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
2714 Sandra Lane
Waukesha, WI 53188
(262) 408-5547
Dr. Ronald Buelow is a professor of mathematics
at Wisconsin Lutheran College and loves to share what he has found out.
Go to this link to see Divine
Design scheduled presentation dates.