Science and faith: two of my favourite things. I have a deep interest in the natural sciences and have long been drawn to the world of physics by the way it encompasses the study of the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles. It’s truly fascinating!
I’m an Anglican priest with a background in software engineering, management, and consulting. I studied theology at the University of Cambridge, worked as the Young Vocations Advisor for the Bishop of Portsmouth, England, and served as a vicar of Victory Church in Nelson. Now I’m completing an honours degree in Mathematics and Physics while pursuing my interest in exploring how science and faith are mutually enriching for young people.
Some people think that it's weird to pursue science as a priest. Often when I meet people, including scientists, they’re baffled by how I can be comfortable with both science and my Christian faith. How do they fit? Are they not in conflict with one another?
My answer is both yes and no.
Science and faith are not inherently incompatible, but there is a perception that they are. This shouldn’t be surprising given the passion with which accomplished scientists such as Richard Dawkins and Steven Weinberg preach war, declaring, “The world needs to wake up from the long nightmare of religion… Anything we scientists can do to weaken the hold of religion should be done, and may in fact be our greatest contribution to civilization.”
Well-meaning Christians can add fuel to the fire by attacking mainstream scientific theories in defence of a literal seven days of creation. This exacerbates the conflict and erects an unnecessary barrier. The essential message is what matters most - that God created the world, and that we humans are significant and creation has an important purpose.
I am deeply aware of my own vulnerability and lack of knowledge, but I hope that this disposition will keep me grounded as a fellow wrestler, and that together we will come to see all the more how “the heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1).
For me, there are three big reasons why we should be engaging in the science and faith conversation.
Firstly, because science and technology are such a huge part of our everyday lives, and we need to equip followers of Jesus to bear faithful witness to the Gospel in all areas of life. Secondly, because the Gospel has something to say to our society about the ethical and moral implications of science, research, and development. And thirdly, and for me most importantly, because we must speak truth to the lie that science and faith are incompatible.
One of the main obstacles to embracing the gospel is the belief that science discredits the Christian faith. Barna research shows that science was one of the main reasons young people walk away from faith, second only to hypocrisy of religious people. It’s a bigger reason than even the question of suffering. Among those who are leaving the Church, science is a growing reason why people doubt the reality of God.
I see my role as an ambassador to foster dialogue and champion the importance of both faith and science. I want to act as an advocate for both – to show that they are compatible.
An ambassador also acts as a representative for a state or an organisation. This work is a continuation of the calling on my life to be ordained for ministry and I remain under the authority of Christ, the Bible, and my bishop. My role is to help people in our diocese engage in the conversation and connect us to others who are also involved in it, like New Zealand Christians in Science that networks with Christian scientists, gives resources to the church and facilitates the discussion.
I have a particular concern for young people, and how they, often unconsciously, buy into a narrative that faith and science are locked in mortal combat. I’ve been moved deeply by the accounts of young people in school or university who are told that faith is not welcome in the science lab, and that they need to decide to follow one or the other, and that they cannot do proper science while holding a Christian faith.
There are some high-profile scientists like Peter Atkins, Steven Weinberg and Richard Dawkins who encourage the idea of conflict. They present in very strong terms the view that religion and science are at war. Peter Atkins for instance says that religion scorns the power of human comprehension, whereas science respects it. Many people don’t know where to turn when faced with this kind of ultimatum. Our young people need to hear Christians boldly affirming that science and Christianity both involve evidence and reason. Both are concerned with the search for truth because they share the conviction that truth is something to be sought. Truth, reason, wisdom and knowledge are gifts from God who is knowable and with whom we can have an eternal relationship through Jesus. That’s good news our young people need to know.
Over the next few months, I’ll be offering some teaching about the relationship between science and faith and show how faith has a pivotal place alongside science, and how science, rather than conflicting with faith, is actually faith affirming. I want to encourage Christians to really appreciate science and the place of science, but also to be confident about their faith, especially when they run into this idea that science provides the only genuine knowledge we can have about reality. We’ll aim to make this teaching available online, as well hosting some events where people can come, not just to hear a short talk, but also have the opportunity to bring questions and engage in discussion.
I’m very much looking forward to serving the diocese in this capacity, and I hope it starts some healthy conversations across our churches. If this raises any questions for you, please drop me an email! I’d be happy to talk to you.
