In July 2006, my wife and I traveled to Oxford
England where I was invited to engage in discussions with other
educators on the topic of Intelligent Design and Evolution at
an Oxford Round Table held at the Oxford University. The week-long
experience was a time of sharing, listening to presentations,
and doing a presentation. I shared information with the educators
that students who have Biblical teachings and who believe in the
Intelligent Designer are just as successful as others and should
not be ridiculed or punished for their beliefs. The full manuscript
was one of thirteen that were peer reviewed and subsequently published
in the Journal of Public Policy Volume 2, Number 4, 2007. The
response by many of the other participants at the Round Table
was overwhelmingly negative as we discussed my presentation for
more than 40 minutes. Much of the time the questions and comments
were pointed and many times personal with the moderator stepping
in several times to divert the questioner. Several of the questioners
apologized the next day for the negative sounding questions saying
they had not meant a personal attack, and we were able to talk
and discuss other points throughout the week.
Since our time at Oxford, many in the group have
attempted to publish a common belief statement that acknowledges
different views on origins and the values involved in each position
and encouraging tolerance for these different world views. The
effort to get this statement accepted by the group was stopped
by one very vocal professor of biology and outspoken supporter
of the evolutionary theory. Many of the professors were more than
willing to accept the value of students who hold creationists
viewpoints, but, again, just a limited few (one) were able to
shut down this effort and belittled other evolutionists who were
willing to show tolerance toward creationists' ideas.
While in England, I was also able to do creation
presentations for two congregations of the Lord's church. Unlike
the church in much of America, the church in England is very weak,
with the city of Oxford having only about eight New Testament
Christians. The church at Wembley Park, north of London, has about
60 in attendance with about 45 present at the Wednesday night
Bible class. I taught the Bible class on science's support of
creation, and we continued discussions after dismissal for more
than an hour. We then went to Bristol in western England where
we held a Friday, Saturday, Sunday workshop on creation/evolution.
The church there, being about 75 in number, was very supportive
and interested in the topic, and we enjoyed our time with them
greatly. In follow up discussions with Jason Sneathen, one of
the ministers, the congregation has requested additional studies
in Christian evidences. I feel our time with the brethren in England
has encouraged them and certainly strengthened my determination
to help the church there.
From the time of that first trip, it was my intention
to make additional missionary trips to England in the future to
teach Christian evidences. Little did I know that the Lord would
give me the opportunity so soon. Late in November, I received
a second invitation to attend another Oxford Round Table. This
Oxford Round Table will focus on "Religion and Science: Consideration
of the Public Good." I believe that, as a member of the Lord's
church and a scientist, there could be many beneficial ways this
experience would help in service to the Lord.
I have decided to accept this opportunity and
to set up as many preaching opportunities for the Lord's church
as possible during this visit. I covet the prayers of interested
congregations and individual Christians. I will be raising support
for my expenses for this missionary effort. Any congregation or
individual interested in supporting this effort financially can
send contributions earmarked for the Oxford Round Table to the
Belington Church of Christ, PO Box 444, Belington, WV 26250. These
funds will be under the oversight of the eldership here. If there
are any other questions, you can call 823-1459 or 823-2776.