5 September 2024

In the  book, ‘Galileo Goes to Jail’, John Hedley Brooke informs us of a survey which was conducted by the psychologist, James Leuba, just before the First World War. A thousand American scientists were asked whether they believed in a personal God. 41.8% believed.

When the results of a similar survey were reported in ‘Nature’ in 1998, the percentage of scientists who believed in a personal God was very similar – 39.3%. Over the century, the percentage of scientists who believed in a personal God hadn’t changed despite the huge advances in science during this time.

This is encouraging for two reasons. Firstly, it celebrates the fact that so many scientists are able to harmonise their faith with their work as scientists and their progress in scientific knowledge has no negative impact on their religious belief. In fact it may enrich it.

Secondly, it challenges the view that science necessarily contributes to the secularisation of our society. This is manifestly not the case. Science is the exploration of our Universe. It deals with observation and extrapolates from observable facts theories to help us understand the workings of the world.

Scientists are searching for the truth just like everyone else. This is where their work intersects intimately with Christianity. For we believe that Jesus is the Truth. So all those who are searching for the truth will ultimately end up in Him. How could it be otherwise?

Scientific truth may be qualitatively different from the truth that Jesus is the Son of God. But what is a  scientific theory  if not an opportunity to put our faith in something which fits the observable facts but says more than what can be observed?  To that extent, scientists take a leap of faith. In this, we are one with them!

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