A common logical fallacy many atheists, agnostics, and other skeptics of religion adhere to is an over generalization that followers of Christianity are dumb and uneducated. The logic being that no intelligent person could honestly believe in the contents written in the Bible. To show the fallacy of this kind of thinking, here is a list of some Christians that have contributed immensely to you, me and all of mankind with their intelligence.
Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) This Polish astronomer, physician, translator, artist, cleric, diplomat, governor, economist, mathematician with a doctorate in law, turned the world upside down when he calculated that the Earth rotated around the sun, not the other way around. This would be the beginning of heliocentric cosmology. His results were published after his death in his book De Revolutionibus. Famous quote: “I am aware that a philosopher’s ideas are not subject to the judgment of ordinary persons, because it is his endeavour to seek the truth in all things, to the extent permitted to human reason by God.”
Francis Bacon (1561- 1626) Philosopher, statesman, scientist, and author, Bacon served as Attorney General and Lord Chancellor of England. He is most known for his contributions in science with the Baconian Method, AKA the Scientific Method, which is still used to this day as the theoretical framework for observational science. Famous quote; “A little philosophy inclineth man’s mind to atheism, but depth in philosophy bringeth men’s minds about to religion.”
Galileo Galilei “Father of Observational Astronomy and Modern Physics” (1564-1642) Italian astronomer, physicist, mathematician and philosopher Galileo calculated that not only did earth rotate around the sun, but that all the other planets did as well, supporting Coperniucs’ work. His improvements to the telescope lead to the discovery on many moons around Jupiter and also allowed him to discover sunspots. He would publish his works in his book Dialogue on the Two Chief Systems of the World, which lead to his trial and house arrest for the rest of his life by church authorities adhering to a non-Biblical, Aristotelian world view, ironically. Famous quote, “The Intention of Scripture was to persuade men of the truths necessary to salvation. Science could not do this, but only the Holy Spirit.”
Johann Kepler (1571- 1630) German mathematician, astronomer and astrologer, Kepler invented the Keplerian Telescope. He is most known for his rigorous mathematical work in uncovering the laws of planetary motion. He often used religion in his science with reason, believing that God created an intelligible world accessible for discovery with reason and observation. Famous quote: “Geometry is unique and eternal, a reflection from the mind of God. That mankind shares in it is because man is an image of God.”
William Harvey (1578- 1657) A physician, Harvey discovered the properties of blood and the circulation through out the body via the heart, detailing systemic circulation. Over the span of his life he contributed immensely to the understanding of anatomy.
Renes Descartes “Father of Modern Philosophy” (1596- 1650) French Philosopher, writer, and mathematician, Descartes is known as the father of modern philosophy with his astounding works in philosophy which proved to be the backbone for western philosophy. He was also a major figure in the rationalism movement. Additionally his work in mathematics is notable, with the Cartesian Coordinate System named after him (in the Latin). Famous quote: “In order to seek truth, it is necessary once in the course of our life to doubt, as far as possible, of all things.”
Blaise Pascal (1623- 1662) French mathematician, philosopher, writer, physicist and inventor, Pascal was a child prodigy. He would invent the mechanical calculator and contribute greatly to projective geometry and probability theory. He is famous for his philosophical concept called “Pascal’s Wager” in which he argues that a logical person would believe in God since you have nothing to lose but everything to gain. Not believing in God you have nothing to gain but everything to lose. Famous quote: “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.”
Robert Boyle “First Modern Chemist” (1627- 1691) Philosopher, chemist, physicist, theologian and inventor, Boyle was one of the founders of modern chemistry. He is famous for his discovery of the relationship between pressure and gases, developing what we now call Boyle’s Law. Famous quote: “From a knowledge of God’s work we shall know Him.”
John Locke (1632-1704) Locke was a very influential philosopher to the American Founding Fathers. He is also famous for his book, The Reasonableness of Christianity, and was very influential during the Enlightenment. Famous quote: “The Bible is one of the greatest blessings bestowed by God on the children of men. It has God for its Author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture for its matter. It is all pure, all sincere; nothing too much; nothing wanting!”
Sir Isaac Newton “Father of Physics” (1642-1727) Discoverer of universal gravitation and the three laws of motion, this mathematician, philosopher, astronomer, alchemist, theologian and physicist had so many numerous discoveries that he was quickly knighted. He built the first reflection telescope, formulated the law of cooling, and demonstrated bionomial function. Newtonclaimed that each of his discoveries were communicated to him through the Holy Spirit. He adhered to the Bible and always propositioned for reconciliation between Scripture and science. Famous quotes; “No sciences are better attested than the religion of the Bible,” and “I have a fundamental belief in the Bible as the Word of God, written by those who were inspired. I study the Bible daily.”
