Atheist Scientist's Early Worldview
Born in the United States and raised in Canada, Sarah Salviander's early life was steeped in atheism. Her parents, socialists and political activists, preferred the term 'agnostic' but eschewed any religious influence. Her love for science fiction and space, fueled by shows like 'Star Trek' and Carl Sagan's 'Cosmos', led her to pursue astrophysics. During her university years in the United States, Sarah embraced Objectivism, a philosophy she later found to be devoid of joy and meaning.
Discovering God Through Astronomy
Sarah's worldview began to shift when she encountered the profound order and elegance of the universe during her studies. Quoting Einstein, she pondered, 'The most incomprehensible thing about the universe is that it is comprehensible.' This realization opened her mind to the possibility of a rational, transcendent being behind creation.
Her interactions with Christians further softened her stance. Admired professors who were joyous and intelligent believers challenged her stereotypes. Her work at the Centre for Astrophysics and Space Sciences investigating the Big Bang theory led her to see the heavens as a declaration of God's glory.
A pivotal moment came on the University of California, San Diego campus. 'Walking across that beautiful La Jolla campus,' she recalled, 'I stopped in my tracks when it hit me—I believed in God! I was so happy; it was like a weight had been lifted from my heart.'
From Theism to Christian Faith
Her journey from theism to Christianity was influenced by Gerald Schroeder's 'The Science of God', which reconciled science and the Bible for her. The scientific analysis of Genesis convinced her of its divine inspiration. As she explored the New Testament, her intellectual conviction solidified. 'Intellectually, I knew the Bible to be true, and as a person of intellect, I had to accept it as truth, even if I didn't feel it,' she said.
Faith Tested Through Life's Trials
Sarah's faith was tested through life's hardships: a cancer diagnosis, her husband's illness, and the stillbirth of their daughter, Ellinor. Yet, she found peace in a vision of her daughter in God's embrace. Through these trials, she realized, 'I don't know how I would've coped with such trials when I was an atheist.'
Sarah's life now is a testament to the harmony of faith and science. She continues her astrophysical research while passionately sharing her journey with others, helping them navigate their own questions about faith and science.
