IMPACT A P U B LICAT IO N O F R EGE N T UN I V E R SI T Y
VOL. 5 ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2014
INTEGRATING SCIENCE&FAITH
The Biophysical Sciences Program and Lab
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ost all of us have come to rely on the field of science for answers to many of life’s most pressing questions: What does it mean to be a human being? What are the origins of man? When does life begin? How should it end—and who should be allowed to end it? Ironically, scientific discovery often is either unable to provide answers, or the answers given are quickly obsolete as new discoveries are made. At the same time, advances in science, technology and medicine have created a chasm between what we are able to do and what is ethically or morally right to do. Regent University sees these challenges as opportunity—opportunity to prepare leaders who possess both scientific knowledge and the ethical and moral character required to address complex and contentious issues. We see great power and hope in shaping well-rounded men and women with a C H R I S T I A N
L E A D E R S H I P
Biblically grounded philosophical, ethical and theological perspective to confront science and culture. And so we boldly introduce a groundbreaking Biophysical Sciences (BPS) program*, scheduled to launch in Fall 2014. Regent’s BPS celebrates a return to the study of science in conversation with the Scriptures, theology and philosophy. According to Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, dean of Regent’s College of Arts & Sciences, education in the field of science is very fragmented: “Students are trained in chemistry, physics or biology, but rarely do
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these disciplines talk to each other. Rarely do they add the importance of theology, history or philosophy and how they are related to scientific discovery. If you look at the history of scientific development, we have actually regressed, rather than progressed. “When you look at early scientists like Isaac Newton, Galileo or Copernicus, these individuals thought about the world within a holistic, integrated framework. They were not just scientists doing chemistry; they were also philosophers, theologians, experts in literature and historians. They worked to develop a comprehensive view of reality.” Moreno-Riaño explains that after the 1800s the academic world lost this holistic approach. “We need to develop a program that re-introduces the importance of this integrated framework for looking at science, at nature, and all of humankind,” he notes. The new Regent University Biophysical Sciences program will offer this kind of academically rigorous and exclusively on-campus program, giving students a faith-based scientific understanding of God’s preeminence and the relationship between human beings and nature. Regent developed six integrated seminars that students will take throughout the program that will look at the history of science and religion. They will delve into the scientific method, cosmology and questions of origins and design. They will also examine questions of bioethics—all integrated with the physical science coursework and into the actual lab work as much as possible. “In what we call an ‘integrated science program with a core in biology,’ students will also have chemistry, physics and mathematics as part of their B.S. degree in biophysical sciences,” Moreno-Riaño explains. “Our students will be wellprepared to apply and gain entry, based on their MCAT scores, into any professional graduate program in medicine, dentistry, pharmaceutical sciences or physician assistant programs.” Students may choose to enter graduate school and do work in biology or other physical sciences. They will be equipped to pursue graduate education in philosophy, divinity, public policy, think tanks, along with state or local government. They will also be prepared to enter the industry through their understanding of biology and chemistry. “Having a rigorous science program will be important for all of the university, including the graduate schools,” says Regent University chancellor and CEO, Dr. Pat Robertson. “I can see benefits to the
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law school, the School of Psychology & Counseling and the School of Divinity. It will open the door to important conversations that a vibrant university needs to have.” Demonstrating Regent’s commitment to BPS and S.T.E.M. disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), construction is currently underway on a multipurpose science lab facility. This state-of-the-art teaching lab will provide a necessary applied learning space and research base to ensure that students have the ability to complete all prerequisite coursework for advanced education in the sciences. The lab is designed with four units: a molecular lab, an instrumentation lab, a small conference room, and a main teaching area. All of the units can be brought together through audio-visual technology so that teaching at the center of the lab can be disseminated throughout the entire unit.
