Are human beings and the rest of nature the result of purposeful design or undirected matter and energy?

During the last decade, high-profile “new atheists” such as Richard Dawkins and Daniel Dennett have asserted that modern science proves materialism, while in 2010 renowned physicist Stephen Hawking published an article in the Wall Street Journal proclaiming “Why God Did Not Create the Universe.” Even those who reject materialism increasingly seem willing to concede that science depends on “methodological materialism” in order to flourish. Yet what is the actual scientific evidence for a materialist worldview? Does materialism help or hinder the operation of good science? And what impact has materialism had on culture, including Biblical studies and theology? Explore these vital questions and more at the second annual Westminster Conference on Science and Faith to be held April 8-9, 2011 at Westminster Theological Seminary.

Conference sessions will examine the conflicting worldviews of theism and materialism; the widespread impact of materialism on science, ethics, society, Biblical studies and theology; the latest scientific evidence against materialism and for intelligent design in biology and cosmology; and the positive implications of modern science for theism.

Speakers:

From Westminster:
Rev. Dr. Vern Poythress, professor of New Testament interpretation
Rev. Dr. K. Scott Oliphint, professor of apologetics and systematic theology
Rev. Dr. Peter Lillback, President of the seminary, and professor of historical theology
Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Jue, associate professor of church history
Rev. Dr. Brandon Crowe, lecturer in New Testament

From the Discovery Institute:
Dr. John West, social scientist, author of Darwin Day in America
Dr. Guillermo Gonzales, co-author of The Priviledged Plant
Dr. Jonathan Wells, molecular and cell biologist, co-author of The Design of Life
Dr. Paul Nelson, philosopher of biology
Dr. Jay Richards, editor of God and Evolution