Denis O Lamoureux

Young people are leaving the faith in record numbers and at a record speed. One of the reasons is the issue of origins. Many young people view Christianity as anti-scientific. They are also turned off by the evolution vs. creation debate. In a book written for high school students, Professor of Science & Religion Denis O. Lamoureux offers various ways to develop a positive and productive relationship between Christian faith and modern science. He also shares his story of losing his faith as a young person, and later returning to the Lord. His approach to origins is ideal for developing critical thinking skills and for honoring Jesus' command in Matthew 22:37: "Love the Lord your God with all your mind."

Is the Bible a book of science? Over half of Americans believe science and religion are in conflict. Theologian and scientist Denis O. Lamoureux suggests that a common assumption of biblical interpretation fuels this struggle. Many Christians think Scripture is supposed to align with science in some sort of way. This idea is known as "scientific concordism" (or simply "concordism"). But Lamoureux demonstrates that the Bible has an ancient science. During the inspiration of Scripture, the Holy Spirit came down to the level of the biblical writers and allowed them to use the science-of-the-day as a vessel for delivering life-changing, inerrant spiritual truths. Dr. Lamoureux explains how moving beyond concordism leads to a peaceful and God-honoring relationship between modern science and our Christian faith. Zoom Q&A with Denis LamoureuxRegister at: [email protected]

In this provocative book, evolutionist and evangelical Christian Denis O. Lamoureux proposes an approach to origins that moves beyond the 'evolution-versus-creation' debate. Arguing for an intimate relationship between the "Book of God's Words" and the "Book of God's Works", he presents evolutionary creation - a position that asserts that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit created the universe and life through an ordained and sustained evolutionary process. This view of origins affirms intelligent design and the belief that beauty, complexity and functionality in nature reflect the mind of God. Lamoureux also challenges the popular Christian assumption that the Holy Spirit revealed scientific and historical facts in the opening chapters of the Bible. He contends that 'Scripture features an ancient understanding of origins that functions as vessel to deliver inerrant and infallible messages of faith'. Lamoureux shares his personal story and his struggle in coming to terms with evolution and Christianity. Like many, he lost his boyhood faith at university in classes on evolutionary biology. After graduation, he experienced a born-again conversion and then embraced belief in a literal six-day creation. Graduate school training at the doctoral level in both theology and biology led him to the conclusion that God created the world through evolution. Lamoureux closes with the two most important issues in the origins controversy - the pastoral and pedagogical implications. How should churches approach this volatile topic? And what should Christians teach their children about origins?