In this conversation, Dr. Sy Garte shares his remarkable journey from atheism to Christianity, exploring the intersection of faith and science. He discusses his personal experiences, the complexities of evolution, and the importance of understanding inheritance in biological processes. Dr. Garte emphasizes that science and faith are not mutually exclusive, advocating for a perspective that sees scientific discovery as a way to appreciate God's creation. He also provides insights for parents on how to discuss science with their children in a way that celebrates discovery while affirming their faith.

Takeaways

• Dr. Garte's journey from atheism to Christianity was influenced by both intellectual and spiritual experiences.

• He emphasizes the importance of spirituality in human existence.

• The concept of inheritance is foundational to understanding evolution.

• Evolution does not contradict the biblical account of creation.

• Why Dr. Garte prefers the word divine design over intelligent design.

• Recent scientific discoveries suggest that even single-celled organisms exhibit agency and purpose.

• Science and faith can coexist and complement each other.

• Parents can equip their children to understand science as a celebration of God's creation.

• The history of science is deeply intertwined with Christian thought.

• Truth is unchanging, and God created everything for His pleasure.

About Sy Garte

Sy Garte, PhD in biochemistry, is the author of Beyond Evolution: How New Discoveries in the Science of Life Point to God (Tyndale, August 2025) as well as the award-winning book The Works of His Hands: A Scientist’s Journey from Atheism to Faith (Kregel, 2019); and Science and Faith in Harmony: Contemplations on a Distilled Doxology (Kregel, 2024); and He has been a professor at New York University, the University of Pittsburgh and is currently Visiting Professor at Rutgers University. He has held leadership positions at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Uniformed Services University. Sy has published over two hundred peer-reviewed scientific papers and five books, as well as articles on science and faith. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the American Scientific Affiliation’s (ASA) quarterly magazine God and Nature. He is a fellow of the ASA, and Vice President of the Washington DC Metro chapter. He served as lay leader at his United Methodist Church. Sy was raised in an atheist, Marxist family, and was baptized 13 years ago. 

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources & Links:

• Check out www.youthministry.coach

• Daily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.net

• Find Dr. Garte at https://sygarte.com/

• Get Beyond Evolution: How New Discoveries in the Science of Life Point to God: https://amzn.to/4mzDyem

• Get The Works of His Hands: A Scientists Journey from Atheism to Faith: https://amzn.to/3Vthrv9

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