25 May 2022 | Nicosia, Cyprus [Marica Mirilov with tedNEWS]
Who is behind Intelligent Design?
Exploring this intriguing question brought the Adventist community together in Nicosia, Cyprus, on Saturday, 14 May 2022. Senior researcher at the Geoscience Research Institute (GRI), Dr Timothy Standish, made the case for Intelligent Design (ID). Through a sequence of captivating lectures and sharing scientific findings regarding the complexity of nature’s design, he attested to the existence of an intentional Creator.
According to Standish, “Religion is empty and delusional without a firm faith in the Creator of life. Although we discover evidence of God’s design and creative power, scientific findings (with their changeable interpretations) should not form the foundation of our faith in the Creator… ultimately, our faith should be based on the unchanging Word of God. Standish encouraged attendees to study the first angel’s message, found in Revelation 14:6, from this new perspective, and proclaim it with greater zeal.
The event was led by Dr Bruno Barbosa, who himself journeyed from an atheist scientist to a dedicated Christian missionary. Barbosa holds a doctorate in Energy and Bioenergy and previously worked as an assistant professor, assisting with four post-doctoral research projects. Together with his wife Erica, an environmental engineer, they presently serve in Larnaca, Cyprus, as a missionary couple sponsored by the Adventist Volunteer Service (AVS).
Barbosa believes the theory of evolution, upheld as the only unquestionable theory in many schools and universities, impacts us all. “It destroys the credibility of the Biblical account of creation found in Genesis. The existence of the Creator is denied, and the role of Jesus as the Saviour of the world is made obsolete,” he reflected.
“Everyone deserves to hear about ID, an evidence-based, scientific theory that points to the existence of God,” Barbosa said. Heeding his advice, Cyprus Region leaders are already planning follow-up lectures exploring “complex and specific laws and processes in God’s creation.” The team hopes the lectures will “lead participants to God and strengthen [their] confidence in the Holy Scriptures.” The Cyprus church is also committed to joining the GRI annual Creation Sabbath programme on 22 October 2022.
Following the programme, participants enjoyed an 8 km walk along the Pedieos River, enjoying the beauty of the local habitat and the joy of fellowship.
[Header photo: Erica Pereira de Morais]
