Üsküdar University hosted the VIII International Congress on Creation in Light of Science, uniting scientists to explore creation’s scientific foundations. The congress discussed the universe’s origins, integration of scientific and divine perspectives, and condemned attacks on Turkey’s TUSAŞ aerospace organization. Key conclusions included affirming unity between Islam and science, critiquing materialist philosophy, emphasizing the Creator’s role in exploration, and advocating for educational reform.
Üsküdar University recently hosted the VIII International Congress on Creation in Light of Science, bringing together scientists from various fields to explore the scientific foundations of creation. The congress addressed issues related to existence and the universe’s origins, emphasizing the integration of scientific perspectives with divine intentionality. Participants condemned an attack on Turkey’s TUSAŞ aerospace and defense organization and expressed solidarity in defending national security. The congress also discussed humanitarian crises in Palestine and Lebanon, denouncing war crimes against innocent civilians.
Key conclusions from the congress included affirming the unity between Islam and science, critiquing materialist philosophy’s influence on scientific inquiry, highlighting the Creator’s role in scientific exploration, demonstrating the universality of creation, clarifying the evolution debate, advocating for educational reform to incorporate material and metaphysical aspects, promoting influential publications for youth, supporting theses and projects on creation, organizing ongoing panels and conferences, and committing to the annual continuation of the congress. The congress concluded by deciding to prepare and publish a “Creation Manifesto” to provide a comprehensive view of existence and creation based on scientific, philosophical, and theological insights.
Üsküdar University recently hosted the VIII International Congress on Creation in Light of Science, gathering distinguished scientists from a broad array of disciplines to share research on the scientific foundations of creation. The congress tackled complex issues of existence and the universe’s origins, focusing on integrating scientific perspectives with a sense of divine intentionality.
At the congress’s outset, attendees collectively condemned a recent attack on TUSAŞ, Turkey’s aerospace and defense giant, highlighting solidarity against threats to national security and development. The congress also addressed the tragic humanitarian crisis in regions like Palestine and Lebanon, voicing strong disapproval of the war crimes committed against innocent civilians, including children. Organizers expressed a fervent desire for these human rights violations to cease and called for diplomatic actions to uphold human dignity.
This congress series, initially organized by Harran and Üsküdar Universities in Şanlıurfa in 2017, has since become an annual event hosted by different universities across Turkey. The congress has grown significantly over the years, with past events held at institutions such as Atatürk University and Van Yüzüncü Yıl University. Participants and speakers from fields like molecular biology, genetics, physics, sociology, religious studies, and philosophy presented papers, shedding light on various aspects of creation from scientific and philosophical perspectives.
After three days of in-depth presentations and discussions, several key conclusions were drawn, and significant resolutions were adopted, as follows:
1. **Unity Between Islam and Science**: Participants affirmed that Islam does not conflict with science. The notion that “religion and science are separate realms” was described as a product of materialist philosophy. Islam, by contrast, views scientific inquiry as an exploration of the universe, a “book of creation” that reflects God’s power and wisdom. The Quran, seen as God’s “book of words,” complements this exploration, as both texts are harmonious works of the same Creator. Islam encourages deep respect for knowledge and scholarly pursuits, as echoed in numerous Quranic verses and hadiths.
2. **Critique of Materialist Philosophy**: The congress emphasized that scientific inquiry has, for the last two centuries, been heavily influenced by materialistic philosophy. This view often disregards the metaphysical aspects of human existence, such as the soul and emotions, and limits itself to what is observable in laboratory settings. This limited approach was criticized for failing to offer a holistic understanding of the universe. Presenters advocated for a scientific approach that embraces both material and metaphysical realities to provide a fuller picture of creation.
3. **The Role of Creator in Scientific Inquiry**: It was noted that many scientists obscure or overlook the role of the Creator when presenting their findings, treating natural laws and causes as if they independently bring about phenomena. In reality, these laws and causes are seen as mechanisms employed by the Creator, and scientific presentations should more openly acknowledge this relationship.
4. **Universality of Creation**: Presentations demonstrated that all beings, living and non-living, are interconnected through a universal act of creation. God, as the omnipotent Creator, is not limited to specific processes but can create both through natural processes and spontaneously. Scientific data increasingly affirm the concept of a Creator with infinite knowledge and power behind every aspect of creation.
5. **Clarifying the Evolution Debate**: Participants highlighted a great deal of confusion regarding the concept of evolution, emphasizing the importance of precise definitions. Many misunderstand evolution as a single concept when, in fact, it represents a spectrum of ideas—some well-supported, such as genetic variation, and others more speculative, such as the evolution of one species into another through random chance. Clarity on these terms is crucial for a meaningful discussion on creation.
6. **Educational Reform for a Holistic Understanding**: The congress stressed the need for educational materials that integrate material and metaphysical aspects. Textbooks and learning resources should emphasize the wisdom and purpose in creation, illustrating that all things, from atoms to galaxies, are created with meaning and intentionality. This approach is seen as essential for enlightening minds, satisfying hearts, and nurturing souls. Educating young people in this holistic manner would help them realize that they are not purposeless or abandoned but part of a purposeful universe with a Creator.
7. **Influential Publications for the Youth**: It was noted that congress publications have played a vital role in addressing doubts and confusion among young people, particularly around topics such as Darwinism, secularism, and deism. Participants recommended publishing books for high school and university students that are based on congress findings, as these can be instrumental in fostering an informed and faith-aligned worldview.
8. **Encouraging Theses and Projects on Creation**: The congress emphasized the importance of academic support for projects and theses focused on understanding creation. This includes guiding students in the natural and social sciences in research related to creation and encouraging scientific publications and projects to strengthen the field.
9. **Organizing Ongoing Panels and Conferences**: Participants agreed on the importance of continuing with post-congress panels, conferences, and public discussions on creation to foster a more robust understanding of the topic across society.
10. **Annual Continuation of the Congress**: In line with the tradition, the congress will continue to be held annually, as it provides a valuable platform for scholarly discussions on creation and contributes significantly to the academic and spiritual community.
11. **Creation Manifesto**: It was decided that a “Creation Manifesto” should be prepared and published to outline a comprehensive view on existence and creation, grounded in scientific observation, philosophical reasoning, and theological insight.
In conclusion, this final declaration encapsulates the consensus reached by experts at the VIII International Congress on Creation in Light of Science, aiming to deepen the understanding of creation through scientific and spiritual lenses. The declaration is a testament to the congress’s commitment to a holistic, faith-affirming approach to science and education.
