At least that’s what an anonymous responder tried to persuade the readership on a blog some years ago. According to this person, the Bible is just “a bad book of poetry” that no intelligent person would believe. And he challenged other readers to name a Christian genius (1).
Okay. Here are a few to begin the list:
MATHEMATICS
Blaise Pascal’s notable mathematical works included the development of the theory of probabilities. Later in life, he devoted himself to theological writings. “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus” (2).
Blaise Pascal (1623-1727)
Sir Isaac Newton, famous for his laws of physics, also paved the way for the subject of calculus. He too dedicated his later years to interpreting scripture. “Godliness consists in the knowledge, love, and worship of God, Humanity in love, righteousness & good offices towards man” (3), he wrote.
Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727)
Dr. John Lennox is Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at the University of Oxford. He has published over seventy mathematical papers and co-authored two research level texts in algebra. But Lennox is also an astute Christian apologist, and has written such books as Can Science Explain Everything (4)?
Dr. John Lennox (1943- )
SCIENCE
Sir Francis Bacon, who established the scientific method, viewed science as a way to learn deeper truths about God. In his will, he included this final prayer: “When I thought most of peace and honor, thy hand [was] heavy on me, and hath humbled me, according to thy former loving kindness. … Just are thy judgments upon my sins. … Be merciful unto me for my Savior’s sake, and receive me into thy bosom” (5).
Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626)
Galileo Galilei (1564-1642)–One of the most important and influential physicists, astronomers, inventors and scientists to ever live. He saw no conflict between science and faith in God. “God is known by nature in his works, and by doctrine in his revealed word” (6).
James Clerk Maxwell memorized the Bible by the age of 14. Yes, the whole thing. His extensive scientific studies determined that light is an electromagnetic wave, and his kinetic theory established that temperature is entirely dependent on the speeds of particles. Upon his death, a colleague wrote: “We his contemporaries at college, have seen in him high powers of mind and great capacity and original views, conjoined with deep humility before his God, reverent submission to His will, and hearty belief in the love and atonement of that Divine Savior” (7).
James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879)
MEDICINE
Sir James Simpson, an outstanding obstetrician, pioneered many techniques in his field. He’s also credited for his discovery of the anesthetic qualities of chloroform. But when asked by a journalist about his greatest discovery, Dr. Simpson replied he was a sinner and Jesus Christ his Savior (8).
Sir James Simpson (1811-1870)
Dr. Joseph Lister, the father of modern surgery, determined as a medical student to not just practice medicine, but to also conduct research. Among the surgical techniques he developed, Lister proved the benefits of antiseptic surgery. A devout Quaker, Lister made it clear: “I am a believer in the fundamental doctrines of Christianity” (9).
Dr. Joseph Lister (1827-1912)
Alexander Fleming–biologist, physician, microbiologist, and pharmacologist—changed the world when he discovered penicillin, but he gave God the credit. “Discoveries of this magnitude are rare . . . God took care to hide that country till he judged his people ready; then, he chose me for his whisper and I found it and it’s yours.” Fleming also asserted: “My greatest discovery was that I needed God, and that I was nothing without him and that he loved me and showed his love by sending Jesus to save me” (10).
Alexander Fleming (1881-1955)
Still further evidence of genius is found among the humanities. In an effort to keep this post of reasonable length, I’ll save that topic for next week. But perhaps you’ll enjoy uncovering evidence for yourself of the godly faith of these Christians and others. The websites listed below offer a beginning point.
It is a fact that many proclaimed geniuses have chosen not to become Christians. God has chosen to bestow brilliant minds among all mankind, just as he grants the rain on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45).
But it cannot be said there is no such thing as a Christian genius.
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What Christian geniuses would you add to the list?
Please share in the comment section below!
Notes:
1. http://www.rightnation.us/forums/index.php?autocom=blog&blogid=7&showentry=742
2. https://www.timetoast.com/timelines/contributions-of-famous-christian-mathematicians
3. same as above
4. https://www.rzim.org/speakers/john-lennox
5. https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/scholarsandscientists/francis-bacon.html
6. https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/scholarsandscientists/galileo-galilei.html
7. https://creation.com/great-creation-scientists-james-clerk-maxwell
9. https://answersingenesis.org/creation-scientists/joseph-lister-father-of-modern-surgery/
10. http://www.staplefordresources.co.uk/files/files/Alexander_Fleming.pdf
Other Sources:
https://www.famousscientists.org/great-scientists-christians/
https://relevantmagazine.com/god/9-groundbreaking-scientists-who-happened-be-christians/
https://answersingenesis.org/intelligent-design/signature-god-medicine-and-microbiology/
Art & Photo credits: http://www.wikimedia.org (2); http://www.flickr.com; http://www.wikimedia.org; http://www.azquotes.com; http://www.flickr.com (2); http://www.wikimedia.org (2).
