What happens when a theoretical physicist meets God? A conversation with Dr. Tom Rudelius

In Chasing Proof, Finding Faith, Dr. Tom Rudelius shares his story of doubt and faith.

Dr. Tom Rudelius is a postdoctoral researcher in theoretical physics at UC–Berkeley and the author of  Chasing Proof, Finding Faith. In that book, he chronicles his conversion to Christianity while still wrestling with the doubt that science often bears upon faith. An excerpt from his book is available here.

In this conversation with Denison Forum Executive Director Dr. Mark Turman, Dr. Rudelius discusses: 

• How his twin brother led him to Christ (1:51)
• The myth of the incompatibility between science and faith (5:37)
• How story and science diverge (9:15)
• His preconceptions and misconceptions about Christianity (15:07)
• The turning point in his conversion (19:38)
• String theory (25:12)
• How faith and science can coexist (29:42)
• How he came to have confidence in the Bible (37:13)
• Why doubt is a gift from God (41:24)

Download the unedited transcript (PDF).

About Dr. Tom Rudelius

Tom Rudelius completed his undergraduate work at Cornell, earned a doctorate in physics at Harvard, and has conducted postdoctoral research at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey. Currently a postdoctoral researcher in theoretical physics at the University of California, Berkeley, Tom will begin a faculty position at Durham University (UK) in the fall of 2023. His research focuses on string theory, quantum field theory, and early universe cosmology. A man of faith and an avid sports fan, he is frequently requested to speak on topics related to science and faith. He is also on the board of the Mamelodi Initiative, a tutoring organization based in Mamelodi, South Africa. Tom's newest book, Chasing Proof, Finding Faith, released on August 8, 2023, from Tyndale.

About Dr. Mark Turman

Dr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries.

Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture.

About Denison Forum

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.