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).
(Pascal’s “Night of Fire” parchment)
From the Inside Out 