John Carson Lennox (born 7 November 1943) is a renowned Northern Irish mathematician, bioethicist, and Christian apologist. He has authored numerous books on religion, ethics, and the relationship between science and faith, such as Has Science Buried God (2009) and Can Science Explain Everything (2019). Some of his other notable works include God and Stephen Hawking (2011), Gunning for God (2011), and Seven Days That Divide the World (2011). Lennox has also engaged in public debates with prominent atheists like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens.
An Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford, Lennox has held positions at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, Cardiff University, and the University of Surrey. He specialized in group theory and has published over 70 peer-reviewed articles on mathematics, co-authored two Oxford Mathematical Monographs, and translated Russian mathematics.
Lennox’s academic achievements include an MA and Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, a Doctor of Science in Mathematics from Cardiff University, a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Oxford, and an MA in Bioethics from the University of Surrey. Throughout his career, Lennox has lectured extensively in Europe, Russia, and North America on mathematics, apologetics, and scripture.
A family man, Lennox is married to Sally and has three children and ten grandchildren. In addition to his academic and apologetic work, he has contributed to cultural renewal as a Senior Fellow at the Trinity Forum and has delivered lectures on topics such as science and religion, the existence of God, doubt, and the problems of evil and suffering at the Veritas forum.
Here are Professor John C. Lennox’s most famous quotes on various topics:
- Top 10 Most Famous Quotes of John Lennox
- John Lennox Quotes about Atheism
- John Lennox Quotes about Christianity
- John Lennox Quotes about Faith
- John Lennox Quotes about God
- John Lennox Quotes about Morality
- John Lennox Quotes about the Pandemic
- John Lennox Quotes about Science
- John Lennox Quotes about the Bible
- John Lennox Quotes about the Universe
- Other John Lennox Quotes
- Quotes about John Lennox
Top 10 Most Famous Quotes of John Lennox
In this section, we present the top 10 most famous quotes of John Lennox that showcase his intellectual prowess and unwavering commitment to his beliefs. Engage with his wisdom and explore the harmonious relationship between faith and evidence that Lennox so eloquently articulates.
“Nonsense remains nonsense, even when talked by world-famous scientists.”
“Richard Dawkins regards faith as an evil to be eliminated; he takes all religious faith to be blind faith. (Dawkins says) ‘Scientific belief is based on publicly checkable evidence, religious faith not only lacks evidence, its independence from evidence is its joy, shouted from the rooftops.’ However, taking Dawkins own advice we ask: where is the evidence that religious faith is not based on evidence? Mainstream Christianity will insist that faith and evidence are inseparable. Indeed, faith is a response to evidence, not a rejoicing in the absence of evidence. The apostle Paul says what many pioneers of modern science believed, that nature itself is part of the evidence for the existence of God ,‘ Since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities- his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made. So that men are without an excuse.’ Dawkins’ definition of faith turns out to be the direct opposite of the biblical one. Curious that he does not seem to be aware of the discrepancy.”
“I’ve learned to distinguish between the greatness of God and the inexcusable evil that has been done by those professing his name. And so I do not deduce [as Christopher Hitchens does] that God is not great, and that religion poisons everything. After all, if I failed to distinguish between the genius of Einstein and the abuse of his science to create weapons of mass destruction, I might be tempted to say science is not great, and technology poisons everything.”
“Faith is not a leap in the dark; it’s the exact opposite. It’s a commitment based on evidence… It is irrational to reduce all faith to blind faith and then subject it to ridicule. That provides a very anti-intellectual and convenient way of avoiding intelligent discussion.”
“God is not an alternative to science as an explanation, he is not to be understood merely as a God of the gaps, he is the ground of all explanation: it is his existence which gives rise to the very possibility of explanation, scientific or otherwise. It is important to stress this because influential authors such as Richard Dawkins will insist on conceiving of God as an explanatory alternative to science – an idea that is nowhere to be found in theological reflection of any depth. Dawkins is therefore tilting at a windmill – dismissing a concept of God that no serious thinker believes in anyway. Such activity is not necessarily to be regarded as a mark of intellectual sophistication.”
“Either human intelligence ultimately owes its origin to mindless matter; or there is a Creator. It is strange that some people claim that it is their intelligence that leads them to prefer the first to the second.”
