My fascination with DNA raised questions about being human and made in God's image

16/08/2024

Rev Keith Fox, a former professor of biochemistry who was ordained earlier this year, speaks about how scientific research deepened his faith.
Keith Fox wearing deacon stole

A Professor of Biochemistry at Southampton University until 2022, Keith also worked part time as Associate Director of The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion in Cambridge between 2015 and 2021.

Understanding has been key to Keith’s faith since his mid-teens he said: “My faith began to come alive at the same time that I became fascinated with science.

“Throughout my career I have tried to help people to integrate science and Christian faith.”

He trained as a Lay Reader, first in Cambridge and then later in Southampton, and sought to join the dots between his career and Christian faith. Explaining he was asked during this period of life about training for ordained ministry he added: “I felt called to serve within the workplace.

“My scientific fascination with DNA raised questions about what it means to be human and made in the image of God.”

His work at the Faraday focussed on perceived issues of faith and science, explaining: “I wanted to help those who see a conflict between faith and science to realise that understanding how the world works cannot threaten God.

“In fact God calls us to study his handiwork as a means of learning more about His character.

“Understanding how the world works has deepened my faith.”

Following his retirement in 2022 Keith trained for ordination under the Caleb stream at St Mellitus College. He will be serving his curacy, in The Benefice of Highfield, Southampton.