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
Science and faith: two of my favourite things. I have a deep interest in the natural sciences and have long been drawn to the world of physics by the way it encompasses the study of the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles. It’s truly fascinating!
I’m an Anglican priest with a background in software engineering, management, and consulting. I studied theology at the University of Cambridge, worked as the Young Vocations Advisor for the Bishop of Portsmouth, England, and served as a vicar of Victory Church in Nelson. Now I’m completing an honours degree in Mathematics and Physics while pursuing my interest in exploring how science and faith are mutually enriching for young people.
Some people think that it's weird to pursue science as a priest. Often when I meet people, including scientists, they’re baffled by how I can be comfortable with both science and my Christian faith. How do they fit? Are they not in conflict with one another?
My answer is both yes and no.
Science and faith are not inherently incompatible, but there is a perception that they are. This shouldn’t be surprising given the passion with which accomplished scientists such as Richard Dawkins and Steven Weinberg preach war, declaring, “The world needs to wake up from the long nightmare of religion… Anything we scientists can do to weaken the hold of religion should be done, and may in fact be our greatest contribution to civilization.”
Well-meaning Christians can add fuel to the fire by attacking mainstream scientific theories in defence of a literal seven days of creation. This exacerbates the conflict and erects an unnecessary barrier. The essential message is what matters most - that God created the world, and that we humans are significant and creation has an important purpose.
I am deeply aware of my own vulnerability and lack of knowledge, but I hope that this disposition will keep me grounded as a fellow wrestler, and that together we will come to see all the more how “the heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1).
For me, there are three big reasons why we should be engaging in the science and faith conversation.
Firstly, because science and technology are such a huge part of our everyday lives, and we need to equip followers of Jesus to bear faithful witness to the Gospel in all areas of life. Secondly, because the Gospel has something to say to our society about the ethical and moral implications of science, research, and development. And thirdly, and for me most importantly, because we must speak truth to the lie that science and faith are incompatible.
One of the main obstacles to embracing the gospel is the belief that science discredits the Christian faith. Barna research shows that science was one of the main reasons young people walk away from faith, second only to hypocrisy of religious people. It’s a bigger reason than even the question of suffering. Among those who are leaving the Church, science is a growing reason why people doubt the reality of God.
I see my role as an ambassador to foster dialogue and champion the importance of both faith and science. I want to act as an advocate for both – to show that they are compatible.
An ambassador also acts as a representative for a state or an organisation. This work is a continuation of the calling on my life to be ordained for ministry and I remain under the authority of Christ, the Bible, and my bishop. My role is to help people in our diocese engage in the conversation and connect us to others who are also involved in it, like New Zealand Christians in Science that networks with Christian scientists, gives resources to the church and facilitates the discussion.
I have a particular concern for young people, and how they, often unconsciously, buy into a narrative that faith and science are locked in mortal combat. I’ve been moved deeply by the accounts of young people in school or university who are told that faith is not welcome in the science lab, and that they need to decide to follow one or the other, and that they cannot do proper science while holding a Christian faith.
There are some high-profile scientists like Peter Atkins, Steven Weinberg and Richard Dawkins who encourage the idea of conflict. They present in very strong terms the view that religion and science are at war. Peter Atkins for instance says that religion scorns the power of human comprehension, whereas science respects it. Many people don’t know where to turn when faced with this kind of ultimatum. Our young people need to hear Christians boldly affirming that science and Christianity both involve evidence and reason. Both are concerned with the search for truth because they share the conviction that truth is something to be sought. Truth, reason, wisdom and knowledge are gifts from God who is knowable and with whom we can have an eternal relationship through Jesus. That’s good news our young people need to know.
Over the next few months, I’ll be offering some teaching about the relationship between science and faith and show how faith has a pivotal place alongside science, and how science, rather than conflicting with faith, is actually faith affirming. I want to encourage Christians to really appreciate science and the place of science, but also to be confident about their faith, especially when they run into this idea that science provides the only genuine knowledge we can have about reality. We’ll aim to make this teaching available online, as well hosting some events where people can come, not just to hear a short talk, but also have the opportunity to bring questions and engage in discussion.
I’m very much looking forward to serving the diocese in this capacity, and I hope it starts some healthy conversations across our churches. If this raises any questions for you, please drop me an email! I’d be happy to talk to you.
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
