Science and Faith: Enemies or Allies?

By: Jessica Arciniega |Staff Writer|

Science and Faith: Enemies or Allies? was hosted by the Well Christian Club partnered with Campus Crusade for Christ International (CRU)  and other Christian organizations to present a Christian worldview of the origin of the universe.

The allied organizations tested the veracity of astrophysicist Hugh Ross and biochemist Fazala Rana’s work of the Christian worldview.

The conference consisted of two presentations, followed by a question-and-answer discussion.

Ross first presented the compatibility of scientific findings with the beliefs of Christianity.

Ross shared he was intrigued by the Bible at 17, which led him to furthering his research between Christianity and scientific discoveries.

In his presentation,  Ross said there would be no origin in life without the right galaxy, galaxy cluster, star, Jupiter, Saturn, or moon.

Ross said we should be thankful on Thanksgiving for ‘just the right universe’ or there would be no existence of human life.

Rana presented the argument that there is powerful evidence of God’s presence from life’s origin through evolutionary claims.

According to Rana’s biography on reasons.org, he didn’t originally believe in God’s existence until he couldn’t account for any explanations about these origins of life.

“I felt the most important thing I could do as a scientist is to communicate to skeptics and believers alike the powerful scientific evidence,” stated Rana on reasons.org.

Within his presentation, he argued the origins of life with failure, fashion, and fingerprints, summarizing all attempts to prove the universe was created naturally—in manner that science has theorized—have failed.

The question and answer panel followed, testing Ross and Rana on both ends of the spectrum.

Many of the questions asked by members of the audience sought edification concerning the topics of the scientific models presented.

When asked about the discussion, three CSUSB students had mixed emotions.

“I now have a defense to present to other non-believers,” said student Keith Rivas.

Rivas shared that some professors would question him and his beliefs while he had no justification. He said he ultimately enjoyed the conference and what it had to offer by the knowledge he gained from attending.

Samira Haidarnia said she felt it strengthened her current beliefs towards Christianity.

“I felt challenged from the learning environment leading me to thirst for more knowledge,” said Haidarnia.

Although the terminology was difficult to understand, the goal of the seminar was straightforward and engrossing.

“I felt the presenters could’ve brought it home with Jesus Christ and the center of faith, but they didn’t drill it enough,” said student Eric Walker.

Walker and Haidarnia suggested that the seminar could have been improved if they had seen ‘the other side’ of the argument for those who don’t believe theories of origin of life are compatible with Christianity.