“God to me is a mystery but is the explanation for the miracle of existence – why there is something rather than nothing.”
“We have only to see a few letters of the alphabet spelling our name in the sand to recognize at once the work of an intelligent agent. How much more likely, then is the existence of an intelligent Creator behind human DNA, the colossal biological database that contains no fewer than 3.5 billion “letters the longest “word” yet discovered?”
“Indeed, faith is a response to evidence, not a rejoicing in the absence of evidence.”
“Atheism is a fairy story for people afraid of the Light”
John Lennox Quotes about Atheism
In this section, we explore some of his most powerful quotes that challenge the foundation of atheism and the claims of the New Atheists. As a fierce advocate for reasoned debate and intellectual discourse, Lennox’s ideas invite us to reflect on the nature of belief, the role of science, and the broader implications of atheism on society. Read on to discover how John Lennox’s perspective on atheism may shift your own understanding of this complex and controversial topic.
“I’m not John Lennon. I’m John Lennox. Now, ‘imagine a world without’ Stalin. The New Atheists are often silent about [the wrong done by atheists].”
“Some atheists are quite explicit that their atheism comes first. One of the most famous is Richard Lewontin, a professor of genetics, who said it wasn’t science that compelled him to accept a materialistic explanation of the universe. It was an a priori materialism.”
“It seems to me that a Christian like myself is presented with major problems, but they’re nothing like the problems of the atheist.”
“Some atheists are quite explicit that their atheism comes first. One of the most famous is Richard Lewontin, a professor of genetics, who said it wasn’t science that compelled him to accept a materialistic explanation of the universe. It was an a priori materialism.”
“The new atheism is an old atheism, except it’s much more aggressive. The new atheism wants to destroy religion. That’s a very different thing. The arguments are not new, it’s the aggression that’s new.”
“In China we can criticize Darwin, but not the government; in America you can criticize the government, but not Darwin.”
“We can therefore express the major elements in the New Atheists’ agenda as follows: Religion is a dangerous delusion: it leads to violence and war. We must therefore get rid of religion: science will achieve that. We do not need God to be good: atheism can provide a perfectly adequate base for ethics.”
“One of Richard Dawkins’s main God Delusion arguments is that, if God created everything, we would have to ask who created God. But the very asking of this question reveals at once that Dawkins has in mind a created God: “Who created God?” Created gods certainly are a delusion.”
“The issue between the atheist and the believer is not whether it makes sense to question ultimate fact, it is rather the question: what fact is ultimate? The atheist’s ultimate fact is the universe; the theist’s ultimate fact is God.”
“There is a real conflict, but it is not science versus religion. It is atheism versus atheism, and there are scientists on both sides.”
“Czeslaw Milosz, who had reason to know, writes: “A true opium of the people is a belief in nothingness after death — the huge solace of thinking that for our betrayals, greed, cowardice, murders, we are not going to be judged.” Thus, if God does exist, atheism can be seen as a psychological escape mechanism to avoid taking ultimate responsibility for one’s own life.”
“Hawking’s inadequate view of God could well be linked with his attitude to philosophy in general. He writes: “Philosophy is dead.” But this itself is a philosophical statement. It is manifestly not a statement of science. Therefore, because it says that philosophy is dead, it contradicts itself. It is a classic example of logical incoherence. Not only that: Hawking’s book, insofar as it is interpreting and applying science to ultimate questions like the existence of God, is a book about metaphysics — philosophy par excellence.”
“Just because a religion has supported science does not prove that the religion is true. Quite so – and the same can, of course, be said of atheism.”
“Chimp may share 98 percent of its DNA with ourselves but it is not 98 percent human: it is not human at all – it is a chimp. And does the fact that we have genes in common with a mouse, or a banana say anything about human nature? Some claim that genes will tell us what we really are. The idea is absurd.”
John Lennox Quotes about Christianity
In this section, we delve into the thought-provoking insights of John Lennox. Drawing on his deep understanding of faith, he examines the intersection between Christianity and various aspects of life, such as culture, dialogue, and science. These quotes capture the essence of his beliefs and offer a fresh perspective on the role of Christianity in modern society. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, these powerful quotes from John Lennox are sure to challenge and inspire you.
