Dawkins’ GodDelusion Divorced American Proverbs Not Promises
Dawkins’ God DelusionDivorced AmericanProverbs Not Promises
02WHAT’S NEWBIOLA CONNECTIONS SPRING ’07CONTENTSReflections onLeaving BiolaFEATURESIremember hearing a sermon years ago by Haddon Robinson,one of the great preachers of our generation. In hisintroduction, he referred to Anton Chechov’s play The CherryOrchard, which makes the point that the great tragedy of life isnot that men or women get cut down in the prime of life, but that men andwomen grow old and they grow old for nothing. When they die, hardlyanyone notices that they are gone.I don’t think anyone wants this to happen to him or her. We are allinterested in making a difference with our lives. We want to leave a legacyfrom which others will benefit.As I leave this position, I have often been asked what my legacy willbe. This is a very difficult question, as how can one really know? It is aquestion best left for others to answer.However, if you asked me to name one accomplishment for which Iwould like to be remembered, it would be that, on my watch, Biola did notcompromise its spiritual commitment — that we have stayed true to thefundamentals of the Word of God, upon which Biola was founded.Some have felt that in order for a Christian university to get academicrespectability, you have to sacrifice, or downplay, your original mission.Yet, Biola has debunked that supposition. I feel that Biola has never beenmore respected academically, as evidenced last year by our reaccreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges forthe maximum 10 years. We were also re-accredited for the maximumlength by the Association of Theological Schools (10 years) and theAmerican Psychological Association (seven years).While this has happened on my watch, it has been because of thehundreds of committed, competent and professional men and womenwho make up Biola. To them I give my thanks and love.I close my time at Biola with words from Psalm 78:72: “Godpresented David to His people as their shepherd, and he cared for themwith a true heart and skillful hands.” My tenure has been all about God. Heis the One Who presented me to Biola, and I trust that I have cared forthose in my charge with a true heart and skillful hands.When I was appointed as president in 1982, the former president,Dr. Samuel Sutherland, said to me, “I think that Biola’s best days areahead.” To the Biola community 25 years later, I would say the same. MayGod continue to bless you.CPresident10Who Do You Trust?With integrity in short supply, how can wechoose trustworthy leaders?By Holly Pivec18Worship Leaders CanCloud Our Understandingof God’s PresenceBy Daniel Radmacher
BIOLA CONNECTIONS SPRING ’0703A Tribute to06. READER MAILYou tell us.07. ASK AN EXPERTDr. Doug Geivett critiques The God Delusion.08. BIOLA BULLETINBiolans create documentary on divorce, alumnusmakes historical discovery, and more.AROUND CAMPUS20.21.22.24.25.26.Student LifeIn PrintAthleticsContinuing EdFaculty ProfileDevelopmentAROUND THE WORLD28.30.31.32.33.Misc.Alumni FilesAlumni NewsWhere Are They Now?Biolans Up ClosePresident & Mrs. CookPhotographs and mementos from the Cooks’ 50 yearstogether and 25 years of faithful service as President andFirst Lady of Biola University will be featured in the Biola34. NEWS & NOTESUniversity Art Gallery during the months of May and June.Find out what old (and young) friends are up to!39. IN CONTEXTDr. James Mohler shows what Proverbs offers parents.Cover illustration: Robin KachantonesBiola Connections is published quarterly by Biola University’s Integrated Marketing Communications departmentand is sent to alumni, parents, supporters and friends of the University. Biola’s mission is biblically centerededucation, scholarship and service – equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world forthe Lord Jesus Christ.Send correspondence to: Biola Connections, 13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, CA 90639-0001, e-mailconnections@biola.edu or call (562) 906-4516. For address changes, e-mail alumni@biola.edu or callConstituency Records at (562) 903-4774.Staff: Editor in Chief, Rob Westervelt; Managing Editor, Holly Pivec; Design, Dwayne Cogdill / CognitionDesign; Copy Editor, Amy Leonhardt (’01); Editorial Board: Rick Bee (’79, M.A. ’90, Ph.D. ’01), DwayneCogdill, Adam Morris (’90, M.A. ’97, Ph.D. ’02), Irene Neller, Holly (Peters, ’99, M.A. ’05) Pivec, RobWestervelt (M.A. ’97), Wesley K. Willmer‘25 Years of Faithful Service’ ExhibitMay 3 — June 29Opening Reception: May 3, 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.Gallery Hours:Monday — Friday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.Saturdays: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.Sunday: ClosedFor more information,call (562) 903-4727.
