Science and the Church

“As a scientist, do you feel like the Church has supported you in your work?” Since being asked that question during a podcast, I have been continuously mulling over my own answer.

When reflecting on my experience of growing up in church and beginning to pursue science as a career, my answer is a resounding “no.” I was not well-supported by my home church when I decided to pursue science. Many of those well-intentioned individuals who watched me grow up in the church cared deeply for me, but they were afraid for me. They did not think faith and science were compatible. They thought science would lead me away from God. And so, when I declared my interest in science, they panicked, suppressed, and discouraged. (Thankfully, I grew up with an incredible support system in my Jesus-loving family and they encouraged me to pursue science anyways.)

I am now a professional marine biologist and I love God more than ever before. I have also come to realize that the church I grew up in is only a mote-like fragment of the universal, capital-C “Church”—which includes everyone across space and time who has chosen salvation through Jesus. Although in the past I was hurt by a church, I continue to love and advocate for the Church.

I am also part of a different local church community than the one in which I grew up. My current church sees me and my work, values my perspective, listens to my voice, and encourages me that I have something unique to contribute to God’s kingdom. My current church cares about science, rather than fearing it. In turn, they love me in a way that is not driven by fear. And I am beyond-words thankful for that.

The universal Church is not always accurately reflected by any given church community. And everyone’s experience as part of a church community is unique. I would love to hear about yours—particularly insofar as it relates to science. The purpose of this is not to bash on our local church communities, but rather, to consider the real and relevant stories (largely untold) by scientists who are part of the Church.

• If you are a scientist, do you feel like the Church has supported you in your work? Why or why not?
• If you are not a scientist, how would you respond to an aspiring scientist or professional scientist within the Church context?
• What could the Church potentially be doing better to care for its scientists?