The Gospel for the Scientifically-Minded

{RJW Note: I welcome TSR’s second guest blogger, John Weber. Last week, I introduced his new campus ministry to you, and now he’s here to tell us more about his vision and how it will be accomplished. Thanks, John!}

Although I have been studying the intersection of faith and science for a number of years, the credit for the above title belongs to a friend, Rich Lawson, for a talk he gave in 2009 in Austin at the local Reasons To Believe meeting. As a businessman, I am well aware of the increasing segmentation of markets as consumers have more information available to them for choices. Companies that can identify emerging segments and develop specific products that meet needs within a segment can be successful. The thought of creating a modified approach to a specific group of people is not new to Christendom. However we have usually considered going to a far away land, learning the language and culture, translating key segments of the Bible into local language, and teaching about Jesus.

As a technical person I have begun to see the advantage of using science apologetics as a methodology to appeal to the scientifically-minded person (SMP) right here in my own backyard, Austin, Texas. I believe an engineer or scientist has God-given neurological processes for the pursuit of objective analysis of observations prior to reaching a summary or conclusion. After 37 years with my bride, Linda, who is wired completely opposite of me, we can both testify that this difference exists. Reasons To Believe Austin (RTBA) is being formed to reach the SMP, on the University of Texas campus, by showing that good science and correct interpretations of scripture are extremely highly correlated and match the world around us. This will largely be done through weekly discussion groups, one-on-one meetings and referrals from professors and lecturers. Further and just as important, RTBA will serve existing campus ministries by providing a methodology and language that reaches students they are already serving, who may be scientifically-minded.

An apologetic approach, building a logical defense for the hope that is in us, will hopefully help many scientifically-minded students see that, from the exquisite nature of the universe to the delicate balances and complexities in earth’s systems to the magnificence of the micro-biological factory, the evidence for a powerful and loving designer and creator is overwhelming. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans chapter one that humans have this awareness just from observing the nature around us. Science apologetics will build on that to solidify a person’s concept of God the Creator as well as the logical purposes of God that follow, namely the need for reconciliation with fallen human nature and the death and resurrection of Jesus. It just makes so much sense.

I believe this is the start of something substantial and covet your prayers. To learn more and how you can help, please email me at jweber14@austin.rr.com

John Weber

President, Reasons To Believe Austin

Chapter Director, Ratio Christi, University of Texas

SDG