Gods and Scientists: Do Pioneers of Modern Research Believe?

Gods and Scientists: Do Pioneers of Modern Research Believe?

Emeritus Professor John Lennox, a mathematician at the University of Oxford, is known for his belief that faith and science are not mutually exclusive. In his numerous books, interviews and discussions, he has repeatedly put forward the argument that there is no real contradiction between his Christian faith and the world of science. A recent video going viral on Instagram presents his latest views on the subject.

In the viral clip, the 80-year-old scientist speaks passionately about the relationship between faith and science. He explains that he is not isolated in his belief in God, but that many of the greatest scientists, such as Galileo, Kepler and Newton, had similar beliefs. “Virtually all of the great pioneers of modern science believed in God,” he says. According to her, these scientists not only believed in the existence of God, but this belief was also the driving force behind their scientific research.

Influence of great thinkers

John Lennox also refers to the famous writer C. S. Lewis, who also discussed the connection between faith and scientific discovery. “Lewis said that people became scientific because they expected laws in nature, and they expected those laws because they depended on a legislator,” explains Lennox. This shows that belief in a higher meaning or order in nature motivated many scientists to advance their research.

Furthermore, Lennox highlights that not only historical figures but also modern scientists profess their belief in God. Today's prominent scientists who describe themselves as believers include Austrian quantum physicist Anton Zeilinger, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2022. Francis Collins, the former director of the National Institutes of Health in the USA, and numerous other researchers from various disciplines share similar beliefs.

This diversity of voices from the scientific community illustrates that faith, whether explicitly religious or not, plays a role in the motivation of many researchers. The German astrophysicist Heino Falcke and the physicist Illes Gebeshuber, among others, have spoken publicly about their faith. Their statements show that they do not see faith as a contradiction to their scientific work, but as an enrichment and source of inspiration.

The discourse surrounding the connection between faith and science remains current. While society often moves in one direction or another, the question of the influence of faith on scientific developments remains highly relevant. John Lennox's views help to increase understanding of this issue and promote open discussion about the role of faith in science.

The John Lennox video mentioned is a strong testimony to this debate and can be viewed on social media. At a time when scientific discourse is often characterized by skepticism, Lennox's perspective offers a fresh perspective and stimulates reflection on the deeper meaning of faith and knowledge.