“Christianity, sharing the Christian faith, in common, gives you instant friendship, and that is the remarkable thing, because it transcends culture.”
“People don’t like preaching, but discussion, presenting a case, and that’s important. Therefore, I think we need to learn to dialogue much more.”
“Either human intelligence ultimately owes its origin to mindless matter; or there is a Creator. It is strange that some people claim that it is their intelligence that leads them to prefer the first to the second.”
“But that does not alter the fact that mainstream Christianity will insist that faith and evidence are inseparable. Indeed, faith is a response to evidence, not a rejoicing in the absence of evidence.”
“Society tolerates the practice of the Christian faith in private devotions and in church services, but it increasingly deprecates public witness.”
“Of course, I reject atheism because I believe Christianity to be true. But I also reject it because I am a scientist. How could I be impressed with a worldview that undermines the very rationality we need to do science? Science and God mix very well. It is science and atheism that do not mix.”
“The ancient world knew as well as we do the law of nature that dead bodies do not get up out of graves. Christianity won its way by dint of the sheer weight of evidence that one man had actually risen from the dead.”
“Some will take issue, however, with the idea that the resurrection body of Christ is physical, by pointing out that the New Testament itself speaks of the resurrection body as a “spiritual body”. The objection, then, asserts that “spiritual” means “non-physical”. But a moment’s reflection shows that there are other possibilities. When we speak of a “petrol engine”, we do not mean an “engine made of petrol”. No, we mean an engine powered by petrol. Thus the term “spiritual body” could well be referring to the power behind that body’s life, rather than a description of what it is made of.”
John Lennox Quotes about Faith
In this section, we explore John Lennox’s insights on faith, focusing on the harmony between scientific understanding and religious conviction. Emphasizing the importance of evidence in forming one’s beliefs, Lennox’s quotes highlight the relationship between faith and reason. Delve into his thoughts on faith, its connection with evidence, and the power of asking life’s big questions. Allow these powerful quotes to shift your perspective on the intersection of science and belief.
“For me, as a Christian believer, the beauty of the scientific laws reinforces my faith in an intelligent, divine Creator. The more I understand science the more I believe in God, because of my wonder at the breadth, sophistication, and integrity of his creation.”
“Faith is not a leap in the dark; it’s the exact opposite. It’s a commitment based on evidence… It is irrational to reduce all faith to blind faith and then subject it to ridicule. That provides a very anti-intellectual and convenient way of avoiding intelligent discussion.”
“Indeed, faith is a response to evidence, not a rejoicing in the absence of evidence.”
“Blind faith’ turns out, therefore, to be the exact opposite of the biblical one.”
“Former Director of Kew Gardens, Sir Ghillean Prance FRS, gives equally clear expression to his faith: ‘For many years I have believed that God is the great designer behind all nature… All my studies in science since then have confirmed my faith. I regard the Bible as my principal source of authority.”
“But it is no new idea. It has been around for centuries. ‘In the beginning was the Word… all things were made by him’ wrote the apostle John, author of the fourth Gospel. The Greek for ‘Word’ is Logos, a term that was used by Stoic philosophers for the rational principle behind the universe and subsequently invested with additional meaning by Christians, who used it to describe the second person of the Trinity. The term ‘Word’ itself conveys to us notions of command, meaning, code, communication – thus information; as well as the creative power needed to realize what was specified by that information.”
“When life seems predictable and under control, it is easy to put off asking the big questions, or to be satisfied with simplistic answers. But life is not that way right now—not for any of us. It is not surprising that, whatever your faith or belief system, the big questions of life are breaking through to the surface, demanding attention”
“Faith and evidence are inseparable. Indeed, faith is a response to evidence, not a rejoicing in the absence of evidence. The Christian apostle John writes in his biography of Jesus: ‘These things are written that you might believe…’ That is, he understands that what he is writing is to be regarded as part of the evidence on which faith is based. The apostle Paul says what many pioneers of modern science believed, namely, that nature itself is part of the evidence for the existence of God: ‘For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.’ It is no part of the biblical view that things should be believed where there is no evidence.”