Immanuel Kant (1724- 1804) German philosopher, Kant is well known for his important publications on ethics, religion, law, aesthetics, astronomy, and history. He argued for resolving contradictions and disputes between the empirical and rational methods of philosophy. He is regarded as one of the most profound philosophers of the 18th century. Famous Quote: “Men will not understand … that when they fulfill their duties to men, they fulfill thereby God’s commandments; that they are consequently always in the service of God, as long as their actions are moral, and that it is absolutely impossible to serve God otherwise.”
Sir William Herschel (1738- 1822) A German-born British astronomer and composer Herschel discovered Uranus and infrared radiation. He also composed twenty-four symphonies in his lifetime. Famous quote: “The undevout astronomer must be mad.”
Caroline Herschel “First Female Astronomer” (1750-1848) A German-British astronomer, Herschel is the sister of William Herschel. She made significant contributions to astronomy in field of comets, discovering the first periodic comet. Her work in astronomy earned her a gold medal from the Royal Astronomical Society, which did not hand out another medal to a female astronomer until 1996. She was also awarded a Medal of Science by theKing of Prussiaand is considered a pioneer for females in science.
Noah Webster “Webster’s Dictionary Founder” (1758-1843) Webster was a Connecticutschool teacher who established the first American dictionary called, American Dictionary of the English Language. He would later publish an American version of the King James Bible and would begin the famous collection of Webster’s Dictionaries. Famous quote; “God’s Word, contained in the Bible, has furnished all necessary rules to direct our conduct.”
John Dalton “Father of Modern Atomic Theory” (1766- 1844) English chemist, meteorologist and physicist, Dalton in considered the Father of Modern Atomic Theory and widely respected for his contributions into the research of color blindness, referred to as Daltionism, in his honor.
Michael Faraday (1791- 1867) British chemist, physicist, and philosopher, Faraday discovered magnetic fields, electrolysis, electromagnetic induction, and diamagnetism. His inventions led to the first electric motor. He coined the terms ion, cathode, anode, and electrode. Famous quote: “I am, I hope, very thankful that in the withdrawal of the powers and things of life, the good hope is left with me, which makes the contemplation of death a comfort — not a fear. Such peace is alone the gift of God, and as it is He who gives it, why should we be afraid? His unspeakable gift in His beloved Son is the ground of no doubtful hope, and there is the rest for those who (like you and me) are drawing near the latter end of our terms here below.”
Samuel F.B. Morse “Invented Morse Code” (1791- 1872) Painter and inventor, Morse was truly a gifted painter and in addition invented a form of telegraphy which was named after him; Morse Code. It became the primary telegraph language of its time and is still used today.
Joseph Henry (1797- 1878) American scientist and first secretary of the Smithsonian Institute, Henry invented the galvanometer and discovered self and mutual inductance of electromagnetism and contributed greatly to the advancement of aeronautics.
Soren Kierkegard (1813-1855) A world renowned philosopher from Denmark, Kierkegard is very popular for his book Fear and Trembling, which addresses the shallowness of Christians in more modern history. He was also a critic of idealistic intellectuals. Many of his published works are still widely read and studied in philosophical circles. Famous quote: “Faith is the highest passion in a human being. Many in every generation may not come that far, but none comes further.”
James Joule (1818- 1889) A physicist and brewer, Joule discovered the law of conservation, found the relationship between currant and resistance, aided in the development of the absolute scale of temperature, and he is from which we have the term, “Joule,” for a unit of energy. Famous Quote: “After the knowledge of, and obedience to, the will of God, the next aim must be to know something of His attributes of wisdom, power, and goodness as evidenced by His handiwork.”
Gregor Mendel “Father of Genetics” (1822-1884) Growing up in what is now the Czech Republic, he went to a school for gifted children at age ten age. He later became a priest inBrno, where in addition to theology he was taught natural sciences, most notably, artificial selection. Eventually he would study science and statistics at theUniversityofVienna. After earning his degree he began to experiment with breeding plants and cataloging traits. He published his research in 1865 which covered hybridization, the law of segregation, etc. Unfortunately his work was ignored until being rediscovered in 1901 by three botanists that would later declare him the “Father of Genetics.”
