As sciences go, biochemistry is a relatively recent invention. In the 1800s, scientists began to realise that the same principles that governed inorganic chemistry could also be applied to processes inside living cells. This observation initiated a flurry of discoveries spanning the 20th century. Hans Krebs identified his eponymous metabolic cycle in 1937. X-ray crystallography facilitated the discovery of the structure of DNA in 1953, swiftly followed by the first protein structure in 1957. Arriving in this century, publication of the human genome sequence in 2003 revolutionized the way we understand health and disease.
Much of modern life relies on advances in biochemistry that have been made in the last 150 years, from the enzymes in your ‘bio’ laundry detergent to the contents of your medicine drawer. But how should Christians engage with the study of biochemistry? What purposes might God have in mind for you as you pursue a degree, and perhaps a career, in this field?
Working for the wellbeing of creation
Long before any human being suspected the existence of DNA, God was busy constructing the biochemical systems that would power the immense variety of life that we see on our planet today. Not only that, but he was creating human brains capable of harnessing those very systems within a vast network of neurons to uncover the workings of creation at the molecular level.
As we’ve developed techniques that allow us to decipher the behaviour of molecules within cells, we’ve also found that we can manipulate these molecules to produce different effects. Solving the structure of an active site of an enzyme allows us to design an inhibitor that alters the activity of the enzyme. Identifying a mutation that results in a disease phenotype opens up the possibility of altering the DNA sequence to correct the defect.
Getting creative with the raw materials of biology is an important way in which biochemists reflect the image of God. In Genesis 1, humans are commissioned to ‘fill the earth and subdue it', using their God-given authority in creation to work for the good of their fellow creatures.
Biochemists are called to join in God’s creative process to develop the world we live in, even at the molecular level, for the sake of its flourishing. As Christian author and tech optimist Tony Reinke puts it: ‘Science… is the art of listening to the Creator, the art of following out the patterns and possibilities that God coded into creation’. [1] Biochemists discover what God has made possible at the molecular level, and seek to leverage that for the good of creation.
The application of biochemistry to food science is one example of how our biochemical knowledge can be used for the wellbeing of God’s world. Biochemists have contributed to this field in myriad ways, from ensuring food security by engineering pest-resistant crops to creating new kinds of chocolates!
In a fallen world, biochemistry is also a God-given gift to help ease the suffering that comes as a result of the curse on creation. Understanding the molecular and genetic bases of many diseases has allowed development of targeted treatments that have improved many millions of lives.
However, in our eagerness to try out new techniques we must not forget that we are to rule creation ‘in God’s image’ – that is, with compassion for our neighbours and the world around us. Tragically, sinful humanity so often uses our power over nature to cause harm rather than bring blessing.
The Christian biochemist must always be asking not just the question, ‘can we?’ but, ‘should we?’ Will this application of biochemistry contribute to the flourishing of the people and the planet that God loves, or will it cause more harm than good?
Worshipping the God we work for
Of course, not all biochemical research will have a practical application that is immediately obvious. But that doesn’t mean this research isn’t valuable!
The scientist’s task is not merely to solve problems facing humanity, but to ‘interpret the books of nature written by the finger of God, to unravel the universe in its marvellous patterns and symmetries, and to bring it all into orderly articulation in such a way that it fulfils its proper end as the vast theatre of glory in which the Creator is worshipped’. [2]
Biochemists have the privilege of observing God’s creation at a scale that is invisible to the naked eye. In doing so, we discover no shortage of reasons to worship our Maker. As Francis Collins, former director of the Human Genome Project, put it: ‘The God of the Bible is also the God of the genome. He can be worshipped in the cathedral or in the laboratory.’
Who can watch an animation of the motion of ATP synthase and fail to be astonished that God would put such incredible engineering into something so tiny? Who can look down a microscope at a patch of cells that have grown and multiplied all by themselves and not feel moved to give thanks?