John Lennox Quotes about God
The profound thoughts of John Lennox reveal a unique perspective on the relationship between science, faith, and the existence of God. In this section, we explore a collection of his most powerful quotes on the topic. Through these words, Lennox emphasizes the compatibility of reason and faith, the significance of human existence, and the role of a Creator in the grand scheme of the universe. Delve into the wisdom of John Lennox as he harmoniously unites the realms of science and spirituality in a thought-provoking exploration of God’s presence in our lives and the cosmos.
“Humans alone are created as rational beings in the image of God, capable of a relationship with God and given by him the capacity to understand the universe in which they live.”
“Fictional gods may well be enemies of reason: the God of the Bible certainly is not. The very first of the biblical Ten Commandments contains the instruction to ‘love the Lord your God with all your mind’. This should be enough to tell us that God is not to be regarded as an enemy of reason. After all, as Creator he is responsible for the very existence of the human mind; the biblical view is that human beings are the pinnacle of creation. They alone are created as rational beings in the image of God, capable of a relationship with God and given by him the capacity to understand the universe in which they live.”
“In conclusion, I submit that, far from science having buried God, not only do the results of science point towards his existence, but the scientific enterprise itself is validated by his existence.”
“It is to be stressed that God took the initiative in all of this. He sent them the messengers who preached to them in the power of the Spirit. In that sense God had worked on and in them, but in the end they were saved not because of some inscrutable fiat on God’s part.”
“The fact that God chose Israel did not mean that all Israelites were believers.”
“God to me is a mystery but is the explanation for the miracle of existence – why there is something rather than nothing.”
“This world is not going to be trampled and smashed by brutal, amoral regimes forever. A day will come when God will bring to an end the state war-machines, the terrorist bombs, the consummate evil of totalitarian oppression, the gas chambers, death camps, killing fields, and countless other infamous instruments of death. There will be a judgment.”
“And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, which they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way towards him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us.
“It is rather ironical that in the sixteenth century some people resisted advances in science because they seemed to threaten belief in God; whereas in the twentieth century scientific ideas of a beginning have been resisted because they threatened to increase the plausibility of belief in God.”
“Both Genesis and science say that the universe is geared to supporting human life. But Genesis says more. It says that you, as a human being, bear the image of God. The starry heavens show the glory of God, yes; but they are not made in God’s image. You are. That makes you unique. It gives you incalculable value. The galaxies are unimaginably large compared with you. However, you know that they exist, but they don’t know that you exist. You are more significant, therefore, than a galaxy.”
“When Sir Isaac Newton discovered the universal law of gravitation he did not say, ‘I have discovered a mechanism that accounts for planetary motion, therefore there is no agent God who designed it.’ Quite the opposite: precisely because he understood how it worked, he was moved to increased admiration for the God who had designed it that way.”
“Far from science abolishing God, it would seem that there is a substantial case for asserting that it is the existence of a Creator that gives to science its fundamental intellectual justification.”
“The more we get to know about our universe, the more the hypothesis that there is a Creator God, who designed the universe for a purpose, gains in credibility as the best explanation of why we are here.”
“God loves an enquiring mind, a fact that has been a great encouragement to me in my study of mathematics and the history and philosophy of science.”
“The fact that we understand some of the mechanisms of the working of the universe or of living systems does not preclude the existence of a designer, any more than the possession of insight into the processes by which a watch has been put together, however automatic these processes may appear, implies there can be no watchmaker.’”
“The existence of laws of physics… strongly implies that there is a God who formulates such laws and ensures that the physical realm conforms to them.”
“the laws of nature are written by the hand of God in the language of mathematics’ and that the ‘human mind is a work of God and one of the most excellent’.”
“Perhaps there is a subtle danger today that, in their desire to eliminate the concept of a Creator completely, some scientists and philosophers have been led, albeit unwittingly, to re-deify the universe by endowing matter and energy with creative powers that they cannot be convincingly shown to possess. Banishing the One Creator God they would then end up with what has been described as the ultimate in polytheism – a universe in which every particle has god-like capacities.”
“Here we have the basic ingredients that define human beings as moral beings. God has given them the ability to say “yes” to him by not eating the prohibited tree, and to say “no” to him by eating it. In this way the Bible introduces us to the idea that the humans are moral beings, with all that this implies.”
