The scientific pedigree of Lord Kelvin, and its role in giving him a strong focus on God, has been highlighted at the Largs church where he was a worshipper.
The Reverend Mark Goodman, rector at St Columba's Episcopal Church, reflected on the 200th anniversary of the birth of William Thomson, Baron Kelvin of Largs, and on the importance of the pioneering scientist's Christian faith in shaping his life and work.
The church was a short distance away from Lord Kelvin's home in Largs, and the building hosts a memorial plaque as a tribute to his lasting contribution to the town and to the world of science.
Writing in the latest edition of the church's newsletter, Mr Goodman said: "The achievements of Lord Kelvin of Largs were extraordinary.
"He was eminent in engineering and physics. The Encyclopaedia Britannica lists his achievements in thermodynamics, absolute temperature, mathematical analysis of electricity and magnetism. He also included a world leading role in underwater telephony.
"We know that he is buried in Westminster Abbey and was awarded, amongst many accolades, the Order of Merit (OM), which is an honour conferred by the Sovereign on individuals of exceptional distinction in the arts, learning, sciences and other areas such as public service.
"In such an extraordinary life, it is a privilege for us that he was a member of our church and that when his funeral was held in Westminster Abbey, a service was held here, in St Columba’s, in his honour.
"What is important to remember is that he was a man of faith. Kelvin saw his Christian faith as supporting and informing his scientific work.
"He said: 'Do not be afraid of being free thinkers. If you think strongly enough you will be forced by science to the belief in God, which is the foundation of all religion. You will find science not antagonistic but helpful to religion.'
"The more thoroughly he conducted scientific research, the more he believed that science excludes atheism.
"What needs to be remembered is that much of what we might call early modern scientific exploration was undertaken by clergy before it became a professionalised career.
"However, we live in a different world. The laws of science continue but the place of religion and religious people who do science has been challenged, in particular by the likes of Richard Dawkins and the new atheists.
"They, though, are old news, even if they offer good clickbait. The main problem with the new atheists is that big claims can be made against religion, but the explanation to show why their arguments don’t hold up take time.
"In a social media clickbait world, who wants to hang around for the truth?
"It's worth remembering that there are many Christians involved in scientific pursuits. The Vatican’s Observatory has been at work since 1582.
"A very short list of Christian organisations involved in science include the Faraday Institute at Cambridge University, Christians in Science, the Society for Ordained Scientists, the International Forum for Science and Religion.
"Then we can think of Jews, Muslims, Hindus and other faiths at work in the realm of science."
You can read a full anniversary piece on Lord Kelvin by clicking here.
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