Neither presentation seemed a counterpoint to the other, thus apples/hammers. But over all I enjoyed the discussion, the comments, and will return for more meetings.
Thank you for taking the time and effort to organize this.
March 29, 2012
-
John H.
Could have been better if each speaker stuck to two or three main points and spoke without notes. Reading a long list of complex ideas with obscure terms is not the best way to connect with the audience.
March 29, 2012
-
A former member
Bernie gave great talking points in his presentation! I enjoyed conversing with the Christian presenter and I enjoined his animated manner during his presentation. I also enjoined talking to the others I talked to. I had a great time.
March 28, 2012
-
Che Y.
I don't know what the last sentence in your last comment means, but it probably doesn't matter. Have a good time in Church Thomas, because I totally agree that most "atheist" communities aren't "communities" at all.
March 27, 2012
-
Che Y.
I'll keep this in mind the next time I comment. I usually don't check this site but every few days and didn't think it a big deal. Four days didn't seem like long to me. But, I see your point.
March 27, 2012
-
Che Y.
Wow! I didn't notice the arrogance that Thomas displayed in his command and seeming demand that I respond to his inquires. Sorry Thomas, had I known it was so important that I get back to you in a timely manner I would have waited longer. Laura, a sincere thank you for your curiosity. I look forward to meeting you and having discussions.
March 26, 2012
-
Che Y.
There is a positive however; I have been finding it easier to get a grip on my emotions in these conversations and have been having some fun, cordial, talks with people I don't agree with.
Thanks guys for your curiosity. I hope to see some of you soon. (I couldn't get the time off for this Tuesday unfortunately)
March 25, 2012
-
Che Y.
Sorry guys. I haven't been available for a while. I think my idea was just a flash in the pan. I was going to try out being a Christian but I just can't do it. I can't even pretend to get back into that frame of mind. I tried having conversations with Christians on some type of common ground but I can't even get passed the first few sentences without having to say "Wait, that's not quite right".
March 25, 2012
-
-
Bernie D.
RE: Laura said:
"Bernie, it looks like you may need a few more of us "Christian types""Thanks- and bring as many friends as you can with you. And ask me a tough question at the event!
March 24, 2012
-
Laura
Wow, Che, I echo Gavin's comments as to being curious as to the change in your worldview from atheism to Christianity. We look forward to hearing your story and hope that you are able to fill us in on Tuesday if your work schedule allows. By the way, Gavin, as an attender of the church that you mentioned, I've observed that the fellowship there does seem to be quite committed to fulfilling that mission statement, even though it is quite a mouthful!
March 24, 2012
-
Bernie D.
New blog article on this event:
http://blog.oregonlive.com/my-portland/2012/03/debate_about_science_and_chris.htmlMarch 22, 2012
-
Che Y.
I'd like to attend this. But I might have to work. It will be interesting to attend now as a Christian instead of an atheist.
March 20, 2012
-
-
Bernie D.
Something to think about: When a tornado destroys a church, is it an 'act of God,' an 'act of the Devil,' or just plain nature? http://stlouisreview.com/article/2012-03-01/tornado-destroys
March 5, 2012
Help support your Meetup
Chip inWe're about:
Our Sponsors
-
Philosophical Naturalists
There's no God; so then, what is there? We explore life's big questions.
-
Vancouver Science & Religion Discussion
Join the free Vancouver Science & Religion Discussion Group
-
Booklet: Science Destroys Christianity
Learn how "scientific thinking" destroys "magical thinking."
-
Local Christian/Atheist YouTube Debates
Free online videos of local atheist/Christian debates & related videos.
People in this
Meetup are also in:
-
CFI Portland Meetup Group
1,305 Secular Humanists
-
Pagans of Portlandia
1,785 Pagans
-
Highly Sensitive People of Portland, OR
2,768 Sensitive People
-
Inner Engineering Portland (Isha Yoga & Meditation Classes)
918 Meditators
-
Authentic Portland
2,721 Members
-
Meaningful Discussions in Portland
576 Members
This topic is so heavy that there should have been more time dedicated to it. I feel like both speakers were very rushed and could have developed their ideas more if given more time. Otherwise it was pretty fun.