“I am not postulating a “God of the gaps”, a god merely to explain the things that science has not yet explained. I am postulating a God to explain why science explains; I do not deny that science explains, but I postulate God to explain why science explains.’ Richard Swinburne”
“Here is the problem with our natural response to God’s future judgment: we welcome God’s intervention only so long as it is an intervention in the lives of others and not in ours.”
John Lennox Quotes about Morality
The concept of morality has always been a topic of great debate and intrigue, especially when discussed in relation to faith and the existence of God. The following quotes from John Lennox explore the intricate relationship between morality, human choices, and the influence of a divine entity. Delve into Lennox’s thought-provoking perspectives on morality and its significance in our lives as he questions the origins, evolution, and implications of our moral compass.
“How can you construct morality if there’s no morality inherent in the way things are? You might be able to delude yourself into thinking you had ‘created’ a morality, but that’s all it would be, an illusion.”
“If life is the result of a purely naturalistic process, what then of morality? Has it, too, evolved? And if so, of what significance are our concepts of right and wrong, justice and truth?”
“A.W. Tozer captured these ideas very well when he wrote: Here is my view: God sovereignly decreed that man should be free to exercise moral choice, and man from the beginning has fulfilled that decree by making his choice between good and evil. When he chooses to do evil, he does not thereby countervail the sovereign will of God but fulfills it, inasmuch as the eternal decree decided not which choice the man should make but that he should be free to make it. If in His absolute freedom God has willed to give man limited freedom, who is there to stay His hand or say, “What does thou?” Man’s will is free because God is sovereign. A God less than sovereign could not bestow moral freedom upon His creatures. He would be afraid to do so. ”
“The teaching of morality likewise lies outside science. Science can tell you that, if you add strychnine to someone’s drink, it will kill them. But science cannot tell you whether it is morally right or wrong to put strychnine into your grandmother’s tea so that you can get your hands on her property.”
John Lennox Quotes about the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our beliefs, values, and worldviews like never before. In these times of uncertainty and fear, the wisdom of John Lennox offers unique insights on the intersection of faith, science, and society. As you read through these thought-provoking quotes, let them inspire reflection and spark meaningful conversations on the deeper implications of the pandemic and its impact on our understanding of God, humanity, and the world we inhabit.
“Beware of anyone who interprets pain caused by natural evil as a divine punishment. But equally, beware also of anyone who says that God has nothing to say through this pandemic, particularly to Western societies that have largely turned their back on him as culturally irrelevant.”
“Your worldview will make a difference to how you react to disasters like the coronavirus pandemic, and to earthquakes or tsunamis.”
“The coronavirus is evidence that both our relationship with creation and creation’s relationship with us are disordered; and that this is not an accident”
John Lennox Quotes about Science
Delve into the world of science through the lens of John Lennox. His thought-provoking quotes on science provide insight into the harmony between faith and the scientific method, while challenging misconceptions and common beliefs. In this collection, you’ll find Lennox reflecting on the relationship between science and religion, the limitations of naturalism, and the importance of logic and reason in understanding the natural world. Get ready to explore the deeper connections between science and a higher order, as John Lennox offers a refreshing perspective that bridges the gap between the two seemingly disparate realms.
“We must beware of tying our exposition of Scripture so close to science that the former falls if the latter changes. On the other hand, we would be very unwise to ignore science through obscurantism or fear, and present to the world an image of Christianity that is anti-intellectual.”
“Relatively, there are many scientists who believe in God. And in Oxford, where I am the Professor, there are more professors like me, who believe in God, than you think. There are not dozens of them, but they are there, and in Cambridge too, and elsewhere. We are not in a tiny minority.”
“For, the statement that only science can lead to truth is not itself deduced from science. It is not a scientific statement but rather a statement about science, that is, it is a metascientific statement. Therefore, if scientism’s basic principle is true, the statement expressing scientism must be false. Scientism refutes itself. Hence it is incoherent.”
“The very success of science in showing us how deeply ordered the natural world is provides strong grounds for believing that there is an even deeper cause for that order.”
“So, is naturalism actually demanded by science? Or is it just conceivable that naturalism is a philosophy that is brought to science, more than something that is entailed by science? Could it even be, dare one ask, more like an expression of faith, akin to religious faith? One might at least be forgiven for thinking that from the way in which those who dare ask such questions are sometimes treated. Like religious heretics of a former age they may suffer a form of martyrdom by the cutting off of their grants.”
