Most lists of the ten greatest scientists of all time would have to include William Thomson (Lord Kelvin). Born in 1824 in Belfast, Kelvin was a British mathematical physicist and engineer. In addition, Lord Kelvin was elected as the youngest professor ever at age twenty-two at the University of Glasgow; a position he held for 53 years. Kelvin is world-renowned for helping to formulate in mathematical terms the first and second laws of thermodynamics, helped to unify the emerging discipline of physics in its modern form, and was instrumental in paving the way to lay the first transatlantic cable. His fame and accomplishments were so great that he became the first British scientist to be elevated to the House of Lords.
According to Mulfinger: “Thomson’s light teaching load at Glasgow left him ample time for research, and he was able to turn out literally hundreds of papers covering an unbelievably wide range of subjects. A few of the general areas included in his investigations were heat, light, sound, gravitation, electricity, magnetism, pure mathematics, hydrodynamics, viscosity, telegraphy, elasticity, astronomy, meteorology, geology, navigational aids, tides, mechanical calculators, osmosis, and radioactivity.”1
But despite his intellectual genius Kelvin always remained a humble Christian. It was his habit to open each one of his classes with prayer. He was extremely well-liked because he treated everyone with respect and dignity. To those students with a desire to learn science, they found him absolutely stimulating. Thomson was always quick to praise others while downplaying his own contributions. He tried to avoid controversy whenever he could but somethings he regarded as non-negotiable such as the impossibility of evolution. He once commended that: “overpoweringly strong proofs of intelligent and benevolent design lie all around us…showing to us, through nature, the influence of a free will, and teaching us that all living beings depend on one ever-acting Creator and Ruler.”2
Kelvin strongly believed and followed the teaching of the Bible and found no conflict between science and the Holy Scriptures. In fact, Mulfinger writes: “Thomson said that people should not be so awed with the progress of science that they neglect to consider the impression that the study of nature ought to make on every mind. The more people study the wonderful works of God, he said, the more awe and veneration they should feel for its Author.”3
Kelvin strongly believed that as one studies science it should lead us closer to God. He once stated: “The more thoroughly I conduct scientific research, the more I believe that science excludes atheism.” He also added: “If you study science deep enough and long enough, it will force you to believe in God.”4
Near the end of his life Kelvin reflected on the awesome privilege of being able to use his scientific research to get a closer glimpse of God’s majesty in nature. To Kelvin science and creation were literally two sides of the same coin. He once commented: “The power of investigating the laws established by the Creator for maintaining the harmony and permanence of His works is the noblest privilege which He has granted to our intellectual state.”5
It is only fitting that Lord Kelvin at his death was honored with a magnificent funeral and burial in Westminster Abbey. And his greatness in death was also honored by being buried next to, perhaps the greatest scientist of all time, Sir Isaac Newton.
1 George Mulfinger & Julia Mulfinger Orozco, Christian Men of Science. (Greenville, SC: Ambassador Emerald International, 2001), p. 153.
2 Ibid, p. 160.
3 Ibid, p. 161.
4 William Thomson, Lord Kelvin | CEH (crev.info)
5 George Mulfinger & Julia Mulfinger Orozco, Christian Men of Science. (Greenville, SC: Ambassador Emerald International, 2001), p. 178.