Louise Pasteur (1822- 1895) French chemist and microbiologist, Pasteur was one of the founders of medical microbiology, made a number of breakthroughs in curing diseases, created the first vaccine for rabies and anthrax, his research led to the germ theory of disease, he invented pasteurization, discovered a molecular basis for the asymmetry of crystals, and developed the law of biogenesis; that life can only arise from pre-existing life, never from non-life. Famous quote: “Posterity will one day laugh at the foolishness of modern materialistic philosophers. The more I study nature, the more I stand amazed at the work of the Creator. I pray while I am engaged at my work in the laboratory.”
Lord Kelvin William Thomson (1824- 1907) Mathematical physicist and engineer, Thomson formulated the first and second laws of thermodynamics, engineered the electric telegraph, developed the theory of an absolute zero in temperature, and is which we get the temperature measuring unit of “Kelvins.” Famous quote: “The more thoroughly I conduct scientific research, the more I believe that science excludes atheism,” and “If you study science deep enough and long enough, it will force you to believe in God.”
James Maxwell “Father of Quantum Mechanics” (1831-1879), Scottish physicist and mathematician, Maxwell formulated electromagnetic theory. His model of electromagnetism was way ahead of its time advancing physics greatly. His work laid the foundation for quantum mechanics and special relativity. He is named the third greatest physicist of all time just behind Einstein andNewton. Additionally, he is credited for developing the first color photograph. Famous quote: “I think men of science as well as other men need to learn from Christ, and I think Christians whose minds are scientific are bound to study science that their view of the glory of God may be as extensive as their being is capable.”
Sir William Ramsay (1851-1939) Originally a skeptic archaeologist that set out to disprove the Bible, he eventually came to the undeniable authority of scripture after studying New Testament artifacts. He later became a Bible believing Christian. His most famous book was St. Paul the Traveler and Roman Citizen. Famous quote: “I began with a mind unfavorable to it…but more recently I found myself brought into contact with the Book of Acts as an authority for the topography, antiquities, and society of Asia Minor. It was gradually borne upon me that in various details the narrative showed marvelous truth.”
William Ramsay (1852- 1916) Scottish Isotopic Chemist that discovered the noble gases and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1904. Additionally he discovered Neon, Xenon, Krypton and made Radon. Famous quote: “Christianity is the religion of an educated mind.”
Joseph J. Thomson (1856- 1940) A British physicist, Thomson is credited for discovering electrons, isotopes, and inventing the mass spectrometer. In 1906 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics. Famous Quote: “As we conquer peak after peak we see in front of us regions full of interest and beauty, but we do not see our goal, we do not see the horizon; in the distance tower still higher peaks, which will yield to those who ascend them still wider prospects, and deepen the feeling, the truth of which is emphasized by every advance in science, that ‘Great are the Works of the Lord’.”
Sir William H. Bragg (1862-1942) British physicist, chemist, and mathematician, Bragg is known for inventing the X-ray spectrometer and winning the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1915 for his research on X-ray technology. During his career he would also serve as the Chairman of Physics for the University of Leeds, would teach physics at the University College of London, teach chemistry at the Royal Institution, and would win a variety of awards including the Franklin Medal, Copley Medal, John J. Carty Award, and of course the Nobel Prize. Famous quote: “The important thing in science is not so much to obtain new facts as to discover new ways of thinking about them.”
Orville and Wilbur Wright (1871-1948) (1867-1912) You know them as the Wright brothers, who on 1903 were the first humans to ever achieve controlled, powered, and sustained flight with an airplane they designed and built. What really made their flight possible were the first three axis flight controls they invented.
Alexis Carrel (1873- 1944) A French surgeon and biologist, Carrel is known for his revolutionary work in medicine pioneering vascular suturing techniques, inventing the first perfusion pump, discovering various wound antisepsis, and was key in fighting the eugenics movement. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine in 1912. Carrel was always a skeptic of religion until he witnessed a miraculous healing in Lourdes of Marie Bailly. He could not conclude how the woman was healed outside of the supernatural to which he was subsequently ridiculed by fellow doctors. He published a book on the event called, The Voyage to Lourdes. A believer in the supernatural after that, Carrel became a Christian later on in life. Famous quote: “Jesus knows our world. He does not disdain us like the God of Aristotle. We can speak to Him and He answers us. Although He is a person like ourselves, He is God and transcends all things.”
Guglielmo Marconi (1874-1937) An Italian inventor, Marconi is known for inventing long distance radio transmission, inventing the radio, developing Marconi’s law, and developing the radio telegraph system. He won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1909 and founded the Wireless Telegraph & Signal Company in Britain. Famous quote: “I am proud to be a Christian. I believe not only as a Christian, but as a scientist as well. A wireless device can deliver a message through the wilderness. In prayer the human spirit can send invisible waves to eternity, waves that achieve their goal in front of God.”