“What this all goes to show is that nonsense remains nonsense, even when talked by world-famous scientists. What serves to obscure the illogicality of such statements is the fact that they are made by scientists; and the general public, not surprisingly, assumes that they are statements of science and takes them on authority. That is why it is important to point out that they are not statements of science, and any statement, whether made by a scientist or not, should be open to logical analysis. Immense prestige and authority does not compensate for faulty logic.”
“We are a product of quantum fluctuations in the very early universe.”
“The very success of science in showing us how deeply ordered the natural world is provides strong grounds for believing that there is an even deeper cause for that order.’ Swinburne is using inference to the best explanation and saying that God is the best explanation for the explanatory power of science.”
“In this very brief history of modern cosmological physics, the laws of quantum and relativistic physics represent things to be wondered at but widely accepted: just like biblical miracles. M-theory invokes something different: a prime mover, a begetter, a creative force that is everywhere and nowhere. This force cannot be identified by instruments or examined by comprehensible mathematical prediction, and yet it contains all possibilities. It incorporates omnipresence, omniscience and omnipotence, and it’s a big mystery. Remind you of Anybody?”
“[…] a view that we call “scientism” : and that is that science is the only way to truth, now that is just logically false, because the statement “science is the only way to truth” is not a statement of science, so if it’s true, it’s false. Perhaps it’s too late at night for logic like that is it ?
“The example of the jet engine can help us to clear up another confusion. Science, according to many scientists, concentrates essentially on material causation. It asks the “how” questions: how does the jet engine work? It also asks the “why” question regarding function: why is this pipe here? But it does not ask the “why” question of purpose: why was the jet engine built? What is important here is that Sir Frank Whittle does not appear in the scientific account. To quote Laplace, the scientific account has “no need of that hypothesis”. Clearly, however, it would be ridiculous to deduce from this that Whittle did not exist. He is the answer to the question: why does the jet engine exist in the first place?”
“The existence of a limit to science is, however, made clear by its inability to answer childlike elementary questions having to do with first and last things – questions such as: “How did everything begin?” “What are we all here for?” “What is the point of living?”
John Lennox Quotes about the Bible
In this section, you’ll discover a collection of powerful quotes that will encourage you to reflect on your own understanding of the Scriptures, challenge your interpretations, and inspire you to approach the Bible with humility, courage, and respect. Learn from Lennox’s wisdom as he explores the complexities of biblical interpretation and emphasizes the importance of both treating the Bible as a sacred text and engaging with it as a literary work.
“The story of Daniel and his friends is a clarion call to our generation to be courageous; not to lose our nerve and allow the expression of our faith to be diluted and squeezed out of the public space and thus rendered spineless and ineffective. Their story will also tell us that this objective is not likely to be achieved without cost.”
“It would be a pity if, in a desire (rightly) to treat the Bible as more than a book, we ended up treating it as less than a book by not permitting it the range and use of language, order, and figures of speech that are (or ought to be) familiar to us from our ordinary experience of conversation and reading.”
“If the text means that the sun came into existence on day 4, Origen was asking a very reasonable question: “If the sun is not yet there, how are we to understand the first three days with their ‘evenings and mornings”
“We should be humble enough to distinguish between what the Bible says and our interpretations of it.”
“For some, the conviction that they “know the truth” produces in them an aggressive attitude that reeks of superiority and is very off-putting. They forget that the One about whom they profess to be witnessing – he who was the truth (John 14:6) – was the most gentle of men. He was gentle and lowly in heart (Matthew 11:29). But this clearly does not mean that he was a soppy, insipid, and spineless pushover. Christ was full of moral courage and authority, and showed (righteous) anger when necessary. But he was always courteous and respectful. Those of us who find it very difficult to respect or be gentle with those who disagree with us need to put a lot of effort into learning how to be like that.”
John Lennox Quotes about the Universe
In this section, we explore the profound thoughts of John Lennox on the universe’s awe-inspiring beauty and complexity. As a renowned mathematician and philosopher of science, Lennox provides a unique perspective on the relationship between the universe and the existence of God. Through his captivating quotes, he challenges us to question the naturalistic worldview and ponder the intricate design of the cosmos. Read on to discover how Lennox’s insights into the universe can inspire a deeper appreciation for our place within it and shift your perspective on the grand cosmic drama.
