18 February 2025

Challenging the science–faith conflict myth in Anglican churches and schools

Scanning Electron Micrograph of pollen produced on the of Cosmos bipinnatus. Picture: iStock

Sarah Wilson 

24 October 2024

As a young adult, ISCAST program director Dr Sarah Wilson was told that pursuing science would threaten her Christian faith. Thirty years later, she’s working to change those perceptions, with her research only making her faith stronger. 

I was twenty years old when I became a Christian. My conversion was simple yet served as a profound reminder of how faith can take root in unexpected moments, often without rational explanations. Growing up in a deeply committed Christian home, I had heard the gospel message preached hundreds of times, but it had never held much significance for me outside of church activities and desperate prayers before exams. 

Yet, one Sunday service in 1994 opened my eyes in a way I had never experienced before. The words I had heard countless times suddenly resonated deeply within me, igniting a change in my heart and a desire to honour God with my life. I know I wasn’t caught up in the emotions of the music, as only very traditional hymns were played that I found unappealing at the time, and our preacher was clever and well-spoken but in no way charismatic. There was nothing about that service that could rationalise why it made such a difference to me, yet it did.  

In the weeks and months following this life-changing event, I was on fire for God. I clumsily slipped “God” into all my conversations with non-believing friends, joined a small group for the first time, and started leading services and singing in the church band. At the same time, I was in my honour’s year of a science degree at The University of Melbourne, with a childhood dream of pursuing a career in research. 

Read more: Christians offered revamped world standard views on faith-science connections

I can still remember the disappointment I felt when some of my Christian mentors disapproved of my choice to become a scientist. Science wasn’t considered a Christian vocation because it didn’t involve saving souls, and there was also controversy surrounding evolutionary biology, my area of study. I was cautioned that a career in science could lead me down a slippery slope to atheism due to the influence of non-believers at work. I felt the sting of their disapproval and the accompanying shame: should I instead follow a more visibly Christian vocation? 

Now, thirty years later, I combine a career in scientific research with my role as Program Director at ISCAST, an organisation promoting constructive conversation between Christianity and the sciences. I know that many Christians still wrestle with the relationship between faith and science, and scientists often report feeling misunderstood and isolated in their congregations. We know that young people increasingly view faith and science as conflicting. In the February issue of The Melbourne Anglican, I reported that sixty percent of students attending faith-based schools believe science and faith are at odds. Subsequent surveys of hundreds more students show that this statistic remains unchanged—a clear indication that it’s time to act.  

So, why do Christians need to engage with science? There are several reasons, but let me highlight a few: 

  1. We are made in God’s image and called to use our God-given gifts and knowledge to create for good, not evil. ISCAST’s patron, Professor Graeme Clark, inventor of the bionic ear, exemplifies a scientist who uses his gifts for good. He glorifies God through his work, claiming it was only possible through constant prayer and a commitment to do God’s will. 
  1. Christians are called to be light and salt in the world. As technology advances at a rapid pace, we no longer have the option to retreat. With artificial intelligence and transhumanism no longer the stuff of sci-fi novels, we must engage with the culture around us and uphold our Christian values in public conversations and debates about the implications of technology. 
  1. Christians need to be vocal supporters of mainstream science to combat the myth of conflict. If Christians are perceived as distrustful of scientists, it undermines our credibility and hampers the effectiveness of the Gospel. 

For me, the decision to pursue a career in science instead of a ‘traditional’ Christian vocation stem from the belief that science reveals the hand of the Creator. Sir Francis Bacon, a Christian statesman and philosopher, made huge contributions to laying the foundations of modern science. For hundreds of years, Christian scientists have used his “two books of God” metaphor to explain their study of the universe: Bacon asserted that God has revealed himself through the book of his word (Scripture) and the book of his works (creation). Understanding science this way reveals the Creator’s handiwork and draws us closer to God. 

Read more: A helpful resource for compatibility of Christian belief and science 

Interestingly, Charles Darwin referenced Bacon’s “two books” metaphor opposite the title page of his most well-known work, On the Origin of Species. This famous book is often viewed as a prime example of conflict between science and faith, yet Darwin cites Bacon’s words to affirm the unity and importance of both realms. 

As I sit down at the electron microscope, viewing details of plants, animals, and microbes, I continue to be amazed and filled with awe at the intricate details and elegant mastery of creation. What an incredible God we serve, whose care and design extend far beyond what any human eye can perceive. I feel joyful and blessed to witness God’s handiwork at the nanoscale. 

Francis Collins, Christian and world-famous geneticist, describes discovery like this: “When something new is revealed about the human genome, I experience a feeling of awe at the realization that humanity now knows something only God knew before.” 

I know that pursuing science was the right choice for me, and I continue to strive to glorify God through revealing his handiwork. Surprisingly, God had a plan for me to work in a “visibly” Christian vocation at ISCAST, where I lead a range of exciting projects that encourage conversations between Christianity and science.  

Most recently, ISCAST, supported by a grant from the Melbourne Anglican Foundation, is launching a science and faith resource package for clergy in the Melbourne diocese. The initiative aims to help leaders in churches and schools address challenges and misunderstandings between mainstream science and Christian faith. 

These resources are one response to the Anglican Communion Science Commission, which aims to help the church engage with science. They will be part of an ongoing support program, including dedicated websites for clergy and opportunities for ISCAST scientists to speak at schools, services, and other church events. Ordained clergy will soon receive additional information about the resource package via email, including a video to share with church congregations. 

As I contribute to ISCAST, I pray that this new outreach project will help Christians reconcile their faith with science, demonstrating that, when done properly, science reveals profound truths about our loving and enduring Creator. 

Dr Sarah Wilson combines part time work as an electron microscopist at Latrobe University with her role as a biologist and program director for ISCAST. 

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