Last week on Monday, Oct. 2, John Brown University’s Biology Department hosted a Faith and Science Q&A panel. This panel allowed students to have their scientific questions answered through the lens of the Christian faith by panelists with professional backgrounds in the fields of science and faith.
The panel was composed of Dr. Robbie Castleman, Professor Hope Cureton, Dr. Michelle Kim, Pastor Bruce Boehmer, and Associate Professor Tim Gilmour. To begin they answered previously written questions, but later the Q&A was opened to the audience for questions. Questions ranged from broad inquiries about how faith and science can coincide, to more specific questions, such as those regarding recent scientific innovations.
While the panelists thoroughly answered every question, they also reminded students that their Christian faith can coexist with their studies and eventual careers in science.
When the panel was asked if they believed science contradicts their faith, Boehmer replied, “God created order, order is the basis for science. Because of that, Christians should make the best scientists.”
Gilmour echoed a similar sentiment when he responded saying, “God created a predictable world; science predicts that world.”
More specific questions were asked, such as “How should we perceive genetic modifications as Christians?” Kim stressed that Christians should be quick to educate themselves on new findings in science.
“What makes me cringe is, honestly, a lack of knowledge and ignorance. Before you form an opinion about new technology, go find out what it is first,” Kim said.
She pointed to many genetic modifications that have existed for decades that benefit humanity. For example, seedless watermelons.
She stressed this by further explaining, “It takes wisdom to face new technology. We need to take the fear component out and educate ourselves and others so that we can use technology for the glory of God.”
To end, the panel opened up questions to the audience. One closing question to the panel was “What is your best advice for Christians in science?” Answers were varied, but a common theme prevailed. The entire panel stressed the importance of prayer and love. Gilmour said that in faith and science, “Your goal is to love your neighbor.”
The panel left students with Micah 6:8 as their best piece of advice. “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Overall, the panel allowed students to see how faith and science can together flourish in one’s personal and professional life.
When asked for her takeaway from the panel, Liani Lujan, a sophomore biology major, responded, “I appreciated getting to hear from several different science backgrounds, and I now recognize why it is important to get reliable information from informed people before forming an opinion.”