As a Christian who is a scientist, I am forever advocating that Biblical accounts of creation shouldn’t be read or understood in the same way as science text books… The writers of Genesis, Job and other Bible creation stories had other purposes in mind than telling us how the world works.

However, in my enthusiasm for conveying what these beautiful passages aren’t saying, I am too often guilty of failing to highlight the important truths they ARE giving us…

At this point in history, international figures are blatantly promoting lies, malice and greed, even to the extent of disregarding the law and international treaties. The message is ‘might is right’ and what breaks my heart, is that these same individuals publicly profess a Christian faith and are being endorsed by parts of the church.

Christ preached humility, compassion, love, acceptance of others, ‘blessed are the poor’, ‘blessed are the meek’ – The message and life of Christ is the antithesis of what these leaders are promoting yet they claim to stand for ‘Christian values’!

What an enormous stumbling block.

Christmas is a time for giving and a great present for any youngster is something that will serve them well throughout life…

Most children and teenagers, are fascinated by science and the world around them whether it’s life in the ocean depths, the workings of a computer, amazing images from the James Webb telescope or amphibians in the nearest pond... What’s not to wonder at?! It is all amazing and wonderful.

Help make sure the kids in your life understand and know that modern science can never undermine God in any way…

Many of you may already know Lee Abbey – the wonderful Christian Holiday and Retreat Centre near Lynton in North Devon – but it was great to be able to spend a week there earlier this month, free to immerse myself in science, faith and the wonders of God’s creation.

It always bugs me to hear the faith of youngsters being challenged along the lines ‘They can’t be proper Christians if they don’t accept Genesis 1 ‘literally’’… i.e. unless they’re prepared to accept that creation happened about 6000 years ago, following a strict 6-day timeline and with no hint of evolution!

As our children / grandchildren and their teachers look forward to a new academic year – are we doing enough to defend the young people we know against attacks like this before the issue becomes an enormous stumbling block for them? Is it something we ever talk about?