Max Born (1882- 1970) A German-British physicist and mathematician, Born was a key figure in the development of quantum mechanics and contributed greatly to solid-state physics and optics. He is most notable for winning the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1954. Famous quote: “Those who say that the study of science makes a man an atheist must be rather silly.”
Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889- 1951) Austrian-British philosopher that focused on logic, philosophy of the mind, of mathematics, and of language. Wittgenstein was a professor of philosophy at the Universityof Cambridgeand his book Philosophical Investigations is considered the most important book of 20th century philosophy. Famous quote: “Very intelligent and well-educated people believe in the story of creation in the Bible, while others hold it as proven false, and the grounds of the latter are well known to the former.”
Arthur Compton (1892- 1962) An American physicist, Compton discovered the Compton effect and was awarded the Nobel Laureate in Physics in 1927 for his work in electromagnetic radiation. He would work on the Manhattan Project, the first nuclear reactor and eventually become the Head of the Department of Physics at WashingtonUniversityin St. Louise. Later, WashingtonUniversityinaugurated Comtpon as the university’s ninth Chancellor. Famous quote: “For myself, faith begins with a realization that a supreme intelligence brought the universe into being and created man. It is not difficult for me to have this faith, for it is incontrovertible that where there is a plan there is intelligence—an orderly, unfolding universe testifies to the truth of the most majestic statement ever uttered—-’In the beginning God.’”
Dr. Werner Heisenberg (1901- 1976) Theoretical physicist, Heisenberg is best known for asserting the uncertainty principal of quantum theory. He contributed in setting forth the matrix formulation in quantum mechanics, discovered allotropic forms of hydrogen, and contributed greatly to nuclear physics, quantum field theory, and particle physics. He was appointed Director of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute of Physics, and was the President of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1932. Famous quote; “The first gulp from the glass of natural sciences will turn you into an atheist, but at the bottom of the glass God is waiting for you.”
Sir John C. Eccles (1903- 1997) Australian neurophysiologist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1963 for his work on the synapse, Eccles graduated with a medical degree from the University of Melbourne, and received a doctorate in philosophy from Magdalen College, Oxford University. He is famous for his contributions to neuroscience and won Australian of the Year in 1963. Famous quote: “Science and religion are very much alike. Both are imaginative and creative aspects of the human mind. The appearance of a conflict is a result of ignorance. We come to exist through a divine act. That divine guidance is a theme throughout our life; at our death the brain goes, but that divine guidance and love continues. Each of us is a unique, conscious being, a divine creation. It is the religious view. It is the only view consistent with all the evidence.”
Nevill Mott (1905-1996) An English physicist, Mott is known for his work on the structure of magnetic and disordered systems with an emphasis on amorphous semiconductors. Educated at the CliftonCollegein Bristoland St. John’sCollege, Cambridge, Mott would lecture at the Universityof Manchester, teach physics at the Universityof Bristol, and would become the Director of the Henry Herbert Willis Physical Laboratory at Bristol. He progressed the theoretical effects of light, introduced Mott polynomials, and earned the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1977. Famous quote: “I believe in God, who can respond to prayers, to whom we can give trust and without whom life on this earth would be without meaning (a tale told by an idiot). I believe that God has revealed Himself to us in many ways and through many men and women, and that for us here in the West the clearest revelation is through Jesus and those that have followed him.”
Werner von Braun “Father of Rocket Science” (1912-1977) German rocket scientist, aerospace engineer, space architect, and pioneer of rocket science, Werner von Braun was educated inGermanyat the Technical University of Berlin and was a central figure of their rocket program from the 20’s to the 40’s. His actions during WWII are controversial since his designs were used in warfare, he was forced to join the Nazi regime, often opposed his superiors and was even at one point imprisoned by the Nazis. After WWII he surrendered to the Americans and would head up rocket science for them eventually entering the NASA program becoming a central figure in the space race. Famous quote: “The vast mysteries of the universe should only confirm our belief in the certainty of its Creator. I find it as difficult to understand a scientist who does not acknowledge the presence of a superior rationality behind the existence of the universe as it is to comprehend a theologian who would deny the advances of science.”
