For the past 50 years, the Canadian Scientific and Christian Affiliation has facilitated discussions about science and Christian faith in Canada. As part of our 50th-anniversary celebrations, we asked 50 CSCA members to comment on their personal connections to science, scripture, and Canadian scenery. We will share these contributions throughout 2023 in the hope that you will find them engaging and encouraging.
CSCA member of the week: John Van Sloten, Pastor and writer, Marda Loop Church Calgary.
1. Why did you choose your scientific discipline?
I am not a scientist. But I preach and write about science-illumined texts because I want to know God more (and read all that he’s written). Science unpacks divine wisdom embedded in creation. It is the church’s greatest ally when it comes to reading God’s creation text. As I’ve worked with scientists over the years, I feel like I’ve come to know the empirical mind of Christ more (via nature and via the image-bearing nature of these scientists).
2. What is one of your favourite Bible verses and why?
“Through him all things were made…”
—John 1:3
I was theologically trained to believe that you cannot ‘get to’ Jesus through creation. You need the scriptures to get to Christ. And yet here it is… everything was made through Jesus! He mediated both salvation and creation. It’s his wisdom that shaped/shapes all things.
3. Which Canadian city or landscape do you love exploring and why?
There are over 50 different plant species (that I’ve noticed) lining three city blocks on 51st st., near my home. I love exploring them in the spring with a macro lens on my iPhone. Alien worlds filled with colour and complexity… plant science parables preaching all around me every time I take a walk.