Physics professor wraps up science and religion series at Missouri Valley

John Gault, professor of physics at Missouri Valley College, talks about the different forms of energy as he drops a book Monday evening during a presentation on the laws of God and the laws of science. The presentation was the third in a three-part seminar series.

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John Gault said science would not exist without God's creation because knowledge, which is one definition of science, is dependent on matter and energy, which God made.

Melding science and his own spiritual beliefs, Gault engaged a crowd of students, community members and MVC staff in a presentation about God's law and the laws of science. He said God's law is unchanging, because God never changes, but science is always changing.

"It's interesting to me that science agrees with the Bible because it seems science is finally starting to get it right," Gault said, using scriptures and scientific laws to demonstrate his beliefs. "Science, religion -- they're both ways to serve God. What I'm doing as a scientist is studying God's creation."

In response to MVC professor Gerry Acay's question of how Gault deals with his Christian beliefs and scientific studies, Gault said he doesn't see them as being opposed.

Mark Mills, associate professor of biology, also entered the discussion, explaining his own way of living as a Christian and a scientist. Mills spoke during the March 29 session of the series, proclaiming that, in a way, he separates science and religion because he feels they are so different.

Explaining what he felt Gault was saying, Mills said the presenter has found a way in his own life to meld the two.

"We're trying to live as good Christians, but also as good scientists," Mills said.

Throughout Gault's presentation, he said he wasn't advocating that people use scientific study in place of Bible study. He said the two can be used in conjunction with one another to determine answers and appreciate what God has done for mankind.

Gault said science is the best method people have found to examine the physical world and the Bible is God's word that should be used by people to find the truth.

MVC physical science student Dustin Bass, a freshman majoring in business marketing, said he understands how Gault uses the Bible and science to find answers in life. At the end of the discussion, Bass explained some of his own interpretation of Gault's points.

"God has given us science to let us understand what he's done for us," Bass said. "He's given us the ability, mind, the strength, to pursue as scientists the reasons, origins and purposes he has created for us. We've got to find a way to mold the two together and have an understanding of what God's given us ... and how we can use it in our lives."

Contact Naomi Campbell at

marshallfaith@socket.net