Scientist reflects on how Jesus Christ is the right formula

Astrophysicist David Wilkinson today called for Christians ofall churches and cultures to have a bigger picture of God thattakes account of global issues as well as individual and localcommunity concerns.

In a keynote speech to more than 3,000 church leaders at theopening day of the 18^th World Methodist Conferencein Brighton, Dr Wilkinson said that most Christians' view of theirfaith was too small. God's 'way of salvation' compels believers totake a lead in tackling the world's major social and politicalills.

Dr Wilkinson, a Methodist minister and a Fellow of the RoyalAstronomical Society, stressed that this way of salvation demandsthat people "stand against racist violence, whether it be Britishfascists provoking violence in British cities, ethnic cleansing inthe Balkans, persecution of Christians in nations where they are aminority, or in countries where the police beat you up simplybecause of the colour of your skin. It will involve rooting outracism in the church and in your community".

Secondly, he urged more to be done for individuals and nationsbattling against AIDS. International efforts must "involve cheaphealth care being made available and compassionate support of thosedying". In addition many developing countries are struggling with"the crushing influence of unpayable debt" which must be reduced aspart of a "move towards justice in the world economic system. Thiswill involve campaigning for political change and changes in ourown lifestyle".

Thirdly, Dr Wilkinson called for a reduction in "the levels ofpollutants and greenhouse gases which mess up God's world andimpact most on those who are weak and poor. This week's UN climatechange conference in Bonn challenges the rich nations to limitemissions".

Dr Wilkinson's keynote address went on to stress the need forChristians to take account of an increasingly pluralist culture. Inparticular "World Methodists need to be at the forefront ofdialogue with those who are not Christians, witnessing to thesupremacy of Christ."

Christian leaders need to take time to understand a world ofincreasingly different faith claims and different religions - aswell as a world shrinking under the media gaze "from a globalvillage into a global living room. I want to suggest that one ofthe tasks of Christian leadership is to humbly listen to thequestions: 'Is there a God?', 'What is God like?'"

Dr Wilkinson also launched his new book today at theBrighton Centre. God, Time and Stephen Hawking (Monarch) poseswhether a scientifically ordered universe needs a Creator.Examining the discoveries of modern cosmology, Dr Wilkinsoncontends that the scientific story alone does not take in all thefacts.

The book, heralded by former Astronomer Royal Sir ArnoldWolfendale as a 'brave and significant account', argues that theBig Bang explanation for the beginning of the universe does notdestroy belief in God.

Rev Dr David Wilkinson is Fellow in Apologetics at St John'sCollege, Durham, and author of more than a dozen books. He isrespected throughout the scientific community for his work on thecommon ground between science and theology. He has a PhD intheoretical astrophysics.

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The 18th World Methodist Conference meets from Thursday 26 Julyto Tuesday 31 July in Brighton, England

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