“I’ve got a telescope in my garden and one of the things I love to do is go out and let the sky, the night sky, the galaxies, the Orion nebula, have an impact on my mind. I find that awe inspiring. And just to contemplate on what the astronomers have revealed to us about the immense size and so on of the universe. I find that very healthy. And it’s a good thing to do.”
“The most incomprehensible thing about the universe is that it is comprehensible.”
“The world of strict naturalism in which clever mathematical laws all by themselves bring the universe and life into existence, is pure (and, one might add, poor) fiction. To call it science-fiction would besmirch the name of science.”
“To the majority of those who have reflected deeply and written about the origin and nature of the universe, it has seemed that it points beyond itself to a source which is non-physical and of great intelligence and power.”
“But in some quarters the very success of science has also led to the idea that, because we can understand the mechanisms of the universe without bringing in God, we can safely conclude that there was no God who designed and created the universe in the first place.”
“To postulate a trillion-trillion other universes, rather than one God, in order to explain the orderliness of our universe, seems the height of irrationality.”
“I cannot believe that our existence in this universe is a mere quirk of fate, an accident of history, an incidental blip in the great cosmic drama. Our involvement is too intimate… We are truly meant to be here.”
“Furthermore, if Dawkins’s question is valid, it can be turned back on him. He believes that the universe created him. Therefore, we are justified in asking him: who created your creator?”
“Astronomy leads us to a unique event, a universe which was created out of nothing, one with the very delicate balance needed to provide exactly the right conditions required to permit life, and one which has an underlying (one might say ‘supernatural’) plan.’ Arno Penzias, Physics Nobel Prize-winner”
“Can we ask Richard Feynman: ‘What is the meaning of it all?’ Or was Bertrand Russell right when he said that ‘The universe is just there, and that’s all’?”
Other John Lennox Quotes
In this section, we delve deeper into the vast treasury of John Lennox’s insights and wisdom. Here, you will find a diverse collection of quotes reflecting his thoughts on various subjects, such as music, beauty, faith, science, and the nature of miracles. These thought-provoking quotes further demonstrate Lennox’s keen intellect and profound understanding of the world and its intricacies. Read on to explore more fascinating perspectives from this renowned scholar, and allow these powerful quotes to shift your own perspective and broaden your horizons.
“I usually have a very clear idea of where I want a song to go, sometimes very specific notes, but I’m generally open to suggestions.”
“Describing beauty is almost impossible because we perceive it, rather than describe it. If you look at a Rembrandt painting and start to try and describe what the beauty is you see, your words sound absolutely pathetic.”
“The Founding Fathers of America never intended to stop people expressing their faith in the public square. But unfortunately that is the way it has happened.”
“It’s much easier, after all, to learn mathematics from someone who’s made a few mistakes. It’s impossible to learn it from someone who always gets it right.”
“Whether you believe in Jesus, Buddha, the Beatles, crystals, mother earth, or anything else that takes your interest, all are held to be on the same footing; all have equal validity for the relativist.”
“Judah had failed to grasp that God’s loyalty to his own character, and therefore to his own creatures, has serious implications. Some of Judah’s leaders had fallen into thinking that, because their nation had been chosen to play a special role for God in history, it did not really matter how the leaders or the nation behaved. This was dangerously irresponsible and undermined the moral fiber of the people, because it led to the rationalization of corrupt and immoral behavior that was incompatible with the law of God, albeit widely practiced in the surrounding nations.”
“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”
“Men became scientific because they expected law in nature and they expected law in nature because they believed in a lawgiver.”
“Richard Feynman emphasized that one should always be careful to record all the evidence against one’s theories; indeed, one should bend over backwards to consider it, since the easiest person to fool is oneself.”
“Large evolutionary innovations are not well understood. None has ever been observed, and we have no idea whether any may be in progress. There is no good fossil record of any.’
“Sometimes you don’t answer the question, you answer the questionnaire.”
“The heart of monotheism is that God, who is outside history, is the guarantor of meaning.”