“The focus of the biophysical sciences program and lab is to teach students to think deeply about the integration of all knowledge.” - Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño All of the science courses will be held in the lab, so every undergraduate student will have access to this facility. Plans are in place to carefully open up the lab to the community for S.T.E.M. programs for high school or elementary school students, or for a summer program. “The focus of the biophysical sciences program and lab is to teach students to think deeply about the integration of all knowledge,” says Moreno-Riaño. “All that God has done is unified in purpose, design and intent. So the goal is to allow students, both theoretically and in an applied way, to begin to grapple with these things and to bring them all together.” *Pending SACS approval
REGENT UNIVERSITY
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP TO CHANGE THE WORLD
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HEALING THE WOUNDS OF
WAR IN SYRIA As civil war rages in Syria, the nation’s Christian minority has suffered intense persecution—including church bombings, kidnappings, rapes, beheadings and the dislocation of hundreds of thousands. While pastors and counselors live under the constant threat of death, they work to heal the wounds of those who are suffering.
“They’ve had bombs come through their living rooms, destroying their houses and apartments. Damascus is like shifting sand. You never know when there is going to be a sniper down the street and it’s not going to be safe to come out of your house.”
“Some of the questions we received reminded us of John sending back the message to Jesus—‘Are you the Christ?’” To give aid and comfort to these brave Reese observes. “If you’re about to die for leaders, the Regent University Trauma your faith, that’s a point where the spiritual Team recently worked in cooperation dimension of posttraumatic stress disorder with the Barnabas and trauma really comes Fund to conduct a “There was a very strong to the forefront. It makes five-day training New Testament feel about you examine all your core seminar in Beirut, beliefs about the world the gathering. I kept Lebanon. Many of and all your assumptions thinking, this must have the 40 participants about God.” drove across Syria been what it was like for the and into Lebanon, early disciples living under A representative from risking their lives to that threat. So it made the Barnabas Fund wrote to attend the training. magnitude of it seem that express their encouragemuch larger for me.” ment regarding feedback “We covered from those who took the compassion fatigue; -Dr. Merrill Reese training: “It seems to grief and loss; have deeply touched and helped those who family, children and adolescent trauma,” attended, and what they have learned is says Dr. Benjamin Keyes, director of the Regent Center for Trauma Studies. “Dr. being put into practice immediately back Reese did an amazing presentation on in Syria. Many thanks for enabling such a instilling hope in times of trauma.” healing and transformation to take place, which we pray the Lord will multiply in “There was a very strong New Testament the coming days and weeks and months.” feel about the gathering,” says Dr. Merrill Reese, co-director of the team. “I kept “I’ve been a part of missions for many thinking, this must have been what it was years,” Reese explains. “A lot of times like for the early disciples living under you go into a country, do the training, and that threat. So it made the magnitude of it then you leave and the work stops. So our seem that much larger for me.” goal with the Trauma Center is to teach the people what we do, knowing that they will “Many of the people who came are displaced persons,” Keyes explains. be able to carry it on, and it will continue.”
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REGENT UNIVERSITY
New Law Alumni Opportunity in
Strasbourg,,France
Considered the gem of the AlsaceLorraine region of France, the city of Strasbourg has been the site of a unique summer program sponsored by Regent University School of Law since 1998. This ABA-approved program offers law school students an opportunity to examine international human rights issues from a Christian perspective, while also presenting the opportunity to study under former Attorney General John Ashcroft.
Now the event is being expanded to include Regent Law alumni, offering the continuing legal education credits required for every lawyer. “When I meet with our alumni about their time at Regent, many of them have fond memories of going to Strasbourg,” Regent Law Dean Jeffrey Brauch explains. “Since General Ashcroft is there in this beautiful city, and we’re going to be there with the
students, we thought, why not invite alumni to be part of the program, too?” The classes for alumni will be tailored to meet the need for continuing legal education to keep their bar license. “Alumni will receive the tangible benefits of these required courses,” Brauch explains, “and they will also have the chance to be in Strasbourg and part of the program again.” For current students, fully accredited courses are offered in International Human Rights, Comparative Law, Civil Liberties and Legal History, taught by distinguished American scholars at the University of Strasbourg (founded in 1538). Strasbourg is the home of the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe, which students and alumni will visit during their stay. Strasbourg is also the headquarters of the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ), a public interest law firm dedicated to the protection of religious freedom and human rights. “There will likely be an event held at the ECLJ, the sister of the ACLJ,” says Brauch. “We are hoping that one of the ECLJ attorneys can speak about international religious liberty issues to the students and alumni. General Ashcroft usually hosts his famous ice cream social there as well.” Brauch concludes, “I think this will be a great opportunity for alumni to spend time with professors, students and Attorney General Ashcroft in a beautiful location, while receiving the continuing legal education credits that will help them in their career.”
