Interested locals will have the unique opportunity to listen to a public lecture by one of the foremost theorists and philosophers on the subject of evolution when Dr Gerhard van Wyk delivers a lecture entitled, “Is theistic evolution compatible with the Christian faith?” at Helderberg College in Somerset West on Saturday 16 March at 17:00.
His initial scientific studies were in the field of geology which piqued his interest in the theory of evolution. Upon realising that the claims of macro-evolutionary theory have serious challenges, he widened his scope of research and went on to study theology.
After lecturing in the Department of Theology at the University of South Africa (Unisa) for many years, Van Wyk has spent the last number of years in the United States of America (USA) where he produced his magisterial work entitled, “Hiding Behind the Fig Leaves – Deconstructing the Philosophical Fig Leaves of Liberals and Theistic Evolutionists”. In this book, he evaluates the philosophical fig leaf coverings that modern liberal theologians use to justify their belief in theistic evolution. His assessment covers the views of prominent thinkers ranging from Darwin, Schleiermacher, Ritschl, Harnack, Rauschenbusch, Troeltsch, Bultman, right up to that of the South African Wentzel van Huyssteen who also spent many years in the USA.
Evolution with its contra-biblical world-view has spread a great deal of uncertainty about the Word of God, not only in the academic world, but also in secular society. Van Wyk’s findings and conclusions play a major role in deconstructing evolution’s philosophical foundations and presuppositions, and is essential reading for anyone interested in the major debates surrounding the matter of “Origins”.
Van Wyk is no stranger to Somerset West, having completed a degree in theology at Helderberg College where he met his wife, Emilie. This will most likely be their last visit to South Africa and they are eager to welcome many ears to the lecture and see many of their local friends again.
For enquiries, call or WhatsApp Dr Bernhard Ficker on 082 881 4982.
