The
Divine Design Lecture Series 
Divine Design is a computer
directed multimedia lecture presentation series which gives glory to God
the Father Almighty as the Designer of all. Mathematics is shown to be
"the alphabet with which God has written the universe." (Galileo) Technology
is shown to be man's attempt at mimicking God's designs. Each presentation
lasts about one hour and is suitable for any group from high school age
through adult. No special mathematics background is necessary. Those who
do have a mathematics background or who are currently studying Christian
education, mathematics, science, or computer science will especially benefit.
The four lectures currently in the Divine Design series are The
Divine Proportion, Thinking
God's Thoughts After Him, Symmetry, and The
Two Infinities.
Reactions
to these topics:
The
Divine Proportion
This presentation was
designed to be the culmination of a three week teaching unit in high school,
college, or with adults, where students are to learn or review mathematical
topics of classical constructions, the quadratic formula, symmetry, graphing,
similarity, proportions, and solid geometry. If these concepts have been
taught or reinforced, the presentation is an excellent final activity.
The lecture can also work quite well with young adults or adults who have
not had these concepts, or haven't had them in quite a while. The presentation
is presented using a computer and large video monitors or a video projection
system. It has digitized pictures of many treasures in God's creation which
demonstrate the divine proportion (golden ratio), symmetry, Fibonacci's
numbers, trigonometric graphs, solid geometry and other mathematics concepts.
In addition to digitized slides, animation and other graphics techniques
are used. Students are usually surprised and refreshed to see some of the
hidden precision and design in the world. This gives a boost to students
who are always wondering about the practical application of mathematics
to daily life. Above all, students are amazed to see the care that their
God has used in creating and preserving this world.
Thinking
God's Thoughts After Him
Man
has long copied the designs which God has placed into the universe. He
has placed these designs in us, in the many creatures of His creation,
and in the elements and substances that are part of His marvelous creation.
There is a whole branch of science devoted to studying God's designs and
making good use of them in our own designs. This science is called bionics.
Rarely do we give God the credit for these perfect, original designs. This
multimedia presentation is aimed at giving God the credit. It should also
amaze the viewer how many high tech designs are in creation, and how these
designs are being used today to make new high tech devices. A special emphasis
will be given to current and future computer technology. The lecture shows
clearly how design and mathematics itself are created by God, with man
discovering it small piece by small piece.
Symmetry
Again,
this presentation is designed to be the culmination of a teaching unit
where students are led through the mathematics concepts first, followed
by several activities aimed at applications of symmetry to the living creatures
and treasures in God's creation. The presentation is also very effective
without the teaching unit preceding it. The concept of symmetry is so basic
that we often overlook its presence and importance in our lives. These
basics will be pointed out with a demonstration of the balance that God
has placed into his universe, and the balance which he has included in
the laws of the universe. Even though the concept of symmetry is simple
and basic, it is shown to be the key to solving very complex problems.
Again, the presentation will include a multimedia computer directed show.
The
Two Infinities
This
lecture focuses on number and size. By going through a multimedia tour
of the universe both on the macro and micro scales, we quickly see how
small a section of all numbers and objects that we can comprehend. We are
also reminded of the way mathematics comes to a screeching halt whenever
we come up against infinity. Along with this tour of the universe is a
tour of special and famous numbers. Exploring their unique properties and
their history make for interesting side trips. Once again, God is clearly
shown to be in control, and man is an interested tourist who does not understand
all that he is seeing, but wants to learn more. This lecture will also
be presented using a computer and multimedia.
Reactions
Listen to what some have said of
the series:
From a Christian University where
they had 1 of the lectures several times:
"Mr. Buelow's deep personal Christian
commitment burned through right from the introductory section of his lecture
and persisted strongly throughout." "It was obvious that he had captured
not only their attention, but also fixing in them a new interest in Christian
pedagogy. Their fascination with his well prepared and fast moving program
was evident; I could almost hear the wheels turning in their minds, 'Man,
if he can do this with math, what could I do with my subject!'" "He has
assisted us significantly in our teacher training program, touching approximately
100 of our teachers-in-training, many of whom are third worlders, so his
impact will be felt in Christian education around the world."
From a Christian College where they
had a lecture from the series:
"The best convocation of the year!"
From students who have had both
the teaching units and lectures:
"This unit was enjoyed by myself
and many others. It made us think, not because we had to, but because we
wanted to..." "You brought us along with your thoughts and ideas,
we were captured by them."
"This unit helped me to better understand
the meaning of the word almighty."
"This makes me look at many things
and notice the special way God put everything together."
"I think that it helped to strengthen
my faith even more."
"It showed me how math is related
to the field I'm thinking of going into." (the ministry)
If any good comes from these presentations,
it is only due to the grace and gifts of God. To Him alone be the glory!
Contact:
Dr. Ronald A. Buelow
1009 Mulberry Street
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 388-3453
Dr. Ronald Buelow is a professor
of mathematics at Bethany Lutheran College and loves to share what he has
found out.