Dr. Charles Hard Townes (1915- Current) Physicist and educator, Townes is famous for patenting the maser and his work in quantum electronics. He received a bachelors in physics and an additional degree in modern language from FurmanUniversityin Greenvilleat the age of 19. Townes earned a masters in Physics at DukeUniversity, and then a Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology. He eventually would become a professor of Physics at Columbia University, then become the Executive Director of the Columbia Research Laboratory, later the Chairman of the Physics Department, then later the Vice President and Director of Research at the Institute of Defense Analysis in Washington D.C., and would additionally teach physics at MIT and Berkley. He would also be awarded the Templeton Prize for his contributions to the understanding of religion. His career would be highlighted most notably for earning the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1964. Famous quotes: “I strongly believe in the existence of God, based on intuition, observations, logic, and also scientific knowledge,” and “At least this is the way I see it. I am a physicist. I also consider myself a Christian. As I try to understand the nature of our universe in these two modes of thinking, I see many commonalties and crossovers between science and religion. It seems logical that in the long run the two will even converge.”
Dr. Arthur E. Wilder-Smith (1915- 1995) Organic Chemist and three-star NATO general, Wilder-Smith earned a doctorate in physical organic chemistry from Reading University England, as well as two additional doctorates from the University of Geneva and the University of Zurich. He was appointed the Director of Research for a Swiss pharmaceutical company, taught chemotherapy and pharmacology at theUniversityofGeneva, and was a professor of pharmacology at the University of Illinois Medical Center.
Joseph E. Murray (1919- Current) A graduate ofHarvardMedicalSchool,Murraywent on to become a notable surgeon in the military. It was in the military hospitals that he encountered many burn patients that needed skin grafts. He noted that the closer the genetic similarity between the donor and recipient of the skin graft, the faster the graft worked. This became the foundation for his work in organ transplanting which would begin with the first successful kidney transplant in 1954. Prior toMurraymost doctors believed successful organ transplants to save dying patients was impossible.Murraywould be awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine in 1990 for his ground breaking work. Famous quote: “Is the Church inimical to science? Growing up as a Catholic and a scientist – I don’t see it. One truth is revealed truth, the other is scientific truth. If you really believe that creation is good, there can be no harm in studying science. The more we learn about creation – the way it emerged – it just adds to the glory of God. Personally, I’ve never seen a conflict.”
Dr. Arthur Schawlow (1921- 1999) An American physicist, Schawlow is known for his groundbreaking work on lasers, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1981. After receiving a scholarship in science at theUniversityofToronto, Schawlow would earn multiple degrees there, including his Ph.D. He also had a postdoctoral position inColumbiaUniversity’s physics department, taught atStanfordUniversityand worked at several laboratories during his career. Famous quotes: “We are fortunate to have the Bible, and especially the New Testament, which tells so much about God in widely accessible, human terms,” and “It seems to me that when confronted with the marvels of life and the universe, one must ask why and not just how. The only possible answers are religious. . . . I find a need for God in the universe and in my own life.”
Dr. Antony Hewish (1924- Current) A British radio astronomer, Hewish was educated at Goneville and Caius College, Cambridge and would eventually earn his Ph.D. there. He advanced practical and theoretical understanding of scintillations of radio sources, would share the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1974 for discovering the first pulsar, and would teach radio astronomy at the Cavendish Laboratory. Famous quote: “The ghostly presence of virtual particles defies rational common sense and is non-intuitive for those unacquainted with physics. Religious belief in God, and Christian belief … may seem strange to common-sense thinking. But when the most elementary physical things behave in this way, we should be prepared to accept that the deepest aspects of our existence go beyond our common-sense understanding.”
Buzz Aldrin [Edwin Eugene Aldrin] (1930- Current) American Astronaut and 2nd man on the moon, Aldrin was awarded a full scholarship to MIT but turned it down to enroll at West Point. He graduated West Point with a degree in mechanical engineering, became a 2nd Lieutenant and flew fighter planes overKorea during the Korean War. He then earned a doctorate of science in astronautics from MIT. Once he had earned this degree he was elected to enter into the NASA program where he would take part in one of the Apollo missions to the moon. Famous quote: (Describing taking communion on the moon) “I opened the little plastic packages which contained the bread and the wine. I poured the wine into the chalice our church had given me. In the one-sixth gravity of the moon, the wine slowly curled and gracefully came up the side of the cup. Then I read the Scripture, ‘I am the vine, you are the branches. Whosoever abides in me will bring forth much fruit.’ I ate the tiny Host and swallowed the wine. I gave thanks for the intelligence and spirit that had brought two young pilots to theSea ofTranquility. It was interesting for me to think: the very first liquid ever poured on the moon, and the very first food eaten there, were the communion elements.”
