As guests left a presentation by evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, Ph.D., on Feb. 17, students and supporters of Ablaze, a campus Christian organization, handed them flyers to “The Fact of God: A bold Response to Dawkins and the New Atheism.”
The event is a speech by Paul Copan, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, at Palm Beach Atlantic University in response to Dawkins’ presentation.
Krista Owens, senior business administration major and founding president of Ablaze, said the organization was not protesting Dawkins’ speech. She said they were offering another perspective.
“All we are doing is creating another event so that students can understand both sides of the controversial issue,” she said. “In college, so many students soak up what they’re being told and we think it’s only fair to have both sides offered to them, so that they can make their own opinion.”
Robin Sherman, Ph.D., associate director of the Division of Math, Science and Technology, which invited Dawkins to campus, said, “they are absolutely more than welcome to have that conversation.”
She said that the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences invited Dawkins to speak in correlation to Farquhar’s 2011 theme of identity. Dawkins’ speech was also a part of the college’s Distinguished Speaker Series, which invites prominent leaders in their fields to campus each year.
“He has literally and figuratively written the book on evolutionary biology. As scientists, [we consider] genes and evolutionary biology as the basis of identity,” she said.
Rayehanna Salkei, freshman biology major, said, “I think it’s a good idea to present the two sides of such a big topic because people have different opinions on it. And it’s only fair for students to get to voice their opinions.”
Noemi Bermudez, sophomore biology major and Ablaze treasurer, said the organization also hopes to show Christian students that they can learn about evolution and science while keeping their faith. Members of Ablaze also attended Dawkins’ presentation.
“We wanted to show that you don’t have to pick one or the other. We wanted to show that you can come to college and not have that conflict with your faith,” said Bermudez.
Ablaze’s event will take place on Feb. 24. at 5 p.m. in the Performance Theater of the Don Taft University Center.
