Sam Matteson
Professor of Physics
University of North Texas
[Feb.25, 2013]
In logic and in life I have learned that one solitary counter example to a premise is sufficient to refute it. For example, one may hold that “All swans are white,” until one encounters a black swan.
Forty years ago I was a new graduate student wondering if indeed one could be a passionate Christ-follower and a first rate scholar or scientist. The popular opinion was that only the uneducated were gullible to be hoodwinked by the gospel. No scholar of the first magnitude would buy the claims of Christ.
Then I encountered my black swan: Charles A. Coulson.
I was invited by my research mentor to accompany him to the Welch Chemical Foundation symposium that year in Houston. The featured speaker was Prof. Coulson, eminent theoretical chemist. When he was introduced, a tall, slender man with a shock of white hair stepped forward to the podium. The moderator quipped “We hope that you have not mixed up the manuscripts for you talk today;” where upon the audience as well as the distinguished speaker chuckled.
I turned to my research professor with a puzzled look and whispered, “What’s so funny?” to which he replied that Charles Coulson was one of the most preeminent lay preachers of England.
Over the years, I have marveled at God’s grace in how much the mere existence of Dr. Coulson, an intellectual giant and an outspoken believer, could encourage and inspire me.
I now realize that I too can be that counter example to others. I can honor God with the work of my hands and of my mind and at the same time proclaim the gospel. My scholarship can point to Him who made heaven and earth. I can be that black swan that so encouraged me.
We often feel that our experience and needs are unique to us alone. But, in fact, what we experience is more universal than we imagine. When I shared this story with Henry Schaeffer, a noted quantum chemist and also a brother in Christ, he also acknowledged with affection the encouragement that Coulson’s life had contributed to his spiritual and scientific growth. Because of Charles A. Coulson’s example:
1. I then resolved afresh with the help of our Father to become the best scholar I could and to love Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.
2. I have also resolved to take every opportunity to graciously declare my allegiance to Christ. For example, on the first day of class as I inform my students of my philosophy of education and life, I explain how it is rooted and grounded in the gospel. (In next week’s My Ministry Minute, I’ll share more of how I do this).
As I do these things, I hope to honor Christ and pay tribute to the example of an elder brother in the faith, Charles A. Coulson.
(c) 2013 Sam Matteson