Leading Authority on Metaphysics to Respond to Hawking's Creation Theory

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- It's on! The Larry King stage is set for what may shape up to be one of the most provocative discussions on the need for a Creator in physics. Stephen Hawking's latest controversial work The Grand Design -- "no God required" -- has drawn vigorous retort from the religious community. One prominent philosopher and metaphysical expert, Robert Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D. made a strong rebuttal to Hawking's claim. On Friday, September 10, King will host both Hawking and Spitzer as they defend their opposing viewpoints.

Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D., President of the Magis Center of Reason and Faith, immediate past president of Gonzaga University and author of the recently published New Proofs for the Existence of God: Contributions of Contemporary Physics and Philosophy quickly responded to Hawking with a reply entitled "The Curious Metaphysics of Dr. Stephen Hawking. An expert in metaphysics and the ontology of physics, Spitzer has published extensively on the relationship of these two disciplines and the philosophy of God. Spitzer is currently producing a documentary on God and Modern Physics which is scheduled for completion in November. It features eight esteemed physicists who present an astrophysical response to atheism. An accomplished academic in his own right, Spitzer holds four advanced degrees: Ph.D. Philosophy, CUA, Th.M., Weston School, Cambridge; M.Div. Gregorian University, Rome; M.A., Philosophy St. Louis University,.

Hawking is a theoretical physicist who gained widespread attention from his book A Brief History of Time, along with several subsequent works, including his latest and hotly debated The Grand Design. In the recent book, Hawking argues against the need for a creator or God. Hawking's assertion has sparked widespread dismay and represents a disconnect from his earlier works which were open to the possibility of a creator. In 2005, Hawking published God Created the Integers: The Mathematical Breakthroughs that Changed History. Hawking recently retired from his post as a professor of mathematics at the University of Cambridge, a position he held for 30 years.

Be sure to watch the grand discussion on Grand Design scheduled to air on CNN's Larry King Show, Friday at 9pm EDT. Updates will be announced as they are made available. To learn more, visit magisreasonfaith.org.

SOURCE Magis Center of Reason and Faith