Science Expands, Not Threatens, Faith

Kentucky pastor finds scientific discoveries broaden his religious perspective

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:12am

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A highly structured abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the interconnected nature of parallel universes and the multiverse.An abstract visualization of the multiverse concept, exploring how scientific discoveries can expand and deepen religious faith.Lexington Today

This column originally appeared in the Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader in 2011. The author, a Kentucky pastor, discusses how scientific concepts like the multiverse and relativity of time have expanded his understanding of religion and faith, rather than threatening it. He cites examples from the Bible that suggest the existence of parallel dimensions and the malleability of time, and argues that scientific discoveries can deepen one's sense of awe at the creative powers of God.

Why it matters

This story provides an interesting perspective on the relationship between science and religion, challenging the common perception that they are inherently in conflict. By highlighting how scientific ideas can actually enrich and deepen one's faith, the author offers a nuanced view that may resonate with readers grappling with the perceived tensions between the two realms.

The details

The author, Paul Prather, a pastor in rural Kentucky, discusses how he has developed an interest in scientific subjects like quantum mechanics and relativity in recent years. He cites the work of physicist Gerald Schroeder, who argues that the theory of evolution and the biblical account of creation in six days can both be true, depending on one's frame of reference and the dimension of time being measured. Prather also explores biblical passages that suggest the existence of parallel dimensions and the repetition of history, and how these ideas relate to the emerging scientific concept of the multiverse. Overall, Prather contends that far from threatening his faith, scientific discoveries have actually broadened and deepened his religious perspective.

  • This column originally appeared in the Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader on March 26, 2011.

The players

Paul Prather

A pastor in rural Kentucky who has developed an interest in scientific subjects like quantum mechanics and relativity, and how they relate to and expand his religious faith.

Gerald Schroeder

An Orthodox Jewish physicist and former member of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's physics department, who argues that the theory of evolution and the biblical account of creation in six days can both be true.

Brian Greene

A theoretical physicist and string theorist who teaches at Columbia University and studies the concept of the multiverse, the idea that our universe may be one among multiple universes.

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What they’re saying

“Sometimes science fiction becomes science fact.”

— Terry Gross, Host of NPR's Fresh Air

The takeaway

This story highlights how an open-minded approach to scientific discoveries can actually deepen one's religious faith, rather than threatening it. By exploring how concepts like the multiverse and the relativity of time align with biblical passages, the author demonstrates that science and religion need not be seen as inherently opposed, but can in fact complement each other in enriching our understanding of the world and the divine.