Interview with student volunteers

Interview with student volunteers

Two collegians, Micah Lott and Sarah McGee, gave Reasons To Believe an invaluable gift this past summer: their time, their energy, and their talents. They worked—without pay—as part of the RTB team, furthering the projects of the ministry. We thought you might enjoy learning about these young people and about their unique contributions.

KRISTA: Let’s begin by finding out your educational endeavors.

MICAH: I am a 3rd year undergraduate at the University of Georgia with a double major in history and philosophy.

SARAH: I am a graduate student at the University of Colorado at Boulder, studying quantum physics. I haven’t made up my mind yet about going all the way to a Ph.D., but I’ll finish with a Master’s degree, at least.

KRISTA: I can tell you are really excited, Micah, about subjects many people see as boring? Where does that enthusiasm come from?

MICAH: In high school I read C. S. Lewis and other Christian philosophers and quickly figured out that philosophy is where the action is—intellectually and culturally. The realm of ideas is where a person can have a real impact in shaping society. Plus, I personally just find philosophy to be stimulating!

KRISTA: How did you become interested in quantum physics, Sarah? Many people don’t even know what that is.

SARAH: Science has always been a major part of my life. My dad is a nuclear engineer. So whenever one of us kids would ask him a question, like, “Why are leaves green?” he would give a scientific answer—one that was on our level, of course, but it would be accurate. For fun, my family would sit around and discuss quantum physics and its relationship to God. God was always an integral part of our lives and our understanding of science. Quantum physics is an exciting subject to study as a Christian because physicists are tripping over God all over the place. They just don’t know it! I like to come along and point out how quantum physics confirms the existence of God.

KRISTA: How did you learn about RTB and decide to volunteer this summer?

MICAH: I first read Dr. Ross’s books while I was in high school. Then I began RTB’s apologetics training program, which I just completed a few months ago. Last December, I wrote to RTB asking if I could come to California this summer to help out somehow. I wasn’t really sure if it was going to happen or what I would do, but it’s turned out to be a great experience.

SARAH: I also read Dr. Ross’ books for the first time while I was in high school. Then I heard Dr. Ross speak at the University of Colorado this past April. That’s when I approached him about coming out to RTB this summer. He said he would be glad to have me come.

KRISTA: What projects have you been working on during your time at RTB?

MICAH: I spent a lot of time helping with correspondence, both general correspondence and apologetics questions. I also helped to research and write a couple of articles. I’m hoping the ministry can make use of them.

SARAH: I’ve been categorizing RTB’s bibliography of faith-related science articles and programming a database so that the volunteers can more easily update the bibliography after I leave. I also wrote some “news flash” flyers which can be used in campus outreaches.

KRISTA: What are your future plans?

MICAH: I’m not sure yet exactly what I want to do, but I’ll probably get a master’s degree, perhaps in philosophy of science. A life in academia appeals to me, but I’m also interested in advancing issues of social justice.

SARAH: One of my major life goals is to explain quantum physics on a level everyone can understand and to use physics to point people to God. I’m particularly interested in theoretical physics and quantum computing, but there aren’t many good job prospects in those areas. I also want to be a homemaker. I’m not really sure how all of these things will fit together.

KRISTA: Your friends at RTB will be praying for both of you.