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BIOLA CONNECTIONS SPRING ’07Causing A SceneIn February, Biola University’s Opera Theatre and the Symphony Orchestra presented GeorgeBizet’s Carmen, one of the most popular operas ever written. The French story — performed by thestudents in English — tells of a young soldier, named Don José, who is seduced and thenabandoned by a beautiful, self-serving gypsy, named Carmen — but only after she leads him downa path of ruin. Biola’s Conservatory of Music stages an opera or musical each winter in CrowellHall. This year’s production was directed by Dr. Jeanne Robison and conducted by Marlin Owen.05
06READER MAILBIOLA CONNECTIONS SPRING ’07Not Just For AdultsI just finished reading your article about Israel and the end times [“What Should Christians KnowAbout Israel and the End Times?” Winter 2007], and I found it very informative. At first, I picked itbecause I’m just very interested in opinions on the end times. But when I started reading the article,I immediately started learning things that I didn’t know. The most helpful part, at least I thought, wasthe part about misconceptions about the end times. I read it, and I realized that I fit the category of“confused people.” It now makes more sense about what Revelation was talking about when Johnsaw the visions. Although I’m only 13, I plan on applying to Biola in five years when I start to finishschool at Big Valley Christian High School. And I made that decision after starting to read my mom’sissues of Biola Connections. I realize that now that you know that I’m only 13, you probably won’t publish this, and that’s okay. I just wanted to let you know my opinion and let you know that your readersare most likely not just the adults, but also children.Bethanie LaneModesto, Calif.The Timing is SureI’m thankful that Biola still believes and teachesthe Bible from the dispensational understandingof Scripture. Dr. Hultberg states in his article[“What Should Christians Know About Israel andthe End Times?” Winter 2007]: “I would expectto see the ‘abomination of desolation’ that Jesusreferred to and that Paul apparently understoodto be the ‘man of lawlessness’ taking his seat inthe Jerusalem Temple and proclaiming HimselfGod. Until that event takes place, I attach noparticular significance to the current crisis.”Evidently he expects the Antichrist to be revealedduring the church age before the rapture. 2Thessalonians 2:6-8 tells us when it (therevealing of the Antichrist) will happen. TheHoly Spirit indwells us as believers and restrainsevil. When the church is raptured, therestraining power of the Holy Spirit is lifted withthe believers. It’s then that the man of sin isrevealed. The event is sure! The timing isrelevant! God bless both Biola and Talbot.Henry Dalke (’48)Alhambra, Calif.Article SuggestionI really appreciate your magazine and lookforward to when it arrives in the mail. Myfamily appreciates the updates about Biolaand the articles about Christianity andculture. I would be very appreciative if youwere to encourage the Biola faculty to respondto Richard Dawkins’ new book, The GodDelusion. This book attacks the idea of Godand religion and, because of its potentialpopular appeal, Dawkins was on The ColbertReport promoting the book. So far (I am in themidst of reading it), he takes a strongapproach toward God being an utter delusion(as the title implies). Interestingly, hedissects commonly taught church argumentsfor the existence of God (Aquinas’ proofs,ontological argument, etc.), which were alltaught to me in “Foundations of ChristianThought” at Biola. I would love to have Biolaprofs respond to the content of the book!Ryan Paterson (’02)San Jose, Calif.Why I Will Remember Dr. CookTwas the night before retirementDid he follow all his leadingsDr. Cook’s mind couldn’t sleepDid he reach the high and lowThere was a speech to give tomorrowHe had to make it deepTo the influence he did haveThere were students past and presentOn my life past and presentColleagues, pastors, to be sureHe became a healing salveDon’t forget the missionariesWho serviced for the poorHolmquist Hitched?It’s going around that Dr. Dave Holmquist isgetting married. I was just wondering if this isa rumor or if it is true. Thanks!Anonymous E-mailEditor’s note: The rumor is confirmed in“Eagle News” on page 23 of this issue. But we’reglad you checked with us, given the “Exposing‘E-Rumors’” article on page 33.When my health was in the balanceA surgery soon to beWas he ready for the talkHe became my prayer warriorAn impact would he makeTo God he remembered meHe was given one more chanceTo further the Kingdom’s sakeEditor’s note: Thanks for the suggestion. See theopposite page for a response to The God Delusion.I for one can give an answerSo now this journey’s overBiola has been blessedHe had memories of ChinaFor me and countless othersAnd basketball galoreI wish you all the bestOf Anna Belle and childrenAnd friends by the scoreWe’ll meet again in heavenRejoicing with our friendsThe years have gone so fastOur friendship is foreverPeople come and goFrom beginning to the end.Bob Bellinoff (’76)El Dorado Hills, Calif.Recovered fully from brain surgery Dec. 21, 2005T E L L U S W H A T Y O U T H I N K ! — E - M A I L : connections@biola.edu — M A I L : Reader Mail, Biola Connections, 13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, CA 90639www.biola.edu/connections Opinions should be a maximum of 200 words and include full name, city and state, and class year (if applicable). They may be edited for length and clarity.
