Despite what some wish to think, it is possible to believe in both science and religion.
A chemistry professor from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology said so on Thursday.
Following an introduction from UF Kent Fuchs, a man who has specialized in both theology and engineering, MIT professor Troy Van Voorhis addressed a crowd of about 900 inside UF’s University Auditorium. He discussed how science and faith were not mutually exclusive as a part of an event called Is Science Enough?
During the third annual speaker series, Fuchs said in a video before the speech that students had a rare opportunity to discuss issues that were being talked about nationally today.
“This forum could not be more timely,” Fuchs said.
Voorhis said although he studies science for a living, it may not answer all questions.
“We are left with a feeling that there must be something more,” he said.
Christianity doesn’t limit whether a person can believe in controversial topics like abortion or gay rights, he added.
“There is a myth that believing Christianity means you can’t believe in fill-in-the-blank with whatever controversial topic,” he said.
After his 40-minute talk, Van Voorhis took questions that students texted in.
Franklyn Francois, who helped organize the event, said it allowed for a discussion that doesn’t occur often on college campuses.
“We want to give academia and faith a space to discuss heavier topics,” he said. “We want to bring the two worlds together and show they are not mutually exclusive.”
UF accounting sophomore Alex Melton said he was excited to hear Van Voorhis after his friend at MIT told him about the professor.
“I found him really entertaining and engaging,” the 20-year-old said.
Holli Capps, a UF environmental science sophomore, said she chose her major because God put her there.
“That field needs more of a Christian voice,” the 20-year-old said.
She said she heard about the event from a flier her academic adviser emailed out.
“I don’t understand why science and faith have to be separate,” she said.
Contact Meryl Kornfield at mkornfield@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter at @MerylKornfield
