Seeking truth

College may be the perfect context in which to pursue truth — take Princeton, for example. Students are typically between the ages of 17 and 25: old enough to think independently, yet young enough to be especially open to new ideas and systems of thinking. With regard to intellectual opportunities, Princeton students have access to precious resources they may never come across again — for instance, an incredible library system, freshman seminars taught by brilliant professors and outlandish funding for thesis research. Another asset is the student body itself, comprised of ambitious scholars who hail from an impressive diversity of nations, cultures and backgrounds. And though I would argue that Princeton’s faculty is far too homogeneous in its liberal and secular tendencies, professors nevertheless do encourage students to explore a variety of worldviews. Thus, the overall academic climate at Princeton presents a wealth of perspectives on how best to seek out truth.

I want to share some of my own quest for truth at Princeton, inside the classroom and out. My story is somewhat unusual, as I have benefited enormously from both the ecology and evolutionary biology department and Christian community. For years, my day-to-day life has involved scrutinizing scientific articles, studying evolution and rubbing shoulders with pioneering scientists as well as reading the Bible, seeking to understand the Holy Spirit and praying with seminary-trained theologians. I love this lifestyle of pursuing science and faith, because it allows me to discover “what is” from multiple angles. For example, searching for truth through sacred and secular lenses has helped me see that scientific investigation and Christian faith both lead to objective goodness vis-a-vis human flourishing. In MOL 214: Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology, I remember being fascinated by the seemingly endless ways — e.g. vaccines, treatments, genetic maps — that molecular biology allows us to alleviate human suffering. At the same time, through the Christian community on campus, I’ve seen God provide freedom from addictions, newfound joy and purpose, miraculous provision in times of need and life-changing transformation of people’s hearts and minds in response to prayer.

One of my favorite quotes is a statement about truth in William Buckley, Jr.’s “God and Man at Yale”: “At any given time, a responsible individual must embrace those values he considers to be truth or else those values he deems closest to the truth. Truth will not of itself dispel error; therefore truth must be championed and promulgated on every level and at every opportunity.” As Buckley and many others before me have done so well, I am attempting to wrestle with what is true and what is not. Thus far, my experiences at Princeton tell me that science is legitimate: It is a demonstrable, rigorous and incredibly self-policing approach to knowledge that has led us to breathtaking truths about the universe, as well as practical innovations ranging from cancer cures to electric toothbrushes. And yet my time at Princeton has also shown me that Christ is legitimate: He is my God and has transformed my thoughts, habits, purposes and lifestyle for good. I believe that God is the ultimate source of truth, but that he gives us science as a tool to explore his handiwork — the weird, beautiful, awe-inspiring world around us.

Unfortunately, I think it’s far too easy to go through Princeton without really seeking out truths that address some fundamental questions related to life, the universe and ourselves. The social scene, assignment due dates and job hunts can crowd out honest reflection in the blink of an eye. We have to fight back against those pressures by challenging ourselves to be vulnerable and real in asking why we’re here and what we’re living for. As we pursue science with the expectation that there is order to be found in the physical realm, so we can seek truth in a world with an underlying and majestic order — established by a Creator — that encompasses not only the physical, but also the spiritual, moral and relational. Thus, a scientific perspective is crucial, but more central still to uncovering truth is understanding with the eyes, ears and heart of faith. He who has ears, let him hear.

Dave Kurz is a 2012 graduate from Smithsburg, MD and current intern for Princeton Faith & Action. He can be reached at dave.kurz@gmail.com.