Faithful Learning in Chemistry

How knowing Chemistry, and teaching it to students, enhances my Faith.

By: Dirk Jasperse (HS Chemistry Teacher)

1. Chemistry is beautiful because it is so logical, so orderly, so predictable. This is why

chemistry is such a good subject for any student to take, even if they never pursue science
any further in education or career. In chemistry, students develop abilities to connect cause
and effect, to recognize patterns, and to solve multi-step problems. These are all important
aspects of intellectual development. Chemistry is only the vehicle. This same beauty and
orderliness that we see in the patterns of chemistry is a testimony of the character of the
creator.

2. If one can mentally zoom in on atoms and get any idea at all about how tiny and intricate
they are, and then zoom out to try to imagine how many atoms there are in the whole, vast
universe, that person must feel awe and amazement. Then, think about the God who not
only created all this from nothing, but is aware of each atom, controls the working of each
atom, and that each atom continues to exist only because God continues to sustain
it. When one thinks on the atomic level, as one learns to do in chemistry, he realizes that
the number of events that must be affected when God intervenes in even the smallest way
in the world is staggering. This is evidence of Gods infinite knowledge, power, and control
of all things.

3. Chemistry is an exercise in faith because it is a study of the invisible. Accepting atomic

theory is an analogy for believing in the existence of God. For an entire year, and then
perhaps in further studies in AP Chem or in college, a student studies atoms and molecules,
nuclei and electrons, without ever seeing them. Color changes in an acid-base titration,
precipitation of a solid, and a bubbling test tube are all evidence of the existence of atoms,
but students never see the atoms themselves, only the effect that they produce. Just so, we
may seldom, if ever, see God in this life, but only the results of his presence. When Im
tempted to wonder if God is really there because I dont see him, then I am reminded by
chemistry that I believe firmly and thoroughly in atoms, and what science tells us about
them, even though I havent ever seen them, nor will I. I accept the concept of atoms in the
abstract on the strength of trusted teachers I have had, experimental results I have seen,
and the whole weight of the scientific community that stands behind it. So it is with
Christian faith.