For more information contact Regent Law Dean’s Office at 757.352.4040.
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02.07.2014 | 9AM–3PM Liberty and Personal Responsibility vs. Centralization and Elitist Authority. These are the themes boldly analyzed in Ronald Reagan’s 1964 speech “A Time for Choosing,” in response to an increasing divide in American politics. Reagan called for embracing America’s historic values of freedom, responsibility and faith at home and a strong defense against Communism abroad. On its 50th anniversary, watch this moving speech, and hear from world-class experts on whether Reagan’s ideas foreshadowed current threats to our nation’s liberties.
Register now for your free tickets | regent.edu/reagan | 757.352.4245
Regent World Changer
Jada Jackson
Supermodel, Counselor, TV and Radio Host As a supermodel and commentator for Ebony Fashion Fair, the largest travelling fashion show in the world, Jada Jackson ’10 (Psychology & Counseling) met many girls who looked up to her but had a poor self-image. She enrolled in Regent’s Human Services Counseling program to prepare her to minister to these hurting people. Now working with Total Life Counseling, the largest private counseling company in Florida, Jackson helps people find healing, truth and the fullness of life that God created them to walk in. As a nationally certified counselor, Jackson specializes in counseling for marriages, sexual abuse, eating disorders and self-esteem issues. She is also the author of “Be-You-Tiful,” a practical guide to becoming a better you. Jackson continues to work in the fashion industry, running the Modeling Institute for women, where she teaches about modeling and holistic health. Additionally, she is finishing a Ph.D., hosting a radio show and co-hosting a television show, Emotional Mojo. Please pray for Jada Jackson and other Psychology & Counseling alumni who are leading people to freedom in Christ. Learn more at www.totallifecounseling.com 6
REGENT UNIVERSITY
A Message From the Chancellor Dear Friends, Isaac Newton is considered to be the father of modern science. But did you know that nearly 300 years ago he also wrote extensively on Biblical topics, such as the date of the apocalypse, the precise dimensions of the ancient temple in Jerusalem, and his interpretation of Scripture. Though he was the leading scientist of his day, Newton was also a scholar of deep faith who found time to make public his views on Biblical revelation. These documents show a scientist guided by a desire to see God’s will done in the physical world. In the spirit of this great man of science and faith, I am pleased to announce the new Regent University Biophysical Sciences (BPS) program—and our preparations for a state-of-the-art science teaching lab. We live in a world of rapidly advancing scientific discovery. These breakthroughs have brought great advances to the human condition. At the same time, medical research has developed new treatments and medications to help alleviate human suffering. It is truly an amazing time to be alive. Yet despite these benefits, there is a growing gap between what can be done and what should be done in the arena of science and medicine. As believers, we must ask the scientific community, and society as a whole, to consider the human consequences of these advances. How can Biblical truth be applied to issues such as end-of-life decisions, human cloning and stem cell research?
SUPPORT SCIENCE & FAITH
Construction of our new Applied Science and Ethics Lab is estimated to cost $1.5M. Your gift can help us reach our goal. To make your donation, visit regent.edu/give, and enter “Applied Science Lab” in the special instructions section. You can also use the enclosed postage-paid envelope. Simply make your check payable to “Regent University” and write “Applied Science Lab” in the memo section. Thank you for your support.
The new BPS program will equip a new generation of Christian leaders with both the academic knowledge and Biblical understanding required to address these controversial scientific and medical issues. Thank you for your ongoing prayers and financial support that helps Regent prepare students to carry Biblical truth into the critical disciplines that affect all of our lives. In Christ,
Pat Robertson Chancellor/CEO Regent University
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