BRIEF: Prof to speak on Christian philosophy

Plantinga, who has written several books including Faith and Rationality and God, Freedom and Evil, will address his speech primarily to professors, although students may also attend. According to Jack Mattern, director of Campus Crusade for Christ, Plantinga's academic credentials will make his speech appealing to professors who are looking for an intellectual debate on religious topics. Mattern added that agnostic or atheistic explanations of the creation and operation of the world are being challenged in some academic circles. "People are saying that the 'time plus chance' theory does not explain everything," he said. Plantinga will also be voicing a theistic world view that many say is rarely expressed at secular institutions like the University, especially in an era when many evangelical Christians are leaving these institutions for Christian colleges or missionary activities. Campus Crusade for Christ member Josh Blander said that Christian students will benefit from the event by meeting professors with similar religious opinions. "I think a lot of the students here who have some normative idea of truth and reality don't think the professors think that way," said the College senior. "Simply by being there they ]the professors[ have shown they're interested in these questions." Plantinga will speak today at noon in Bodek Lounge in Houston Hall. There are no more places available for the lunch, but the speech is open to the University community. -- Gayle Meyers

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