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Is our universe, and all that it contains the end result of a master plan by a higher power? Or do we exist by pure happenstance, and the progressive evolution of simple cells? Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution has long been the widely accepted version of our creation in scientific circles, but the possibility of Intelligent Design is gaining more national exposure than ever before. The debate between the two is not new; it boils down to God vs. Evolution.
Wikipedia.com defines Intelligent Design (ID) as the concept that "certain features of the universe and of living things are best explained by an intelligent cause, not an undirected process such as natural selection." Opponents of the design theory contest that ID is not in fact a theory since it cannot be tested with tangible results. Proponents of the theory say that the evidence in their favor overwhelmingly supports their views.
The question of Intelligent Design will be debated in an open forum on Wednesday,
Feb. 15 from 1-3 p.m. in the Library Conference Center 105C at Indiana University
Northwest, Gary, IN. The debate will feature Joanne Scalzitti, Ph.D., assistant
professor of biology at IU Northwest, and Bryan O’Neal, assistant professor
of theology at Moody Bible College in Chicago, and a Ph.D. candidate in philosophy
at Purdue University. Moderator will be Dr. Stephanie Shanks-Meile, professor
of sociology and adjunct professor of women’s studies at IU Northwest. Each
speaker will be allotted 20 minutes to present their viewpoint, after which
the moderator will ask prepared questions of both speakers. Questions will
then be taken from the audience for either or both speakers. Each will then
have five minutes for rebuttal and conclusion.
The debate is free and open to the public and refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact Bob Mucci at 980-6607 or email rmucci@iun.edu.
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