As we discover the incredible complexity and balance of processes happening inside cells, we can say with the psalmist: ‘Your works are wonderful, I know that full well’. (Psalm 139:14)
Of course, the study of biochemistry also brings us face to face with the brokenness in creation. Genetic disease, cancer, pathogens – these objects of study raise all sorts of questions about the place of suffering in God’s world. Yet observing creation’s groaning can also lead us to come before God in humility, lamenting our sin and longing for the day when Christ returns to make all things new.
Witnessing to the world
Many people in Western culture still believe that, like oil and water, science and Christian faith don’t mix. Followers of Jesus in the sciences have the amazing opportunity to be living evidence to the contrary.
In our culture that loves to ‘follow the science’, scientists have a kind of unofficial authority. People respect scientists’ opinions even on areas that fall well outside their field of expertise. This means that as a Christian in a scientific field, you may find you have a platform to speak about Jesus and be listened to that believers in other parts of society lack.
As we’ve seen, biochemistry is full of pointers to the character of God. As well as providing fuel for your own worship, these signposts can be starting points for gospel conversations. When you learn something amazing that makes you think ‘Wow, God is so great!’, sharing that moment of wonder with a coursemate is an immediate opening into a conversation about your faith.
In fact, that biochemistry exists as a discipline at all is a pointer to the truth of the Christian message. Have you ever thought it’s strange that biology can be largely (though not entirely) broken down into chemistry, chemistry into physics, physics into maths? There’s a coherence to our physical universe that points to an integrating principle behind it all. According to Colossians 1, Christ is before all things, the one in whom all things hold together. The universe is coherent because it can all be traced back to him.
Another unique way in which biochemistry points us to Jesus is the curious observation that life is based on language. In DNA and RNA, linear strings of ‘letters’ (bases) combine to make ‘words’ (codons) which are transcribed and translated to produce proteins with unique 3D shapes and functions based on their amino acid sequence. All of life is dependent on this word-based information processing system.
Open the Bible and on the first page we meet a God who creates by the power of his word. Jesus himself is given the title ‘the Word’ in the prologue to John’s gospel. The God of the Bible is a verbal God who brings life by communicating in language. It’s appropriate, then, that language is essential to life on earth. In our DNA, God speaks us into existence.
Alongside making the most of these pointers to Jesus, Christians in biochemistry can witness to the truth about God by being distinctive in the way we live – including our attitude to knowledge. Where others may come to the lab seeking mastery over nature, as followers of Jesus we come humbly, ready for God to reveal Himself to us as we engage with his world, receiving insight as a gift rather than demanding it as a right.
Why biochemistry is worth it
Biochemistry can be hard work. We’re talking fiddly experimental procedures, endless metabolic pathways to memorize, long hours in the lab. It doesn’t get its reputation as the most difficult of the life sciences for nothing. But when you consider the opportunities it affords to work for the good of our fellow creatures, to uncover new reasons to worship God, and to point others towards the hope of the gospel – the hard work is more than worth it! As biochemists, we can pray for perseverance, boldness, and delight in God’s creation, that he might use us to be lights for him in our field.
Reflect and discuss
Think: Think back over what you have studied so far in your degree. Where have you seen God's fingerprints? Where have ideas presented to you challenged what you believed to be true?
Live: What do you think your coursemates would know about what is important to you from the way you live? Is there anything you want to change here?
Speak: Are there topics in your subject that are closer to talking about your outlook on life, God or the gospel? Pray for people on your course and for opportunities to share about Jesus with them this term.
Taking it further
- UCCF Science Network resources
- The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief, Francis S. Collins
- God in the Lab: How Science Enhances Faith, Ruth Bancewicz
- Creation or Evolution: Do We Have To Choose?, Denis Alexander
[1] Tony Reinke, God, Technology and the Christian Life, p102
[2] Thomas Forsyth Torrance, the Ground and Grammar of Theology, quoted in Reinke p107
