The relationship between science and faith is often perceived as one of conflict, with each discipline occupying distinct and opposing realms. However, on my journey as a chemist and a Christian, I have come to discover a harmonious connection between the two fields. Science, rather than challenging my faith, has deepened it by unveiling the intricacies of God’s creation. Together, science and faith enrich our understanding of the world, drawing us closer to the mysteries of the Lord.
Chemistry as a Mirror of Transformation
My journey began with a fascination for the building blocks of matter, which led me to study Chemistry, specialising in environmental chemistry. Currently, as an Environmental Chemist, I work with soil analysis and sustainable recycling, uncovering ways to restore and reuse materials.
One pivotal moment during my studies was a teaching lab experiment involving recrystallisation – a process where an impure substance dissolves and reforms into pure crystals. I remember watching this transformation unfold in a round-bottom flask, and for the first time bridging science and faith in an awe-inspiring way. Beyond the science, I saw spiritual symbolism: just as substances are purified in the lab, our lives are renewed when we surrender to Christ. This realisation marked the beginning of my journey to see God’s glory revealed through science.
(Photo: A spectrum of colours displayed in peatland soil samples from my Master’s project, showcasing the hidden beauty and complexity of the natural world)
This connection became even clearer during my Master’s project, where I specialised in environmental chemistry and using advanced instrumentation to study soil. In mere grams of soil, I uncovered a library of organic matter—compounds that form the foundation of life itself. These substances told stories of past climates and cycles of renewal. This hidden vibrancy reminded me of Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Chemistry became a lens through which I could see God’s transformative power. Like the process of recrystallisation, the renewal of our minds in Christ involves letting go of impurities to emerge refined and made anew. Through science I was discovering more about my true identity in Christ.
Finding God in Nature
Beyond the lab, nature has always been a place where I feel closest to God. After completing my degree, I spent nine months at Craig Lodge Family House of Prayer, serving as a missionary in the remote Scottish Highland. This time of prayer, service and community in the wilderness became a spiritual turning point, strengthening my relationship with my Father, and preparing me for my work as an environmental chemist.
Surrounded by mountains, forests, and fields, I encountered God’s presence in profound ways. The beauty of creation revealed His craftsmanship, while the interconnectedness of nature spoke of His care. One verse that continues to guide me is Psalm 24:1: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” Analysing soil, water, and air in my work reminds me daily of the Creator’s intricate design, deepening my awe and gratitude.
One transformative experience I had at Craig Lodge involved praying the Stations of the Cross up a mountain path. As I climbed, the Lord spoke to me through the simplicity of creation: the gush of streams descending the mountain, the strenuous hill climb reminding me of my humanity, and the morning dew clinging to blades of grass, just as we should cling to Christ. Through these earthly elements, God was telling me a story, using creation to lead me on a spiritual journey.
Romans 8:19 declares: “All creation is eagerly waiting for God to reveal who His children are.” Nature is not merely a backdrop to our lives but a sacred space where God reveals Himself. This perspective challenges me to approach creation with humility and gratitude, recognising it as a gift from the Creator.
Science and Faith: A Unified Vision
My journey as a Christian chemist has been one of profound discovery, both scientific and spiritual. The laboratory, once a place of equations and experiments, has become a sanctuary where the Lord unveils His mysteries. Through the transformation of matter and the precision of science, I see His hand at work.
(Photo: Embracing the joys of nature during my time as a missionary at Craig Lodge)
Science and faith, rather than being at odds, are complementary forces that illuminate the mysteries of the world. As I study the environment—its elements, cycles, and interconnectedness—I am continually reminded of how creation reflects the Creator. This revelation is not merely academic; it is an invitation to draw closer to the Lord.
My testimony is a unique one, navigating the world of science while holding fast to my Christian faith. Yet, the Lord has proven time and again that He is with me – whether in the quiet moments of a laboratory experiment or amidst the majestic beauty of the wilderness. Science, for me, has been a means to know Him more deeply, to uncover the profound mysteries of His creation, and to marvel at His glory.
Together, science and faith reveal a Creator who is both infinite in power and intimate in love, inviting each of us to embark on our unique journey of discovery and transformation in Him.