Owen Gingrich (1930- Current) An American astronomer, Gingrich is a former research professor of Astronomy and of the History of Science at Harvard University as well as a senior astronomer emeritus at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. He is a graduate of Harvard. Famous quote: “Nevertheless, just as I believe that the Book of Scripture illumines the pathway to God, so I believe that the Book of Nature, with its astonishing details–the blade of grass, the Conus cedonulli, or the resonance levels of the carbon atom–also suggest a God of purpose and a God of design. And I think my belief makes me no less a scientist.”
James Benson Irwin (1930-1991) An astronaut and engineer, Irwin received a degree in naval sciences from the US Naval Academy, then received a masters in aeronautical engineering and istrumentation engineering from the University of Michigan. He was the Chief of the Advanced Requirements Branch at Headquarters Air Defense Command as well as a proficient test pilot. He had been awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal and two Air Force Commendation Medals during his service. After being accepted into the NASA program, Irwin became the eighth man to walk on the moon as part of Apollo 15. He left NASA and the Air Force as a Colonel and started the High Flight Foundation. Famous quote: “Jesus walking on the earth is more important than man walking on the moon.”
Kenneth H. Cooper M.D. “Founder of Aerobics” (1931- Current) Doctor of Medicine and former Air Force Colonel, Cooper is widely known for introducing the concept aerobics to improve the human cardiovascular system. Cooper earned a bachelors and masters from theUniversityofOklahomaand a Masters of Public Health from Harvard University School of Public Health. In addition he is certified by the American Board of Preventive Medicine. He also founded the non-profit research and education organization called the Cooper Institute.
Charles Moss Duke, Jr. (1935- Current) A US Air Force Brigadier General, NASA Aerospace Engineer and Apollo Astronaut, Duke was educated by the US Naval Academy where he received a degree in naval sciences, and then later went to MIT to earn a masters degree in aeronautics, an honorary doctorate in philosophy from the University of South Carolina, and an honorary doctorate of Humanities from Francis Marion College. He has an impressive record of 4,147 flight hours as a test pilot and 265 space flight hours. In 1972 he became the youngest of the only twelve people that walked on the moon as part of Apollo 16. He is currently chairman of the board of directors for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, president of the Duke Ministry For Christ and focuses on ministering to prisoners.
Raymond Damadian M.D. (1936- Current) Medical practitioner and inventor of the MRI, Damadian received a mathematics degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, earned his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, and studied violin in Julliard for eight years. For the MRI Damadian won the National Medal of Technology, was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from Lemelson-MIT.
Dr. Werner Gitt (1937- Current) A German Engineer, Gitt, now retired, was Head of the Department of Information Technology at the German Federal Institute of Physics and Technology. He was declared Director and Professor of this institute, which in Germanyrequires a prerequisites of; being an academic scientist, publishing a significant number of research and technical papers, and being an expert in the field. Famous quote: “The Bible has long made it clear that the creation of the original groups of fully operational living creatures, programmed to transmit their information to their descendants, was the deliberate act of the mind and the will of the Creator, the great Logos Jesus Christ. We have already shown that life is overwhelmingly loaded with information; it should be clear that a rigorous application of the science of information is devastating to materialistic philosophy in the guise of evolution, and strongly supportive of Genesis creation.”
Sir Ghillean Prance (1937- Current) A British botanist and ecologist, Prance has published extensively on the taxonomy of plant species, was the director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, was knighted in 1955, and is president of Christians in Science. He was educated atOxfordand is currently teaching atReadingUniversity. Famous quote: “For many years I have believed that God is the great designer behind all nature… All my studies in science since then have confirmed my faith. I regard the bible as my principle source of authority.”
Dr. František Vyskočil (1941- CURRENT) A ground breaking researcher in neurophysiology from Chechnya, Vyskcil has degrees in chemistry and biology, and completed postdoctoral work at the Instituteof Biomedical Researchat Prague. His work has been published in Nature and many other prominent scientific journals. He has been awarded the Lifelong Contribution Award from the Czech Academy of Sciences and is currently a professor of physiology and neurobiology at CharlesUniversityin Prague. Famous quote: “Every good scientist, regardless of his beliefs, must be as objective as possible. But my faith has changed me. For one thing, instead of being overly self-confident, highly competitive, and unduly proud of my scientific skills, I am now grateful to God for any abilities I may have. Also, instead of unfairly attributing the amazing designs manifest in creation to blind chance, I and not a few other scientists ask ourselves, ‘How did God design this?’ I am grateful for the opportunity to take a very small look inside these tiny miraculous creations, living cells and organs. Instead of exalting an anonymous mother nature I understand the universe, life and mankind as the product of the creative activity of God.”