BIOLA CONNECTIONS SPRING ’07ASK AN EXPERTWhat Should ChristiansKnow About The God Delusion?In The God Delusion (Houghton Mifflin, 2006),Oxford biologist Richard Dawkins argues thatbelief in God is delusional and deadly. The bookreached No. 2 on the Amazon.com best sellers listin November. It ridicules Biola University in a footnote on page 84 that notes former atheist AntonyFlew’s acceptance of Biola’s “Phillip E. JohnsonAward for Liberty and Truth.” Biola ConnectionsOasked Dr. Douglas Geivett — a Biola philosophyprofessor — to comment on the book.What’s Dawkins’ take on religion?Dawkins believes religion promotes immoralityand threatens human survival — including hindering science, fostering homophobia and kindling fanaticism. The final chapters read like amanifesto for the eradication of a disease. Thebook is filled with scornful remarks against religion, like: “The God of the Old Testament isarguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust,unforgiving control freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic-cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidical, filicidal,pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic,capriciously malevolent bully” (page 31).How have people been “deluded”by religion, according to Dawkins?Dawkins claims that religious beliefs emergedthrough the evolutionary process, serving certainsurvival goals. Now, however, they have outlivedtheir usefulness. He believes the brain constructssensory experiences that people mistake as God.How does Dawkins respond to thetraditional arguments for God’s existence?Dawkins responds with glib comebacks andsimplistic arguments. He objects to cosmologicalarguments, suggesting that if God is required toexplain the existence of the universe, thensomething else is required to explain the existenceof God. But this is a mistake since God is selfsubsistent, whereas the universe is not. Dawkinscalls the ontological argument “infantile.” But hehasn’t shown that the existence of God isimpossible, and he doesn’t seem to understandthat, according to contemporary versions of theontological argument, if the existence of God ispossible, then it’s also necessary.What does he do with the currentlypopular “Intelligent Design” arguments?Dawkins says the appearance of design in theuniverse is an illusion that can be explained byevolution, with one important qualification. Atleast three crucial gaps in the progress ofevolution — between non-life and first life,between cell bacteria and organisms containingthe all-important eukaryotic cell, and betweennon-conscious life and first consciousness — allapparently must be bridged by sheer luck!Dawkins also claims that the designer hypothesis“raises an even bigger problem than it solves:who designed the designer”? (page 121; italicsadded). If the existence of a universe with theappearance of design is statistically improbable,he says, then any Being who could qualify as thedesigner must be much more improbable. Buthis argument doesn’t even come close to provingthat God does not exist. The existence of ouruniverse, with all of its apparent design, is“statistically improbable” precisely because itcould have not existed (and, indeed, has notalways existed). But if God is the designer whocreated the universe, and He has always existedand could not have not existed, then there’snothing statistically improbable about Hisexistence; the Designer doesn’t need a designer.What’s the most serious flaw in the book?Dawkins is a scientist, not a philosopher — and itshows in his reckless forays into philosophy. Heridicules one argument for the existence of Godwithout naming a single individual who actuallyendorses that argument — or even stating theargument clearly. He simply says it’s a “popularstrand of argument” that links “the existence ofgreat art to the existence of God” (pages 86-87).Dawkins doesn’t understand Pascal’s wager, whichdoesn’t seek to convince people of God’s existence, but simply invites reasonable agnostics to“bet on God” by living their lives as if God exists.And Dawkins miscasts C. S. Lewis’s “Liar, Lord orLunatic” trilemma as an argument from Scripturefor God’s existence. Lewis’s famous argumentdoesn’t come from Scripture, and it doesn’t seekto prove God’s existence. It’s an argument for thedeity of Jesus Christ — an argument that presupposes reasonable belief in God.R. Douglas Geivett, Ph.D.,teaches in Biola’s seminary, TalbotSchool of Theology. He is the author ofEvil and the Evidence for God (TempleUniversity Press).07