From the Inside Out 
Good answer to the anonymous responder. (I wonder what HIS I.Q. is … ? 😉 )
Thank you, SDP. I was delightfully surprised how much info I was able to find on the internet. (‘Did try to focus on reliable websites.) If only documented fact was enough to turn folks to the truth, but we human beings are often resistant to it!
What a refreshing post, Nancy. In order to be a Christian, one does not have to have a lobotomy first 😉
Dr. Francis Collins the former Director of the Human Genome Project and author of “The Language of God” comes to mind.
HA! to your second sentence, Heidi–a smile-making statement for sure. And thank you for adding Dr. Francis Collins to the list. I’ll have to look him up!
There are so many of these kind of things I’d love to share with my unbelieving loved ones, who voice their desire to surrender and believe (their longing to have what I have) but inability to because of scientific reasons. But God keeps asking me to pray instead of giving them reading material and reminds me that in my Prodigal years, when people gave me books to read to try and get me to return to faith, that these books were never opened (except for the Message Bible several years later that my Dad gave me a couple years into my Prodigal journey- I kept it unopened, but in his attached letter he had referenced the exact Bible verses I needed for that moment years later that I opened it). Only God 😊
What a glorious God-incidence (as opposed to a coincidence) that a verse-in-a-letter written years earlier would open your heart to Jesus! Thank you for sharing your story with us, Anna. I, too pray for unbelieving loved ones, that they will experience their moments of epiphany and realize He IS the hope of our salvation.
Oh no, it wasn’t that verse that opened my heart. It was God’s Spirit pouring peace out upon me as my Mum was dying. It shocked me because I was running from a frightening idol of a God and His compassion floored me and planted a yearning to know the true God…which has been leading me into his arms ever since.That verse just showed me that God saw my heart all those many years ago and had been interceding through my Dad all along.
Thank you for the clarification, Anna. These details of your story demonstrate how gracious our God is!
Yes: to us both so much. I idolized my Dad (former pastor) as God and experienced deep trauma because of it (through the spiritual abuse I incurred because rather than listening to the Holy Spirit in myself, I listened to what my Dad did and said – based on their man-fed theology- that repeatedly placed someone dear to me into a place of deep suffering). My Dad and I have both been through incredible humbling, healing and restoration only God could bring. I am visiting him and his wife (who is in hospital) at the moment actually. 😊
Very impressive research. My sciencophile husband also enjoyed the information. Thank you. How’s Steve doing?
Love ,
Diane
How delightful that Bruce also enjoyed the post! Steve is feeling quite well as of late. Digestive issues (caused by meds and resulting in nausea) seem to have been resolved. He’s now under the care of a post-transplant wellness specialist; an evaluation takes place next week, followed by six weeks of physical therapy. He’s looking forward to getting back to his normal self!
wow quite a list. I wonder where the women are? Makes me want to research that too. Have a great weekend, Nancy!!
I did have one woman on my list to research, but couldn’t find enough documentation of her Christian faith. Perhaps the problem lies in how few women were published in centuries past. I’ll keep looking. Might have to return to this topic sometime–and highlight women!
This is so interesting; I treasure what you have unearthed, Nancy, and am printing this one to file and refer back to. I was tickled to see so many mathematicians that were believers! That means I can meet them in Heaven some day! Thanks for your research on this. And thank you for the update on Steve; I’m so grateful to the Lord that Steve is doing so well. Prayers continue for his upcoming evaluation, the physical therapy, and his road back to normal!
Thank you, Cheri! I had such fun researching these Christian geniuses of math, science, and medicine. I’m glad you found the post interesting reading!
Hi Nancy,
Great topic. It has been said that every great change or idea, even the founding of many universities were all brought about by believers. You can add Walter Martin, George Washington Carver, William Shakespeare, the ladies from the movie Hidden Figures, and Victor Hugo.
Thank you,
Gary
Thank you for your additions to the list, Gary! I wouldn’t have thought to include the ladies from the movie Hidden Figures. They WERE amazing, and withstood so much.