Church History Matters 188 - BYU Biologist Talks Faith & Science | Church History Matters I Science & Religion Series
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Jan 20, 2026 Join Jamie Jensen, a BYU biology professor who specializes in bridging faith and science, as she discusses how to reconcile evolution with spiritual belief. She explores common conflicts students face, emphasizing that science can actually deepen faith. Jensen shares personal insights on interpreting scripture in light of scientific understanding and addresses the philosophical differences between scientific and religious epistemologies. Through her journey, she emphasizes the importance of intellectual humility and the enriching effects of curiosity on both faith and science.
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Journey From Scientist To Educator
- Jamie grew up loving science with a grandfather who was a nuclear physicist and intended to be a clinician.
- Graduate school shifted her to biology education research and revealed how difficult evolution is for many students at BYU.
Science Answers How, Not Why
- Science answers how the natural world works but cannot prescribe values, purpose, or moral decisions.
- Moral and ethical questions require other epistemologies like religion or philosophy.
A Logical Way Of Feeling The Spirit
- Jamie describes her spiritual 'instrument' as logical rather than emotional; revelation often arrives as insight through reading or research.
- She emphasizes that spiritual evidence is shareable but not transferable, so each person must test truth themselves.