08BIOLA BULLETINBIOLA CONNECTIONS SPRING ’07Divorced American Film Exploresthe Emotional Pain of DivorceAlumnus Trevor Downie (’01) pauses on the Las Vegas Strip during the filmingof Divorced American, directed by Biola film professor Michael Gonzales.Anew documentary about divorce wasdirected by Biola film professorMichael Gonzales and cast severalBiolans as experts. The film, DivorcedAmerican, tells the story of former Biola studentTrevor Downie (’01) as he searches for answersafter going through a divorce.Produced by Love That Lasts, a non-profitorganization that conducts marriage seminars,the feature-length documentary explores thequestion, “What happens to a person when hisor her world is shattered by divorce?” accordingto Gonzales.Downie, 27, was divorced at 25. Regretfulof his decisions — which included dating hisgirlfriend for only four months before gettingengaged and ignoring problems that surfacedduring their engagement — Downie allowedhis story to be told so other people won’trepeat his mistakes.The documentary follows Downie, wholives in Hollywood, Calif., as he travels thecountry to find out what makes a successfulmarriage. He interviews religious leaders,psychologists, politicians and everyday people —including people with good marriages andbroken ones. Along the way, Downie speakscandidly about the painful emotions he’sexperienced after his divorce, like when he tellsDr. Keith Edwards, a professor in Biola’sRosemead School of Psychology: “You can’t juststart over. I mean, you’re supposed to, but Ihaven’t figured that out yet This depression iswith me every moment of the day.”The documentary stresses the importanceof compatibility, communication, conflict resolution skills and commitment. Its inspirationcame to Jay Kim — the founder and president ofLove That Lasts — after seeing the popularity ofthe documentary Super Size Me — an exposé on thefast-food industry. Kim wondered if the samegenre could be applied to a subject like divorce.He approached Gonzales with the idea, and theproject grew from there. Other Biolans featuredas experts in the documentary include Dr. TimMuelhoeff, a communication professor; Dr.Doretha O’Quinn, an education professor; andJohn Mosqueda (M.Div. ’81), a pastor from LasVegas, Nev.Mosqueda says in his interview that herequires all couples he marries to take part incounseling, “so they can think through what itmeans and, if necessary, postpone the weddingor, at times, forget about the wedding.”Several Biola alumni and students also tookpart in filming and editing the documentary.Gonzales told Biola Connections it was“heartrending” to see Downie go through thegrieving process. During the documentary,Downie, speaking of himself, turns to thecamera and half-jokingly says, “It’s a new type ofsingleness: ‘Look out ladies, he’s got baggage.’”Gonzales said divorce has started to take ona normative role in American society. “Theattitude has become, ‘Divorce is common.What’s the big deal?’ It’s now become part of oursocial fabric,” said Gonzales, who hopes thedocumentary will provoke discussion about anoft-ignored subject.Divorced American has been submitted tonumerous film festivals where it awaitsapproval. But, according to Gonzales, italready has had positive effects. One filmcritic approached him after taking part in aselective screening and said that, afterviewing it, she decided not to leave herhusband. Gonzales believes the documentaryhas the potential to save more marriages.For more information on the documentaryand to watch a trailer, visit the Web site:lovethatlasts.org/DA. — Joel BergmanAlumnus Locates Famed‘York Spot’ of World War IKory O’Keefe (’88) — an independent contractorworking with the military in Heidelberg,Germany — and three friends, on Oct. 21,located the exact place in France where Sgt.Alvin York performed his World War I exploitsand became one of America’s greatest warheroes. The team’s find was featured in the NewYork Times on Oct. 26.On Oct. 8, 1918, York assumed command —after nine of 17 members of his unit were shot orkilled — and led an attack on a Germanmachine-gun position. As a result, York wascredited with capturing 132 German soldiers,leading to the end of German occupation of theFrench Argonne Forest.York earned the Medal of Honor for hisactions, and his story is told in Sergeant York —