Dr. Richard Smalley (1943-2005) Chemist Richard Smalley received his bachelors degree from the Universityof Michigan, his Ph.D. from PrincetonUniversityand postdoctoral work at the Universityof Chicago. He pioneered development of supersonic beam laser spectroscopy, contributed greatly to groundbreaking research in fullerences and nanotechnology, taught physics and astronomy at RiceUniversityin Houstonand was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering a new form of carbon. Smalley became a Christian near the end of his life. Famous quote: “It is increasingly clear to modern science that the universe was exquisitely fine-tuned to enable human life.”
Dr. Henry F. Schaefer III (1944- Current) A computational and theoretical chemist, Schaefer has published a significant number of papers in prominent scientific journals and is the Director of the Center for Computational Chemistry at the University of Georgia and a member of the Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture. He received a degree in chemical physics from MIT and later a Ph.D. in chemical physics from Stanford. He has been a chairman for the World Association of Theoretical and Computational Chemists and as taught at bothBerkleyand theUniversityofTexas,Austin. He has been awarded American Chemical Society Award as well as multiple medals from various universities. Famous quote: “A Creator must exist. The Big Bang ripples and subsequent scientific findings are clearly pointing to an ex nihilo creation consistent with the first few verses of the book of Genesis.”
Dr. Matti Leisola (1947- Current) Receiving his doctorate of science in biotechnology from the Helsinki University of Technology, Leisola has been awarded the Latsis Prize for his contributions to research in Switzerland, was the Director of Research for an international biotech company, and the Dean of the Faculty of Chemical and Materials Science at Aalto University, Finalnd. Famous quote; “Christianity is the foundation of modern science and explains why we can do science: a rational God created a rational man in his own image so that he is able to understand the creation with his mind. Indeed, the Creator Jesus Christ is called the Logos [Λόγος John 1:1–3], and makes sense of this orderly universe and complexity of life. Those believing in a naturalistic explanation for the origin of life are the ones with a blind faith.”
Dr. Frank Jennings Tipler (1947- Current) A mathematical physicist and cosmologist, Tipler holds a joint appointment in the Dept. of Mathematics and Physics atTulaneUniversity. He earned a degree in in physics from MIT, received a Ph.D. from theUniversityofMarylandand took on a postdoctoral research position at theUniversityofTexas. Famous quotes: “When I began my career as a cosmologist some twenty years ago, I was a convinced atheist. I never in my wildest dreams imagined that one day I would be writing a book purporting to show that the central claims of Judeo-Christian theology are in fact true, that these claims are straightforward deductions of the laws of physics as we now understand them. I have been forced into these conclusions by the inexorable logic of my own special branch of physics,” And “From the perspective of the latest physical theories, Christianity is not a mere religion, but an experimentally testable science.”
Dr. William D. Phillips (1948- Current) An American physicist, Phillips studied physics and chemistry at JuniataCollegebut would earn his Ph.D. in physics from MIT. He has been awarded the Albert A. Michelson Medal from the Franklin Institute as well as the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1997. He is the professor of physics at the Universityof Maryland, College Park. Famous quotes: “I believe in God. In fact, I believe in a personal God who acts in and interacts with the creation. I believe that the observations about the orderliness of the physical universe, and the apparently exceptional fine-tuning of the conditions of the universe for the development of life suggest that an intelligent Creator is responsible,” and “Being an ordinary scientist and an ordinary Christian seems perfectly natural to me. It is also perfectly natural for the many scientists I know who are also people of deep religious faith.”
-Dr. Francis Collins, M.D. (1950-Current) Physician, Geneticist, former head of the Human Genome Project and Director of the National Institute of Health, Collins received a degree in chemistry from theUniversityofVirginia, earned a doctorate in physical chemistry fromYaleUniversityand then received his medical degree from theUniversityofNorth CarolinaatChapel Hill. Famous quote: “Science is the only reliable way to understand the natural world [but] is powerless to answer questions such as ‘what is the meaning of human existence?'”
Dr. Ben Carson M.D. (1951- Current) Neurosurgeon and Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Carson graduated Yale University with a degree in Psychology and a medical degree from Michigan Medical School. He has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush, and is renowned for his philanthropic causes and contributions to neurosurgery. Famous quote: “I have to come to realize that God does not want to punish us, but rather, to fulfill our lives. God created us, loves us and wants to help us to realize our potential so that we can be useful to others.”
