Can You Be an Adventist Science Student in a Secular University Environment?

“How many of you have felt, in your studies, that you had to choose between faith and science?” asked Noemí Durán, a Seventh-day Adventist scientist and professor, at her workshop at the 2026 European Adventist Youth Congress in Valencia, Spain, August 5. “It’s a common belief that science and religion are opposites. . . . And that, when the two meet, science is always on the winning side.”

Addressing a group of mostly university students, Durán, who leads the European branch of the Geoscience Research Institute, made her case to explain why that is not necessarily so. She also suggested ways in which Seventh-day Adventists can make the most of some of the current societal trends to help even secular people question some of their long-held assumptions about God, science, and life.

Scientists and Faith

This breach between science and religion is relatively new, Durán reminded her audience during the hour-long workshop. “What we call modern science today arose from theology,” she explained. Durán mentioned such early scientists as Isaac Newton and Johannes Kepler, who were Christian believers. “The motivation of these scientists was to understand how God made the world,” she said.

It was only in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries that scientists began to separate religion from science. But even when proposing alternative explanations, the scientists’ intention was often to protect God’s reputation, she explained. Charles Darwin once wrote, “I cannot persuade myself that a beneficent and omnipotent God” would allow “that a cat should play with mice.” It was what motivated him to start searching for answers away from the Bible.

This trend went on until many contemporary scientists began to believe that “religion is harmful for science,” because, in Richard Dawkins’ words, it “teaches us not to change our minds.”

Trust Versus Distrust of Science

Scientists trust science because science has been extremely successful during the past century, Durán explained. In the twentieth century, science made important discoveries, she acknowledged, mentioning major advances in understanding the human brain, fighting diseases, and technology. “So the thought was We do not need religion anymore, because science will solve the problems of the world.”

Recent developments, however, are leading many people away from science, as distrust is fueled by misinformation, cognitive biases, and past mistakes. Durán quoted from several research studies on the topic, which reveal how the landscape is changing. “Facts and evidence do not always convince people,” said Durán, quoting a research paper on the topic. She also mentioned other recent findings which show that “generally, we tend to trust in-group messengers more than others,” she read. And “the urge to conform [to our own group] is a profound part of the human psyche.”

The current state of scientific discourse is leading many people back to some kind of spirituality, which can help people of faith begin asking important questions again, she suggested.

For instance, recent research has revealed insights into the beliefs of contemporary young people from Gen Z. “For them, community is more important than institutions,” Durán reported, quoting a study on British teenagers. “They value serving others and friendship” over structures.

Sharing Our Faith in a Scientific Environment

Given this new landscape, it’s possible to find ways of sharing our faith even in a university scientific environment, Durán said.

She invited young people attending her workshop to suggest ways of doing precisely that, now that many seem to be more open to spiritual overtones.

“It’s important to help them understand that even if they do not follow a specific religion, trusting God can be beneficial,” a young woman replied.

A young man suggested “taking [secular students’] concerns seriously and not judging them.” He added that “there’s more than one way to connect with God, so let’s give them options.”

Another young attendee zeroed in on the importance of listening and staying humble about our beliefs—“not saying that we have all the answers.” Still another said it is essential to help secular people understand what kind of God we believe in. “Many have misconceptions about Him, so we must help them to understand how God really is.”

For another young man, it’s essential not to focus on mere arguments. “Remember that arguments are not enough to convince another person,” he reminded attendees.

Another participant called for creationists to study and understand what evolutionists are talking about. “I totally agree,” Durán said. “Sometimes we talk about evolution, but we don’t know what we are talking about. . . . Some of the things evolutionists say are true, and they can become the basis for [starting] a conversation. . . . But if we don’t know, if we haven’t been trained, we can’t have a serious, educated conversation.”

The Importance of Friendship and Witnessing

As final suggestions on how to share your faith in a scientific university environment, Durán called Adventist young people to seek ways of making friends. “People value friendship and relationships,” she reminded workshop attendees. “Make friends and be a friend to them. Let’s be loving.”

Durán also suggested to ask about—not assume—their beliefs and listen. “Sometimes we think we know what their beliefs are, even though it’s not the case, as many are not sure about their beliefs and have unanswered questions.”

Another key element to outreach is to “tell your personal story,” Durán emphasized. “People love personal stories, and personal stories convince people more than statistics.”

She also suggested to be prepared to engage with secular students and discuss their questions. “Get prepared; use the resources available to discuss topics such as intelligent design, the possibility of the flood, and similar topics.”

Finally, Durán called on Adventist young people not to be afraid of saying, “I don’t know; I don’t have all the answers.” There are many issues in creationism that can be backed by current scientific research, while other elements remain elusive, she explained.

If Adventist students, however, remain humble, “people will appreciate this [attitude] and respect you for it.”