Wilmore, Ky. (April 15, 2013) Do science and the Bible contradict each other? Are contemporary astro-physical developments supportive of or hostile to faith? How do Christians reconcile the idea of an ancient universe with Scripture? Dr. Hugh Ross will dialog concerning his perspective on these critical and timely issues at Asbury Theological Seminary on April 23, 2013.

Dr. Hugh Ross, an astronomer and President of Reasons to Believe, is one of the leading evangelical voices calling for the integration of faith and science, and the use of contemporary science to advance the gospel and impact the culture for Christ.

Ross will speak to the Seminary community in Estes Chapel at 11:00 a.m. on “Cosmic Reasons to Believe in Christ”, followed by a talk-back session in the student center, Cordelia Thomas Dining Room A&B.  At 3:30 he will give a lecture entitled “Genesis and Science: Enemies or Allies?” in Beeson Center Room 157.

At age 17, Ross became the youngest person ever to serve as director of observations for Vancouver’s Royal Astronomical Society. He has an undergraduate degree in physics from the University of British Columbia, and graduate degrees in astronomy from the University of Toronto. He then completed post-doctoral studies at Caltech, where he researched quasi-stellar objects, or “quasars,” some of the most distant and ancient objects in the universe.

His study of world religions and “holy books” led him to discover that only one book proved scientifically and historically accurate:  the Bible.  Starting at religious “ground zero”, Ross says his faith journey is based on scientific and historical reality-testing, and is surprised that many people believe or disbelieve without ever checking the evidence.

Asbury Seminary Provost Doug Matthews says the Seminary is looking forward to interacting with Dr. Ross concerning his perspective, and reflecting with him on differences and synergies between his views and Wesleyan approaches to faith, science and biblical interpretation.

“Hugh Ross is one of the leading evangelical scholars today addressing faith, science, creation and apologetic issues. This will be a great opportunity to hear Dr. Ross present scientific discoveries that have sparked faith and science dialog in the church and academy while influencing thousands to follow Christ, ” said Matthews.

Dr. Craig Keener, professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary, says, “Dr. Ross intriguingly challenges the long-standing divide between faith and reason and between the Bible and science by addressing the relevant, cutting-edge questions of our day. Expect to find your mind challenged, your faith encouraged, and your ability to witness strengthened….”

Dr. Ross recently received the Trotter Prize from Texas A&M university (2012), joining the list of distinguished recipients that include: Nobel Prize winners Francis Crick, Stephen Weinberg, and Charles Townes; John Polkinghorne (Templeton Prize); Francis Collins (the leader of the Human Genome Project); and the world renowned originator of the inflationary universe theory, Alan Guth. Ross delivered the 2012 Trotter Lecture, which “seeks to reveal connections between science and religion, often viewed in academia as non-overlapping, if not rival, worldviews.”

Dr. Ross regularly interacts with evangelical and world-class scientists and organizations, and has debated Lewis Wolpert (Royal Society and the University of London), Michael Shermer (Publisher of Skeptic Magazine), Jerry Coyne (U. of Chicago atheist), Victor Stenger (particle physicist and atheist), and Peter Ward (U. of Chicago paleontologist).

For more information contact Jo Brosius at 859.858.2309 or jo.brosius@asburyseminary.edu.

About Asbury Theological Seminary:                                                                

With multiple campuses, Asbury Theological Seminary is an interdenominational graduate school of theology committed to teaching the unchanging truth of historic Wesleyan Christianity through the most dynamic means available. Asbury Seminary offers a variety of degrees, including the Master of Arts, Master of Divinity, Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry and Doctor of Philosophy. Total current enrollment nears 1,600 students, representing 91 denominations and 44 countries. For more information, please visit asburyseminary.edu.