LDS in the world
2 min read
At scientific conferences, receptions often feature an open bar. These spaces are designed for attendees to socialize, exchange ideas, and celebrate advancements in their fields.
But for some, these moments offer a different opportunity: to talk about their faith.
This is the case of a university professor and scientist who has discovered that these environments, where the glass in hand is almost a symbol of belonging, become an ideal setting to share his beliefs.
While most people opt for wine or cocktails, he naturally holds a glass of ice-cold Coca-Cola.
And although it may seem like a minor detail, in such a context, that simple choice stands out. It is, in his own words, like wearing an invisible sign that says:
“Ask me why I’m different.”
At one of these receptions, after a particularly lively conversation, a colleague approached him and remarked amid laughter that he was "the funniest and most sober person" he had ever met.
An unexpected compliment that, he jokes, could well be printed on a t-shirt.
At another similar event, as expected, the classic question arose:
“Why don’t you drink?”
The answer was simple:
“For religious reasons.
I am a member of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
However, what followed was not a typical conversation. The interlocutor, surprised, confessed to having known several members of the Church, but had always wondered how they reconciled their faith with scientific rigor.
Far from being an awkward situation, for this professor it was a valuable opportunity. His response was direct:
“For me, there is only one truth . Sometimes I find it in the laboratory; other times, in what I live and believe.”
This approach is not accidental. Over the years, he has given much thought to how to integrate his beliefs with his scientific work.
In their experience, many colleagues who believe in God prefer not to mix the two worlds, considering that talking about religion in an academic setting can be taboo.
For him, however, science and faith are two complementary paths to the same goal: the truth.
As then-Elder Russell M. Nelson aptly taught during the dedication of the Life Sciences Building at Brigham Young University:
“All truth is part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether it comes from a scientific laboratory or divine revelation, it is compatible. There is no conflict between science and religion. Conflict arises only from incomplete knowledge of science, religion, or both.”
Ultimately, he maintains that his glass of Coca-Cola at these gatherings is more than just a personal preference. It's a small gesture that, time and again, opens doors to profound conversations. And those unexpected chats, sparked over drinks and toasts, are often the most meaningful.
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