Rarely does a month go by when someone at church is not asking me a science-specific question. Never mind that I am an ecologist and the question is about the latest gene therapy. They know I am a "scientist" and also a man of faith. So the news of Stephen Hawking's passing this week will undoubtedly bring more inquires. If the public knows this giant at all, they remember his claim that with modern science we have no need for a creator. "So, what do you say John? Is God real or are the scientists right about the universe?"

We believers who are scientists live in two great fraternities. And it is often assumed that they are mutually exclusive. So how do you negotiate such divided loyalties? Over many years it has been the conversations with my friends in the ASA that have most helped me be ready to give an answer. But the ASA is about so much more than answering the God question.

We are a membership organization, and that means action. The local chapters are a great opportunity to learn from others in science in your home area. The members of the Bay Area chapter were a significant part of my professional growth during my graduate school days at UC-Berkeley. Today local chapters are continuing that work of networking Christians across the natural and social sciences in more places than ever.

We are an intellectual association, and that means discovery and publication. For three quarters of a century the ASA has been a vital forum for some of the most challenging faith--science discussions of the day. What we do supports not only our members, but also pastors and other Christians in ministry as well as teachers, students, and academics in other fields. I have been privileged to serve on the Executive Council. So daily, and in detail, I am seeing the impact that our gifts--both financial and intellectual--are making every day.

We are a voluntary affiliation, and that means giving. The ASA was established by wise and faithful individuals who made generous donations, as the saying goes, of their time, their talent, and their treasure. Today this organization thrives by those same means. As I scan our membership rolls I am in awe of how richly God has blessed our collective work. It is a privilege to be able to join you in contributing, in whatever way possible, to this good work.

Sincerely in Christ,

John Wood
ASA Executive Council Vice President