BIOLA CONNECTIONS SPRING ’07NEWS BRIEFSJohn ThuneAppointed Chief Deputy Whipa 1941 movie starringGary Cooper, justreleased on DVD. Inbrief, York — a newChristian who facedthe draft — wrestledwith God’s views onkilling. But the Armydidn’t let him registeras a conscientious objector. He eventuallyworked through his questions, with the help ofother Christians, and went on to perform oneof the most famous military feats in Americanhistory. York always gave God the glory.Before now, the battle site had neverbeen found. Also, some historians questioned whether York’s written accounts hadbeen embellished. O’Keefe told Biola Connections that he joined the team because ofhis desire to vindicate York and his Christian testimony.“Among other artifacts, the one piece ofevidence that would convince the critics werethe .45 caliber shells from York’s automaticpistol,” O’Keefe said.O’Keefe joined the search in December2005, and he
to Richard Dawkins’ new book, The God Delusion. This book attacks the idea ofGod and religion and, because ofits potential popular appeal, Dawkins was on The Colbert Report promoting the book. So far (I am in the midst of reading it), he takes a strong approach toward God being an utter delusion (as the title implies). Interestingly, he
Proverbs 14:22-35 5. Proverbs 15:1-11 6. Proverbs 15:12-22 7. Proverbs 15:23-33 8. Proverbs 16:1-9 9. Proverbs 16:10-20 10. Proverbs 16:21-33 11. Proverbs 17:1-14 12. Proverbs 17:15-28 13. Proverbs 18:1-13 14. Proverbs 18:14-24 15. Proverbs 19:1-17 16. Proverbs 19:18-29 17. Proverbs 20:1-16 18. Proverbs
5. Proverbs 15:1-11 6. Proverbs 15:12-22 7. Proverbs 15:23-33 8. Proverbs 16:1-9 9. Proverbs 16:10-20 10. Proverbs 16:21-33 11. Proverbs 17:1-14 12. Proverbs 17:15-28 13. Proverbs 18:1-13 14. Proverbs 18:14-24 15. Proverbs 19:1-17 16. Proverbs 19:18-29 17. Proverbs 20:1-
Proverbs 7-8 22. Proverbs 9-10 23. Proverbs 11-12 24. Proverbs 13-14 25. Proverbs 15-16 26. Proverbs 17-18 27. Proverbs 19-20 28. Proverbs 21-22 29. Proverbs 23-24 30. Proverbs 25-26 OLD TESTAMENT 1. Proverbs 27-28 2. Proverbs 29-30 3. Proverbs 31 4. Ecclesiastes 1-2 5. Ecc
Apr 9 Numbers 27 Proverbs 19 Philippians 3-4 Apr 10 Numbers 28 Proverbs 20 John 1 Apr 11 Numbers 29-30 Proverbs 21 John 2-3 Apr 12 Numbers 31 Proverbs 22 John 4 Apr 13 Numbers 32 Proverbs 23 John 5 Apr 14 Numbers 33 Proverbs 24 John 6 Apr 15 Numbers 34 Proverbs 25 John 7 Apr 16 Numbers 35 Proverbs 26 John 8
The proverbs of this book belonged to Solomon (Proverbs 1:1). Solomon was known for his wisdom (1 Kings 4:29). The Bible tells us that Solomon had composed 3000 proverbs (1 Kings 4:32). Other authors were Agur (Proverbs 30:1) and Lemuel's mother (Proverbs 31:1). Date The date of compilation of Proverbs into book form can be no earlier than the .
The second collection is “The proverbs of Solomon” (Proverbs 10:1 - 22:16). The third is “The sayings of the wise” (Proverbs 22:17 - 24:22) and “These also are sayings of the wise” (Prov-erbs 24:23 - 34). The fourth is “These are other proverbs of Solomon that the officials of king Hezekiah of Judah copied” (Proverbs 25 - 29).
A BIBLE STUDY ON PROVERBS Proverbs 1:1-33 Proverbs is a book full of Godly practical wisdom for anyone, at any age, who is willing to learn. Studying and memorizing it will change your life and your thinking patterns. Although Jewish poetry, Proverbs
IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 Activity – teacher’s notes Description An activity to introduce Academic Writing task 2, involving task analysis, idea generation, essay planning and language activation. Students are then asked to write an essay and to analyse two sample scripts. Time required: 130 minutes (90–100 minutes for procedure 1-12. Follow up text analysis another 30–40 mins .
