8th January 2025

Having had a background in biological sciences before turning to theological study, the interplay between faith and science is a major element in my ongoing spiritual journey. I naturally ask theological questions of science and scientific questions of theology; not to do so would be, for me, plain dishonest.

So, for example, what does the scientific determination of our universe as being something like 13.7 billion years old and unimaginably vast, complex, fiery and dynamic tell us about God as its Creator and of our significance within it? In turn, when mathematically-minded scientists play games with the equations and constants underlying the nature of the universe as we understand it today so as to imagine alternative versions that might never have resulted in creatures like ourselves, I want to ask them is it really so unthinkable that our actual universe might have some meaning to it after all. Why exactly are sub-atomic particles and the mysteries of quantum mechanics that govern them capable of producing stars and planets and organic life? Is it good enough to say, ‘well, it’s happenstance – they just do’? And ultimately, why should there be anything at all?

In his sermon last Sunday, Sam was advocating there be a place for curiosity in our personal discipleship and shared church life. Whatever else he had in mind, my thoughts turned to this on-going internal dialogue between faith and science playing out in my head. Your questions may well be very different from mine, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t consider how these might shape your own spiritual growth and journey. Here’s to curiosity!

Ken Stewart