Psalms 19:1–2 paints a glorious picture of how the cosmos testify to God’s handiwork.
Both in awe of the Creator and the created world, King David wrote: “The heavens declare
the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour
forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.”
In recognition of these verses, Deborah Haarsma, astrophysicist, author, and the former
president of BioLogos, an advocacy organization devoted to sharing the interplay between
science and Christianity, has devoted her career to the study of the world beyond
our own. On March 11, the Pepperdine community was given the special privilege of
hearing Haarsma’s insights on Christian faith and science at the 21st annual Frank
Pack Distinguished Christian Scholar Lecture hosted by Pepperdine Libraries’ Rushford Center.
Wonder is a shared human response to the beauty of the universe, Haarsma noted in
opening. While displaying one of her favorite photos of the Abell 370galaxy cluster taken by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, she mused, “These are some
of the most massive objects in the universe, and when studying them I am always filled
with a sense of wonder.”
Haarsma speaking about her interest in galaxy clusters
For the renowned astrophysicist, pondering the intricacies of the universe always
pointed to greater questions about its creator. Each telescope that discovers an unfound
star, each mathematical equation modeling inner workings of the universe, and each
satellite reaching a distant galaxy “are working in harmony,” she posits, “with the
Christian perspective by revealing the glory of God.”
“Christian theology gives an amazing foundation for how and why we do science,” Haarsma
said. “It’s remarkable to realize that this intelligent and powerful Creator is also
the lover of my soul. However, often people who share my positive view of science
don’t know the creator who is behind it.”
Haarsma then touched on a perceived divide between scientific communities and those
of Christian faith—though the two are certainly not mutually exclusive. In response,
she offered tools of peace building. She outlined several approaches for how Christians
can engage with science-minded skeptics of faith, and conversely, how to engage with
those who are skeptical of science.
This division, Haarsma explained, exists primarily due to a communication gap between
scientists and the general public. Topics of contention often revolve around “age
of earth” theories and evolution. While referencing a number of surveys taken across
the United States, she also mentioned a lowering of Americans’ trust in the scientific
community from 2018–22, during the global pandemic. To remedy a declined public attitude
toward science, Haarsma called for better scientific communications—messages that
are not laden with heavy jargon and are intentional about communicating to general
audiences.
Attendees listened with intent as Haarsma delivered her lecture
Haarsma explained that building a sense of commonality is a key way to diffuse tense
conversations. For a Christian audience, scientists of the same faith can play a key
role in showing that Christianity is not at odds with science, but rather compatible
with a shared aim of seeking truth.
“Here’s the opportunity for Christians who are working at [scientific] institutions
to be that bridge of trust to communities that are skeptical,” said Haarsma. “Show
that Christianity doesn’t reject what they value most.”
Turning to breaking frontiers, Haarsma addressed the rapid rise of newer technologies,
such as artificial intelligence. Many are looking to the Christian worldview for guidance,
she has observed, due to its deep values of the significance of the human person.
For instance, she noted that Christian engineers for decades have been saying that
technology should have design goals beside just profit and efficiency or the satisfaction
of human hubris. They should promote justice and creativity.
“Technology should help us to become more human, not less,” she added. “The Christian
worldview gives us ways of knowing what our purpose is as we decide how to use these
technologies.”
In closing, Haarsma expressed appreciation for the opportunity to speak at the Frank
Pack Distinguished Christian Scholar Lecture. Named after Frank Pack, former Distinguished
Professor of Biblical Studies at Pepperdine and Churches of Christ preacher, the lecture
holds an annual tradition of inviting a distinguished Christian scholar to speak on
their area of scholarly expertise. Lucy Perrin, who serves as the Rushford Center director and lead archivist, additionally offered
opening remarks along with provost Jay Brewster.
From L to R: Dean Roosa of Libraries, Perrin, Haarsma, provost Brewster
The lecture, held in Payson Library’s Surfboard Room, resonated deeply with the Pepperdine
community in attendance. Each attendee received a complimentary print copy of Haarsma’s
book, Origins: Christian Perspectives on Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design, which she coauthored with her husband, Loren Haarsma, a professor of physics at
Calvin University, who accompanied his wife to Malibu.
Many faculty members from the Natural Science Division found their own professional convictions apparent in Haarsma’s words. Seaver physics professor John Mann noted that his Christian faith provides centrality during the
process of scientific inquiry.
“My Christian faith shapes how I approach science by grounding my confidence that
the universe is ordered and consistent,” Mann explained following the event. “Because
God is faithful, I expect the laws of nature to hold across time and space, and studying
them becomes a way of exploring and appreciating God’s creation.”
Todd Creekmore, an organizational psychologist who serves as assistant director of
employee engagement at Pepperdine’s Human Resources department, agreed that the lecture
served as a relevant reminder that Christian faith and science go hand in hand. He
appreciated that the University convenes such discussions.
“Dr. Haarsma’s lecture gave me a deeper appreciation for how scientific discovery
and Christian faith can complement and even strengthen one another in meaningful ways,”
Creekmore said. “It’s encouraging to see Pepperdine creating space for these conversations,
where the pursuit of truth is both intellectual and spiritual.”
To view Haarsma’s complete lecture, please visit Pepperdine Libraries’ Youtube page.