Talks Continue

Tonight, Wednesday

At Church Of God

By RICH JONES

Assistant Managing Editor

Those who attended a "Creation Seminar" here on Monday evening heard an experienced chemist provide a case for the origin of life that defies the evolution theories popular among many of his peers in the scientific community.

Dr. Alan White, of Kingsport, spoke during the second day of a four-day forum at the First Church of God billed as being designed both for believers in the Bible's account of Creation and for non-believers.

His lecture was titled, "What Does Science Reveal About the Origin of Life?"

White, who holds a doctorate in organic chemistry from Harvard University, gave an hour-long talk in which he started by saying that, when it comes to discussion of evolution versus creation, "everyone has a bias," but that it takes faith to believe either theory.

A research fellow at Eastman Chemical Company for 27 years, White holds 39 U.S. patents and is an author of 18 scientific publications.

In his talk, White made his case for a created universe -- rather than one that somehow evolved naturally without creator or design -- by using examples relating to the complexity of a single cell, or amoeba.

"Complexity does not happen by chance over a long period of time," he said. "Greater complexity is only seen when energy and intelligence are combined."

White went on to say that all steps in evolution theories are "highly unlikely" over a long period of time.

Six Days Of Creation

Conversely, White stated that, in his view, the traditional biblical description of six days of creation makes sense in a scientific context, starting with Earth, space, time and light being created first, with God as the Creator, or cause.

Noting that the Earth's surface was first covered with water, and still is very substantially covered by water, he said that evolutionists in the scientific field have trouble explaining how such vast quantities of water got to the Earth.

Further, he contended that, "In evolution we have no transitional forms between one species and another."

White stated that three of the best evidences for God, and design, or Creation, are:

* the existence of the unlikely or unexpected;

* the evidence of purpose;

* complexity.

As for evolution, the scientific case "is weak," and often shifting, Wright said.

He concluded his talk to the approximately 125 persons in attendance by saying that, "I believe God left His handprint on us."

Dr. Gerald Rudd, senior pastor at First Church of God, provided the introduction for White and offered the opening prayer.

Two More Speakers

The "Creation Seminar" continues at 6:30 p.m. tonight with, "The Development and Complexity of Living Organisms," with the featured speaker being Dr. James Denton.

Dr. Denton earned his medical degree in vascular surgery from the University of Pennsylvania and currently practices in Abingdon, Va.

According to informational material about the seminar, the complexity of the human body has convinced Denton that evolution of such a complex body by random, natural evolution is impossible.

The seminar will conclude with a talk at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday on "The Mystery of Ancient Man" by James Gardner, a former business executive and a lecturer for the Institute for Creation Research and "Answers In Genesis."

Gardner is described as having sold his business and entered full-time ministry at age 43. His missionary travels have included Europe, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

He is the founder and CEO of Canopy Ministries.

Doors will open one hour before each seminar. Books and videos for educators and parents are available for sale in the lobby.