This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Kdbuffalo (talk | contribs) at 15:22, 16 October 2006 (→Critiques of Stoner's apologetics). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 15:22, 16 October 2006 by Kdbuffalo (talk | contribs) (→Critiques of Stoner's apologetics)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Peter Stoner was Chairman of the Departments of Mathematics and Astronomy at Pasadena City College until 1953; Chairman of the science division, Westmont College, 1953-57; Professor Emeritus of Science, Westmont College; Professor Emeritus of Mathematics and Astronomy, Pasadena City College.
Stoner is probably best known for his work Science Speaks that disccusses, among other things, Bible prophecies vis a vis probability estimates and calculations. The work is often cited in the field of Christian apologetics in regards to Bible prophecy. Professor Stoner's work became widely known when it was mentioned by Josh McDowell in his works Evidence that Demands a Verdict and its subsequent revision New Evidence that Demands a Verdict.
American Scientific Affiliation
Peter Stoner was a co-founder of the American Scientific Affiliation, a Christian organization which describes itself as "a fellowship of men and women in science and disciplines that relate to science who share a common fidelity to the Word of God and a commitment to integrity in the practice of science." The foreword to Stoner's Science Speaks includes a partial endorsement from this body (covering the book's scientific content and probability calculations, but not addressing issues of Biblical exegesis or historical accuracy): they considered it "...in general, to be dependable and accurate in regard to the scientific material presented and the probability material presented in regards to prophecy". While the ASA includes members with a diverse range of attitudes towards science (theistic evolutionists, Intelligent Design advocates, Old-Earth creationists and Young-Earth creationists), Stoner himself was apparently an Old-Earth creationist.
Critiques of Stoner's apologetics
Professor Stoner's work Science Speaks was reviewed by a committee of the American Scientific Affiliation members and by the Executive Council of the same group and has been found, in general, to be dependable and accurate in regard to the scientific material presented and the probability material presented in regards to prophecy. In addition, Christian apologetist JP Holding defended Professor Stoner's work in regards to its examination of Bible prophecy against the criticism of one of its critics.
According to his grandson, Don W. Stoner, material for Professor Stoner's chapter on Biblical prophecies (chapter 2 of Science Speaks) was drawn from a book in Peter Stoner's library titled Fulfilled Prophecies that Prove the Bible by George T. B. Davis, The Million Testaments Campaign, 1505 Race Street, Philadelphia, Penna., C 1931.