A science elective titled “God, Science & The New Atheist” will be taught over the two week period from January 5 to January 23, 2015. John Lennox and John Bloom of Biola’s science department will administer the course.

“Lennox has a particular interest here, and it is kind of helping us out with the new science building,” Bloom said.

Lennox will come to the United States specifically for the course. As a top apologist, he is well informed about Biola and the work done at the university, and he wants to take part in it, Bloom said.

“Lennox has debated the top atheists, such as Richard Dawkins twice and Christopher Hitchens,” said Bloom.

Not only is he a great lecturer and public communicator, but he is also a renowned mathematician and scientist, said Craig Hazen, apologetics professor.     

EQUIPPING STUDENTS

A core value of Biola involves getting out into the world to spread the gospel to unreached people groups, this class aims to help students to become equipped for that.

“The course centers around the new atheist, with the latest arguments they are making,” said Bloom. “Students will gain an awareness of some of the current issues out there between Christianity and science.”

The class itself differs from other classes offered at Biola due to its subject matter and the special appearance from Lennox. This class will be offered because of Biola’s interest in apologetics, Bloom said. The science department feels very passionate and confident professor Lennox and Dr. Bloom will deliver truth into students during this time.

“This new class is a high priority,” Bloom said. The course is directed toward non-science majors looking to fulfill their science credit. Although not geared towards the science student, they can take it as well during the last week of the lecture, January 20th through January 23rd.

“It is the kind of course you could tell your grandkids about,” Bloom said.