In Episode 119 of the Maybe God podcast (released March 20, 2025), titled "Why John Lennox Believes in God AND Science", renowned Oxford mathematician, bioethicist, and Christian apologist Dr. John Lennox sits down with host Justin Brierley (with an intro from Pastor Eric Huffman). This 51-minute conversation is a warm, intellectually robust affirmation that science and biblical faith are not rivals but allies. For Christian readers, it's a refreshing reminder that our worldview not only withstands scrutiny but finds deep support in the very discoveries of modern science. Lennox, with his characteristic humility, clarity, and wit, draws from decades of debates, personal testimony, and historical insight to show why he remains unapologetically convinced of the God of the Bible.
Lennox's Personal Journey: Faith Rooted in Family and ReasonLennox opens with his Northern Irish upbringing in a loving Christian home. His parents modelled integrity, risking their lives to help others across sectarian lines during the Troubles, demonstrating the infinite value of every person as image-bearers of God (Genesis 1:27). They encouraged him to question everything, read widely, and engage other worldviews critically. Influenced by C.S. Lewis (whom he heard lecture at Cambridge) and early books on science and faith, Lennox's belief grew stronger through honest inquiry, not despite his scientific mind but because of it.
Science as a Christian EnterpriseA central pillar of Lennox's position: modern science arose from a Christian worldview. Figures like Galileo, Kepler, Newton, Faraday, and Maxwell expected order and law in nature precisely because they believed in a rational Lawgiver. As C.S. Lewis put it (quoted by Lennox): "Men became scientific because they expected law in nature. And they expected law in nature because they believed in the lawgiver."
Lennox stresses that Christianity provided the philosophical foundation for science — assuming a consistent, intelligible universe created by a purposeful Mind. He notes that over 60% of Nobel Prize winners in science from 1900–2000 were believers in God, countering the myth that faith hinders discovery.
Why Atheism and Science "Don't Mix Well"Lennox directly challenges the "new atheism" of figures like Richard Dawkins (with whom he debated multiple times, including high-profile exchanges in Alabama and Oxford). He argues atheism is itself a faith commitment— a worldview choice — that struggles to cohere with scientific evidence.
Key points:
Scientism (the claim that science is the only path to truth) is self-refuting: the statement "only science gives truth" isn't provable by science.
Fine-tuning of the universe (e.g., the precise constants in physics allowing life, as highlighted by Lord Martin Rees in Just Six Numbers and even acknowledged by Stephen Hawking) points to intelligent design, not blind chance. Lennox calls this "not a fringe Christian idea but at the centre of science."
Teleology (purpose in nature) is increasingly evident in cosmology and biology, undermining strict materialism.
Atheism leaves no basis for trusting our reasoning faculties — if our brains evolved unguided for survival, not truth, why trust them for science? Yet atheists rely on them daily.
Lennox's memorable line from his book Cosmic Chemistry: Do God and Science Mix?: "Atheism and science don't mix very well," while faith in God and science "sit very comfortably together."
Christianity as Personal Relationship, Not Mere RulesFor Lennox, Christianity isn't a merit-based religion of earning favour but a revolutionary offer of grace: forgiveness, acceptance, and a real relationship with God through repentance and trust in Jesus Christ. He contrasts this with other systems — no one else offers "forgiveness and acceptance now in this life" via Christ's atoning work and resurrection (which Lennox affirms as historical and credible, even as a scientist).
He draws inspiration from Abraham (Friend of God), whose faith trusted God amid uncertainty, providing a model for believers facing doubt or cultural pressure.
Encouragement Amid Cultural ShiftsLennox observes the decline of aggressive "new atheism" and growing openness to spirituality (e.g., in conversations with sceptics like Dave Rubin). He encourages Christians not to fear questions — doubt ("dubitare," being in two minds) can lead to deeper faith. In a world reeling from meaninglessness, Christianity offers purpose, identity, and hope beyond death.
This isn't abstract philosophy; it's a winsome, evidence-based defence that equips believers to engage friends, family, or colleagues who assume science disproves God. Lennox shows that the God who created the universe is the same who invites us into personal relationship through Christ. Faith isn't blind, it's reasonable, rooted in evidence from creation, history, and transformed lives.
As Lennox often says, the more he understands science, the more he believes in God. For Christians navigating a secular age, this episode is a powerful reminder: our faith stands firm, science points upward, and the God of the Bible is worthy of trust. If you're feeling the tension between head and heart, give it a listen — the transcript is available on the site, and it's time well spent strengthening your confidence in Christ. Here are the links:
https://www.maybegodpod.com/maybe-god-episode-119-john-lennox