I strive to live as a testimony to the unity that can exist between the rigor of scientific inquiry and the steadfastness of faith. Below are a list of my core beliefs as they relate to being a scientist and Christian.

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Integration of Faith and Science:

I believe that science can be a tool to understand the intricacy and order of God’s creation. By studying the natural world We can deepen our awe and reverence for the Creator, rather than seeing science and faith as opposing forces. I understand science as a means to explore and understand the creation that God has ordained. I see no fundamental conflict between science and the Bible, viewing both as complementary revelations from God — natural revelation through the created order and special revelation through Scripture. I understand my fallible nature makes these two worlds appear to be in conflict.

Divine Sovereignty and Order:

In line with my Reformed theological understanding of scripture I emphasize God’s sovereignty over all aspects of creation, including the laws of nature. I see the orderliness and predictability of the natural world as a reflection of God’s intentional design and governance of His creation.

The Doctrine of Creation

I believe God is the sovereign Creator of the universe, who has designed and sustains all things. I understand scientific exploration as a way to understand God’s creation better, marvel at its complexity, and appreciate His power and wisdom. I believe there is inherent worth of all parts of God’s creation. As a result I believe that preserving biodiversity and ecosystems can be grounded in the conviction that the natural world declares God’s glory and should be treated with care.

The Cultural Mandate and Stewardship

From the belief that humans are called to “fill the earth and subdue it” (Genesis 1:28), I understand scientific work as a gift from God and part of fulfilling this cultural mandate. This includes stewardship of the environment, ethical responsibility in research, and using science to serve humanity and glorify God. Believe this stewardship is a mandate, not a choice, from God to protect His creation.

Providence and Secondary Causes

I believe in God’s providential control over all events, including the natural processes studied by science. This belief does not negate the legitimacy of scientific explanations but rather sees them as the means (secondary causes) through which God ordinarily accomplishes His will in the present world.

Solo Gratia and God’s Sovereignty

I recognize that salvation is by grace alone, and acknowledge that this should impact my scientific work by requiring  humility rather than pride in my discoveries and contributions since I attribute my abilities and opportunities to learn and discover to God’s grace.

Reason and Faith

I hold that faith and reason are not opposed but are both gifts from God to understand truth. My belief supports the idea that scientific inquiry and theological study are both legitimate and valuable pursuits of knowledge.

The Fall and its Impact on Humanity

My Reformed convictions about the total depravity of humanity due to sin and recognition that our human reasoning and our relationship to the natural world are marred by the Fall inform my understanding of environmental degradation, social injustice, and moral issues in the world. I place my hope in redemption through Christ, seeing this as the ultimate solution to the world’s brokenness. I hope that that my understanding of this truth will help me maintain a realistic perspective on the scope of human knowledge and the potential for misuse of science.

The Community of Faith and the Community of Science

I find value in relationships built within my spiritual community and my professional community. I seek to bridge conversations between faith and science, encouraging dialogue and understanding. I am actively involved in discussions about the integration of faith and science, hoping to contribute to these discussions by my insights from both perspectives.

Ultimate Purpose and Meaning

While invested in my vocation which involves developing an empirical understanding of the universe, I believe that true meaning and purpose are found in the God the bible. I believe that scientific achievements and human endeavors are ultimately ephemeral and that eternal significance is found in relationship with God and alignment with His purposes.

Summary of Doctrinal Convictions

The Westminster Confession of Faith (1647)
Westminster Larger Confession (1647)
What is the Reformed Faith by Tom Tyson and G.I. Williamson
Five Points of Calvinism (TULIP)

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