Conference Focuses on the Creation of the Universe

The eternal debate over the origin of the universe will be the center of discussion today at “Mere Creation,” an all-day conference at Calvary Church in Santa Ana. The event is being sponsored by Stand to Reason, an organization that trains Christians to understand and intelligently defend their Christian faith.

Greg Koukl, president of Stand to Reason, and J.P. Moreland, professor of philosophy at Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, will preside over the discussion. They will compare and critique the three dominant schools of Christian thought: young-Earth creationism, which holds that God created the Earth thousands of years ago; old-Earth creationism, in which God created the Earth millions of years ago; and theistic evolution, whose adherents accept the theory of evolution but believe that God presided over the process.

The purpose of this discussion is to focus on God as the creator of the universe, said Melinda Penner, director of operations for Stand to Reason.

“Sometimes the Christians end up arguing among themselves, and the issue of creation versus evolution is ignored,” Penner said. “Let’s put aside for the time being the issue of the age of the universe and instead train people to deal with evolution and creation.”

Admission is $30 and includes a continental breakfast and catered lunch. Registration begins at 8 a.m. The conference sessions are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Calvary Church is at 1010 N. Tustin Ave. Information (714) 973-4800.