I was initially drawn into physics because of the powerful way it integrates mathematics as a tool to describe what we observe about the natural world. My time as a physics major at ACU was tremendously formative, providing living and breathing examples of Christians deeply committed to living out their walks with God through their scientific vocations. I was taught about a love of physics that had less to do about the rational elegance–that is certainly there–and more about the God Who spoke it into existence. It made such an impression on me that I committed myself to grow into the kind of person who could step into that role for future students. Alas, I have a ways to go! Yet, as I grow and mature, in particular as a teacher, I continue to learn how the study of engineering and physics comes alive when viewed through the lens of faith. It has been a humbling joy to learn how what God reveals about Himself through nature resonates with His revelation to us through the Scriptures. For we of faith, to study the natural world is to connect with Creativity itself. The Artist has gifted us with windows into His mind! I am too often humbled by the realization that rather than challenging my faith–as I may fear in my lesser moments–grappling with the natural world strengthens my faith. As Alister McGrath says, “the same divine rationality that is embedded in creation is embodied by Jesus Christ, as God incarnate.”
I try to live out this philosophy in my daily walk; but I also speak to this, where appropriate, in each class I teach and when I mentor students in research. I fear that most of my lessons are drawn from my own shortcomings, but perhaps that is the human condition! To ensure each day gives students some time for reflection, I begin every class with a brief devotional, selecting a scripture inspired by the day’s topic. This continues a tradition I remember fondly as an ACU student, e.g. in Dr. Greg Powell’s General Chemistry courses. I post some examples, below, recorded during our time of on-line instruction in Spring 2020.
It is a humbling exercise, but I am grateful for ACU calling its faculty to commit themselves to integrate faith in learning. It has become a meaningful part of my continued growth as a child of God.
In the next two sections (linked at the bottom of this page or in the sidebar) I provide reflections on faith from the discipline of physics and from specific courses I have taught in my time on the faculty.
Encouraging Words from Research Students
Mentor of the Year Nominations:
It would be a challenging feat to encompass why James is deemed worthy for this honor. He is an outstanding mentor academically, spiritually, and personally. He truly cares for my well being – and the well being of other students – in every aspect of life. Not only does he ameliorate my learning experiences but he also encourages me to pursue difficult problems and to tie my faith in what I am doing. He has helped me through my process in graduate school by even helping pay to send some of my GRE test scores. He has placed an enormous emphasis on my personal growth as a Christian and as a scientist that I would go as far to say that he has played a significant part in my undergraduate career.
He has edified my understanding of what it means to be a Christian and a scientist.
Example Daily Class Devotionals