ISCAST (NSW) - CASE Lecture*
Genetics, Evolution and Christian Faith
Date: Thursday, 17 Sep 2009 at 7:30 pm
Speaker: Dr Graeme Finlay, University of Auckland
Venue: Common Room, New College, at the University of NSW
Cost (on entry): $15 (or $10 concession for pensioners or students)

A light supper will follow the lecture and discussion. Though not essential, an RSVP to Peter Barry by email at p.barry@unsw.edu.au (mob.phone: 0419 243 685) would be appreciated.

Dr. Finlay, a Senior Lecturer in General Pathology in the Dept of Molecular Medicine and Pathology at the University of Auckland, is one of the invited speakers at the coming COSAC 2009, Conference on Science and Christianity from Sep 18-20 in Geelong.

He is a committed evangelical Christian keenly interested in the relationship of science and the Christian faith. He has already written three booklets on this topic published in 2004 by Telos Books (Auckland) with the titles: 'Evolving Creation' 46pp. ISBN 0-476-00650-3; 'God's Books: Genetics and Genesis' 75pp. ISBN 0-476-00651-1; 'A Seamless Web: Science and Faith'. 59pp. ISBN 0-476-00816-6. In addition, in 2006 he gave an invited lecture in Emmanuel College at the University of Cambridge on ‘Human Genetics and the Image of God’.

Parking is available on nearby suburban streets or in the multi-story car park near UNSW Gate 14 on Barker Street (enter at Gate 14, turn right at T-junction and drive straight into the car park., but please do not park in reserved spots). 

For further information, contact either Prof. Peter Barry by email at p.barry@unsw.edu.au (mob. phone: 0419 243 685) or Dr Lewis Jones at lewis.jones@reap.asn.au (mob. phone: 0418 605 687) .

Abstract: The burgeoning science of comparative genomics is revealing how the human genome was assembled.  New genes form over evolutionary time as a result of the operation of familiar genetic processes.  These same processes are encountered today in the study of genetic diseases.  The operation of random or contingent events during human evolution must be integrated with the biblical perspective that God has a purpose and goal for creation.

These issues may be addressed by appreciating that evolution is biological history, and that this biological history shares features of the human history described in Scripture.  In these histories, inanimate matter and conscious human beings have been granted freedom by God, who has committed Himself to creation to redeem and transform it.  God works through this free process to bring creation to its purposed end.  Thus the happenstance inherent in both evolution and human history is integral to the covenantal relationship by which God will establish the new creation.

*Sponsored by ISCAST: Christians in Science & Technology and CASE: Centre for Apologetic Scholarship and Education (at New College, UNSW)