Dr. Aw Swee-Eng MBBS, PhD (Chem Path)(Lond), FRCPath (Lond), FAMS: Biochemist and Head of the Department of Nuclear Medicine and Director of the Department of Clinical Research at Singapore General Hospital, Swee-Eng is extensively involved in Nuclear Medecine, diagnostics and anti-cancer drugs. He was also an associate professor of Biochemistry at theUniversity ofSingapore.
Dr. Dennis Flentge: Senior professor of Chemistry atCedarvilleUniversityas well as Chair of the Department of Science and Mathematics. He earned a degree in Chemistry fromTexasLutheranCollege, and furthermore a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry fromTexasA & MUniversity.
Dr. Felix Konotey-Ahulu: Considered one of Ghana’s leading scientists and the world’s leading expert in sickle-cell anemia, Konotey-Ahulu’s book The Sickle Cell Disease Patient has been hailed as the authoritative source on the disease. He studied at the University College of the Gold Coast (Ghana) as well as London University, Liverpool School of Tropical Medecine & Hygiene, Westminster Hospital, and Royal Postgraduate Medical School Hammersmith. He has also contributed greatly towards research on AIDs and served on multiple educational boards, genetic research projects, and medical research councils all over Africa. He has been awarded the Guinness Award for Scientific Achievement, the Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation Award, and the Third World Academy of Sciences Award. He is also know for his website, www.sicklecell.md, as a resource for patients that have the disease. Famous quote: “Nothing makes sense of life as I know it—wars, rumors of wars, strife (domestic and international), wickedness, injustice, sin and its consequences, pain and suffering, disease (hereditary and acquired)—until I see it through the history of perfect Creation, the Fall and its terrible consequences, the promise of God not only to undo the damage Satan has wrought, but also to restore man’s communion with Himself through His Son who would become Incarnate (God becoming Man).”
Dr. Carol Swain: An American political scientist and lawyer, Swain is a professor of political science and law atVanderbiltUniversity. Born in a poverty stricken family, one of twelve children, Swain did not attend high school. But later in life she earned her GED and an associates degree fromWesternCommunity College. From there she went on to earn a Bachelors in Criminal Justice from Roanoke College, a masters in political science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, an additional masters in law from Yale, and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has written and co-authored many prominent books on social concerns inAmerica, has served as an advisor to the US Civil Rights Commission, is a member of the National Council on the Humanities and leads the Carol Swain Foundation. Famous quote: “Christian values of mercy, justice, love, compassion, and fairness strongly influence all aspects of my life as a teacher, researcher, and scholar.”
Dr. James Tour: A synthetic organic chemist, Tour has taught chemistry and biochemistry at theUniversityofSouth Carolinaand taught Computer Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at the Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology atRiceUniversity. He received his Bachelors of Science in Chemistry fromSyracuseUniversity, his Ph.D. in synthetic organic and organometallic chemistry fromPurdueUniversity, and has postdoctoral experience with theUniversityofWisconsinandStanfordUniversity. In addition to multiple medals and awards from various universities he has also won Southern Chemist of the Year from the American Chemical Society, Presidential Young Investigator Award from the National Science Foundation and Young Investigator Award from the Office of Naval Research. Tour is ranked as one of the Top 10 chemists (alive) in the world! Famous quote: “I build molecules for a living. I can’t begin to tell you how difficult that job is. I stand in awe of God because of what he has done through his creation. My faith has been increased through my research. Only a rookie who knows nothing about science would say science takes away from faith. If you really study science, it will bring you closer to God.”
This list can go on and on. Additionally, it only mentions prominent figures in history, not the countless others that all throughout history and still to this day work in fields that require great intelligence, but have never made any headlines. The point of this list is to refute the fallacious notion that no intelligent person could believe in the Bible’s claims. Instead it can be shown that many incredibly intelligent people adhere to the Bible’s word in addition to the uneducated. Because, just as the Bible claims, the Word of God is for everyone, regardless of their intelligence, just as we would expect from a book claimed to be inspired by God Himself.
Are you going to run into Christians that are idiotic at times? Most definitely! But you are also going to run into idiotic atheists, agnostics, evolutionists, humanists and, well, any other possible affiliation one could identify themselves as. But this in no way reflects the authenticity of the cause they affiliate with, it just reflects their own intelligence. So don’t make hasty generalizations based on that one stupid guy on the corner, or that crazy woman you work with. Christianity is for ALL people, dumb and smart alike, God bless them all!
Matthew2262's Blog 