“When a miracle takes place, it is the laws of nature that alert us to the fact that it is a miracle. It is important to grasp that Christians do not deny the laws of nature, as Hume implies they do. It is an essential part of the Christian position to believe in the laws of nature as descriptions of those regularities and cause-effect relationships built into the universe by its Creator and according to which it normally operates. If we did not know them, we would never recognize a miracle if we saw one.”
“It is crucial that a healthy skepticism be applied when interpreting potentially miraculous events, lest the integrity and rationality of the religious perspective be brought into question. The only thing that will kill the possibility of miracles more quickly than a committed materialism is the claiming of miracle status for everyday events for which natural explanations are readily at hand.”
Quotes about John Lennox
In this section, we have gathered a collection of quotes that highlight the immense impact John Lennox has had on the world of academia, faith, and philosophy. As a renowned mathematician, philosopher of science, and Christian apologist, Lennox has inspired countless individuals with his insight, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to exploring the intersection of science, faith, and culture. These quotes from prominent thinkers, theologians, and academics offer a glimpse into the profound influence Lennox has had on their lives and work, emphasizing the transformative power of his teachings and writings. Let these words of admiration and respect serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of John Lennox and his mission to guide others in their search for truth and understanding.
“John Lennox has done it again. Combining deep thought, pervasive research, and a keen eye on contemporary Western culture, Lennox has managed to draw tight, informative parallels between Daniel’s life and circumstances and the contemporary believer’s life and circumstances. In my view, the most interesting point in Against the Flow is Lennox’s observation that while embedded in the top echelons of a pluralistic culture growingly hostile to biblical religion, Daniel did not rest content to shrink his witness to one of personal piety. Instead, Daniel maintained public engagement with the ideas and practices extant in his day. Finally, Lennox offers wise advice and practical application for how we can become modern-day Daniels. I highly recommend this book.”
—J. P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Biola University, La Mirada California, and author of The Soul: How We Know It’s Real and Why It Matters
“Few parts of Scripture are more conscious of the clash between the wisdom of God and the wisdom of the world than the Old Testament book of Daniel. Few authors today are more expert at analysing and articulating both than John Lennox. It is a masterful combination, and the result is extraordinary.”
—Revd Dr John Dickson, Founding Director, Centre for Public Christianity, Honorary Fellow, Department of Ancient History, Macquarie University
“I read everything John Lennox writes because of his amazing blend of rigorous scholarship with practical insights and applications for all of us. You cannot afford to miss this important book! Read it, then pass it on to a friend.”
—Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life
“This book is an outstanding example of our responsibility both to understand God’s Word and the culture in which we live, and then to make the connections between the two. John Lennox is uniquely gifted to help us do this, as he addresses the big themes of God’s work in history, the place of morality, the nature of humankind, the challenges to faith, the trustworthiness of scripture, and the call to proclaim the truth whatever the cost. As a Bible teacher, a scientist, and a courageous disciple of Christ, John Lennox has provided us with an extraordinary resource – I wholeheartedly recommend this remarkable book.”
—Jonathan Lamb, CEO and minister-at-large, Keswick Ministries
“I cannot think of a more important book for a secular, pluralist age. John Lennox challenges Christians to dare to be like Daniel, who witnessed boldly at the highest levels in a nation that did not share his faith. This book is a huge encouragement to all Christians who long to live faithfully and usefully for God in a hostile world.”
—Amy Orr-Ewing, Director of Programmes, Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics
“John Lennox has a unique gift as a Bible teacher. He applies text to today’s world and its prevailing philosophies in penetrating ways. This learned exposition of Daniel shows how the book offers powerful critiques of the modern idolatries, whether atheist or secularist. Every reader of this volume will see the depth and coherence of the book of Daniel in a new way.”
—Dr Peter J. Williams, Warden, Tyndale House, Cambridge
“John Lennox has achieved a rare thing – excellent scholarship, biblical faithfulness, and cultural application par excellence. His examination of the story of Daniel exposes the deep tensions that were faced by Israel and reminds us that many of those challenges still exist. Just as Daniel maintained integrity and faithfulness to God, so can we. This is a book of applied theological reflection that overflows with hope. The challenges it addresses are very real but the answers it gives are breathtakingly simple and profoundly challenging.”
—Malcolm Duncan, Senior Pastor, Gold Hill Baptist Church