James Maxwell – a Great Christian Scientist (December 6)

Scientists agree that James Clerk Maxwell’s (1831-1879) greatest contribution to science was his brilliant 913 page treatise on the mathematical unification of electricity with magnetism. This forever changed the world of physics and is the foundation of radio transmissions, television, computers, space travel, and all modern electronics. Maxwell stands at the forefront of the most brilliant scientists who ever lived, and his legacy is the modern world we all enjoy. Some physicists have shown that even atoms can be explained as the result of the movement of charges and that matter itself is really an electrical simulation – all based on Maxwell’s equations.

Although Maxwell lived a short 48 years, he was also responsible for mathematically explaining Saturn’s rings as a massive cloud of particles. He made major contributions to the fields of statistics, astronomy, gas theory, color theory (producing the first color photograph), and thermodynamics. As a contemporary to Charles Darwin, Maxwell soundly rejected naturalistic explanations for life stating, “No theory of evolution can be formed to account for the singularity of molecules, for evolution necessarily implies continuous change…” A prayer written by Maxwell stated, “Almighty God, who has created man in Thine own image, and made him a living soul that he might seek after Thee and have dominion over Thy creatures, teach us to study the works of Thy hands…”

A deeply sincere follower of Jesus Christ, Maxwell used his faith as the foundation from which he made his great discoveries. Do not be deceived that belief in creation is a detriment to scientific advancement … the very opposite is true. Maxwell had this verse inscribed upon the entrance to his science laboratory at Cambridge University:

The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. Psalm 111:2

Psalm 111:2

KJV: The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

NIV: Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them.

Reference

Mulfinger, George & Orozco, Mulfinger Julia, Christian Men of Science: Eleven Men Who Changed the World, 2001, pp.183-210.

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James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879) Scientific Genius and Compassionate Christian