A weekly dose of science for the church
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A History Lesson
Of course, history reminds us that for every abolitionist like cousin Emily, there is at least one story of a slave owner who was also motivated by faith. The history of Christianity, like any family history, is terribly complex with examples that make us proud and others that remind us of the need for confession and forgiveness. This, of course, is also true of the history of Christianity and science.
Shepherding to Herd Immunity
For pastors, this really is the moment for us to protect our flock from the thieves and wolves that would steal the very health of our congregation and our individual members. It’s our moment to take on the role as shepherds of our flocks.
Becoming Like Trees
Recent scientific discoveries about trees fascinate me because of what I learn about the intricate interdependence of ecosystems. But unlike so much of modern life, trees also populated the world of the Bible, and they populate the pages of Scripture. Learning about trees has helped me understand my backyard. It also has helped me to understand how to remain nourished and connected to God.
In Praise of John Polkinghorne
The Rev. Dr. John Polkinghorne will undoubtedly remain a preeminent voice in faith and science. He died March 9th at age 90. I met John Polkinghorne only once, at a small science and religion conference. I interrupted his breakfast for our notably awkward encounter…
Signs of New Life
St. Augustine famously defined a sacrament as “an outward and visible sign of inward and invisible grace.” This definition could be applied to much more than baptism and communion—perhaps even to tulips and sea slugs.
Mangoes From Heaven
Missionaries I have known live out the Great Commission and the Great Commandment by both showing and telling God’s love. They can spend years learning the needs of the people and place they serve and additional years finding the best way to meet them. And this missionary work has roused a number of scientists and engineers, which is why it interests us at Science for the Church.
John Lennox on the Resurrection
We were given a question from the audience: In the scientific world, it makes no sense to believe in a resurrection. You cannot accept science and believe in the resurrection, which is the center of your faith as a Christian. What do you say to that? I (Greg) have my answers, but I’d love to hear your answer as a scientist. Do you believe, and can you, believe in the resurrection of Christ?
When the Body Can Gather Again
When the effects of the pandemic subside—and when we can safely do so—should we go back to church? What do science and Scripture say?
Be Still and Know
God, the Creator, knows how the natural world works. God knows that stillness is not possible for living things, or even for the most basic constituents of matter. So what does it mean when Psalm 46 instructs us “Be still and know that I am God!”?
The Priesthood of All Bridge Builders
We need Christians whose vocations have called them to science and technology to be bridge builders with those who have left the church and who believes that science is one huge roadblock to faith.
Scientists Matter to the Church
Not only are these STEM professionals in our churches, but their knowledge and skills—the way they poke at things—should matter to the church. They should not have to hide.
Scientists, Your Work Matters to God
In preparation for this newsletter, I emailed a good friend who’s a biologist. I posed a fairly simple question, expecting a succinct response. Instead, he poured out his heart in a long email, which started with this: “How was I treated in the church as a scientist? Man, that’s a trigger question for me…”