AJ Takes His First Train Ride

Snow Day in Fort Worth, Texas

University of Dallas: Lecture on Evolution

I was among the 125+ members of the audience last night, and this was a marvelous conversation. I know that this lecture was part of a series, so my thanks to both the University of Dallas and the Dallas Morning News for their ongoing cooperation in presenting theological perspectives on contemporary issues!

Although all of the panelists did a fine job contributing from their various perspectives, one speaker – Jim McGill – stole the show. An erudite scholar, he was insightful and articulate, moving from a calm, careful exposition of the issues to a passionate, inspiring challenge about new models of theological imagination. Well done!

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Here's a press release with particulars:

The University of Dallas School of Ministry will present a panel discussion titled "Evolution and Creationism: Scientific and Religious Perspectives" on Tuesday, March 11, 2008, at 7 p.m. in Lynch Auditorium on the University's campus (1845 E. Northgate Dr., Irving).

The panel discussion will be moderated by Jeffrey Weiss, metro reporter at the Dallas Morning News.

Weiss will be joined by several educators in the community. Panelists and the topics they will address include:

• Marcy Brown-Marsden: Evolution as a Unifying Scientific Concept
Brown-Marsden is a nationally-recognized biologist and is Associate Professor and Chair of the Biology department at University of Dallas. She holds a Ph.D. in biology from Purdue University.

• Kevin Fischer: Evolution, The Foundation of Science Education
A science educator for 29 years, Fischer is Lewisville ISD's Secondary Science Coordinator. He has served on the committee that wrote the Biology Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and currently serves on the committee that is revising the Biology TEKS.

• James McGill: From Chaos to Cosmos - Biblical Accounts of Creation
McGill is a specialist in scripture. He is an instructor for the Catholic Biblical School in the University of Dallas School of Ministry. Before coming to University of Dallas, he served as an instructor at the Greco Institute in Shreveport, La.

• Matthew Ogilvie: Catholic Teaching on Evolution
Ogilvie is Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology in the School of Ministry and Director of the Philosophy & Letters program at University of Dallas. He has a research interest in the relationship of religion and evolutionary theory and teaches a course in science and theology at University of Dallas. He holds a Ph.D. in systematic theology from the University of Sydney, Australia.

This panel is open to the public, though it is of special interest to students, educators and those interested in the teaching of evolution in Texas.

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Special Thanks to:

Ms. Jennifer Massicci
Ms. Bertha Escarzaga
Dr. Brian Schmisek, Dean of the School of Ministry
Dr. Frank Lazarus, President of the University of Dallas


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AJ and Grandpa Feed the Horses!