The release of a new project has christian ministries on The University of Memphis campus working together to create a forum that increases awareness about the formation of the Earth.
"We find that when you look at the universe, there seems to be some print of a god or creator," said Brenda Kindelan, Catholic campus minister. "Through a forum about the 'privileged planet,' we will be able to reveal these imprints."
"The Privileged Planet" is a book and film project written and produced by two scientists, Dr. Guillermo Gonzalez, physicist at Iowa State University, and Dr. Jay Richards with the Acton Institute in Seattle, said Tim Stafford, director of Tigers for Christ.
"The project looks at astronomical discoveries made over the last 20 or so years and presents a case for design and purpose in the universe," Stafford said.
The forum will be held at the Rose Theatre on Monday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. and will include a video presentation of the feature-length film, followed by a question and answer session with the authors of the book, according to Kindelan.
"The forum is extraordinary not only because of the nature of the event, but also because it is the first time in recent history that christian ministries at The U of M collaborated together on a common project to this extent," Stafford said. "Tigers for Christ is involved, as well as Momentum, the Baptist Collegiate Ministries, the Wesley Foundation, the Catholic Center, Chi Alpha and others may very well be getting on board before the event."
However, students like Stephon Clay believe that this collaboration is nothing more than a recipe for disaster.
"I personally think it'll start a riot because these different christian organizations are coming together to draw people in, but then what happens when they split?" said the freshman international business major. "They will want these same people (whom they invited) to follow their organizations, which will cause even more conflict than there ever was before."
Micah Austria, junior pre-pharmacy major, said too much religious involvement could bring on emotion from people.
"No one's going to change their minds about their beliefs of how the universe was created," he said. "The forum will probably attract others who don't believe in God, but the Big Bang Theory instead, and they will attend the event just to contradict the speakers. Basically, everyone will knock each other's views."
Austria said religious forums are like political debates, in which you have democrats and republicans at odds with one another, and it will be difficult to reach a middle ground.
While Jonathan Crutcher said he agrees with Austria's perspective, he also understands the significance of such a forum.
"It gives people hope that there is a higher power that contributed to creation," said the sophomore criminal justice major. "Science attempts to prove everything, but it's not all that simple. It's something very complex."
Other students, like Stephen Driscoll and Vasheta Smith said that "The Privileged Planet" forum will be a learning experience for all people, religious or not.
"When you're in college, you have to be open-minded in order to listen to others' opinions," said Driscoll, sophomore marketing major. "College is a place where you come with questions and find answers."
Smith said she questions the tolerance of a forum about creation, but definitely supports the event.
"I don't know how receptive students will be to the forum, being that this type of society is driven by what you can see, but Christians are driven by faith," said the junior biology major. "So, I think it will be great for others to be introduced to an idea that involves faith, rather than sight."
