My Answer: Even scientists see the logic in God
Q: Can a scientist believe in God? I’m in college, and I asked several of my science professors about this. They all said they didn’t think it was possible. I suppose you’d disagree, but why?
— R.R.
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A: Over the years I’ve met many outstanding scientists who not only believed in God, but were also dedicated followers of Christ. Many, in fact, told me that they’d first become believers because of their scientific studies.
Why was this? One reason, they said, was because they came to see that it was more logical to believe in God than not believe in him. No matter where you look — through the most powerful telescope or the strongest microscope — the complexity and the beauty of the universe point to an all-powerful creator.
In other words, believing that the universe “just happened” takes far more faith than believing in God. The Bible says, “Since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made” (Romans 1:20).
But my scientist friends also realized that science has its limits. Science can describe what the world is like, but it can’t answer why we’re here or where we’re going when we die. Only God can give us the answer to these spiritual questions, and he has answered them through Jesus Christ.
Don’t be put off by the unbelief of others. Instead, turn to Jesus Christ and open your heart and mind to his truth as it is revealed in the Bible. He was God in human flesh, and the proof was his resurrection from the dead.
Only in Christ, the Bible says, “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).
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Q: I’ve heard that the Bible tells us to love others, but everyone in our family agrees that one of our cousins is impossible to love. He’s obnoxious and conceited, and no one likes being around him. How can you love someone you don’t like?
— Mrs. C.B.
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A: Yes, the Bible certainly tells us to love others, even if they aren’t very lovable. When Jesus was asked which were the most important of God’s laws, he summarized them in two commands: to love God and to love others (see Mark 12:28-34).
But what does it mean to love others? All too often, I’m afraid, we confuse liking someone with loving them. In other words, we think loving someone is similar to liking them, only much stronger. And this isn’t necessarily wrong, as far as it goes. A husband, for example, should genuinely like his wife and enjoy being in her company.
Does this mean we can’t love someone who’s difficult to like? No, it doesn’t, not if we understand the kind of love God has for us.
God loves us not because we’re perfect, or even likeable, because we aren’t. We fall far short of what he wants us to be, and yet the Bible says he still loves us. And unlike our love for others, his love means he always wants what’s best for us, although we don’t deserve it.
This is the way God wants us to love others — by seeking what’s best for them. No, your cousin may not be likeable, but have you ever asked God to change him? Have you ever gone out of your way to show love for him, even if he doesn’t deserve it?
Open your heart and life to Christ’s transforming love. Then remember: “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Assn., 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM; or visit billygraham.org.