Having had a career in biology, I know that scientific discoveries provide compelling reasons to worship God. For example, the structure of DNA defies chance assembly. Yet until one of the world's most renowned scientists, Stephen Hawking, died in 2018, he was an outspoken atheist. He apparently died devoid of any religious sentiment, but he had a strong belief in science. In his book, The Theory of Everything, he wrote, "If you believe in science, like I do, you believe that there are certain laws that are always obeyed. If you like, you can say the laws are the work of God, but that is more a definition of God than a proof of his existence." He also wrote, "We are each free to believe what we want, and it's my view that the simplest explanation is that there is no God. No one created the universe and no one directs our fate. This leads me to a profound realisation: there is probably no heaven and afterlife either."

My faith journey has been different than that of Stephen Hawking. Whereas he believed only in science and natural causes, I believe in the Word through which all things were made. Stephen Hawking believed that science could not prove that God exists, whereas I believe that each of us is born with the ability to call on God and to know that He is there.

If Stephen held onto his convictions to the end, then he died an atheist. By denying God, Stephen Hawking's life unfolded as predicted by the apostle Paul:

Romans 1:20-22 – For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools. (NIV)

Christians, too, will die, but we will leave this world knowing that "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16 NIV) My career in science greatly fortified my trust in Scripture, and on many occasions, I was prompted to worship the almighty — but very personal — God. A scientist like Stephen Hawking cannot see God in the evidence, and will foolishly conclude that "there is probably no heaven and afterlife either."

As Christians, we know the good news. Let us continue to proclaim this good news to a world full of intelligent people making foolish decisions.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the wonders that You have created and for giving us the scientific ability to explore how they work. May the wisdom of Your works and the truth of Your Word grow within us, until all questions are answered when we meet You face to face. Amen.