Dr. Stephen C. Meyer, PhD
Monday, October 12 at 7:00 P.M.

Darwin’s Doubt: The Explosive Origin of Animal Life and the Case for Intelligent Design

[Trinity Classical Academy] – On Monday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m., Trinity Classical Academy’s Speaker Series welcomes Dr. Stephen C. Meyer, PhD, author of the New York Times Bestseller “Darwin’s Doubt: The Explosive Origin of Animal Life and the Case for Intelligent Design,” and “Signature in the Cell: DNA and the Evidence for Intelligent Design,” which won “Book of the Year” by The Times of London Literary Supplement. Former geophysicist and college professor, Dr. Meyer now directs the Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture in Seattle and will speak on the case for Intelligent Design and other contemporary scientific theories.

“We are honored that Dr. Meyer will share his vast knowledge of the evidence-based scientific theory that certain features of living systems can only be explained by an intelligent cause,” explained Dr. Mark Phillips, PhD, Theology and Science Chair, Trinity Classical Academy. “As educators, we need to understand the principles of the scholars who challenge the neo-Darwinian theory so we can teach the science of evolution more responsibly to our student body.”

Since its inception, Trinity has been committed to extending educational opportunities and enriching the academic culture beyond the classroom and into the community. Trinity Classical Academy’s Speaker Series features leaders, pioneers and trailblazers in their fields whose life choices have influenced others and changed lives. Past speakers have included Olympian, author, POW and Inspirational Speaker Louis Zamperini, radio host Hugh Hewitt, Dennis Pragar, as well as noted actor and producer Kurt Cameron. This evening is complimentary for all attendees.

In his first book on Intelligent Design, Signature in the Cell: DNA and the Evidence for Intelligent Design (HarperOne, 2009), Meyer examined the mystery of the origin of the first life. With Darwin’s Doubt, he expanded the scope of the case to the whole sweep of life’s history. Meyer’s research addresses the deepest mystery surrounding the origin of life, the origin of animal life and the origin of biological information necessary to produce it.

After graduating from Whitworth University with a degree in physics and earth science, he became a geophysicist with Atlantic Richfield Co. working in digital signal processing and seismic survey interpretation. Later as a Rotary International Scholar, he began his training in the history and philosophy of science at Cambridge University, earning an M.Phil. and a PhD. He returned to Whitworth to teach philosophy and the philosophy of science, and then subsequently left his tenured position to direct the Center for Science and Culture.

Prior to the publication of “Signature in the Cell” and “Darwin’s Doubt,” the writing for which he was best known was an August 2004 controversial review essay in the Smithsonian Institution-affiliated peer-reviewed biology journal Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington. The controversy was widely covered in the media with articles or news stories appearing about it in The Wall Street Journal, Science, Nature, NPR, “The O’Reilly Factor” and the Washington Post.

Meyer’s many other publications include contributions to, and the editing of, the peer-reviewed volume “Darwinism, Design and Public Education” (Michigan State University Press, 2004) and the innovative textbook “Explore Evolution” (Hill House Publishers, 2007). Meyer has also published editorials in national newspapers such as The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The National Post (of Canada), The Daily Telegraph (of London) and The Los Angeles Times. He has appeared on national television and radio programs such as The Jim Lehrer News Hour, NBC Nightly News, ABC Nightly News, CBS Sunday Morning, Nightline, Fox News Live, Paula Zahn Now (CNN), Good Morning America and The Tavis Smiley Show on PBS. He has also been featured in two New York Times front-page stories and has garnered attention in other top national media. In 2008, he appeared with Ben Stein in the theatrical-released documentary “Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed.” He has also been featured prominently in the science documentaries “Icons of Evolution,” “The Case for a Creator,” “Darwin’s Dilemma” and “Unlocking The Mystery of Life,” the latter which was shown on PBS and which Meyer co-wrote with producer Lad Allen.

Discovery Institute promotes thoughtful analysis and effective action on local, regional, national and international issues. The Institute is home to an inter-disciplinary community of scholars and policy advocates dedicated to the reinvigoration of traditional Western principles and institutions and the worldview from which they issued. Discovery Institute has a special concern for the role that science and technology play in our culture and how they can advance free markets, illuminate public policy and support the theistic foundations of the West.

Dr. Mark Phillips, PhD, is a distinguished member of the Trinity Classical Academy faculty holding the position of Theology and Science Chair. A former analytical biochemist, he also spent time away form the lab as a stand-up comedian. He brings outstanding credentials to his position at Trinity holding a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry from Southwestern University; he’s a Master in Philosophy Theology, from South African Theological Seminary; Ph.D. Biblical Studies/Theology, Louisiana Baptist University; and a Graduate Degree Theology, University of Oxford, England, Last year, Dr. Phillips released the textbook Divine Elements: A God-Centered Instruction to Chemistry (CrossBooks November 2013).

Founded in September 2001, Trinity Classical Academy has grown from 28 students to over 550 in Transitional Kindergarten through 12th grade, making it one of the largest classical schools in the country. The mission of Trinity Classical Academy has remained consistent: to offer a challenging education, grounded in the Christian faith and the classical tradition, to produce young men and women of virtue, wisdom, purpose and courage.