Real Scientist: Johannes Kepler

by Terri Kammerzell

Truth of Genesis Ministry Partner

I have three Fun Facts designed to defend a common claim that can come in at least two different formats: “All real scientists believe in evolution,” or, “No real scientist believes God created the world.”

Well, this Sunday marks the 390th anniversary of the death of Johannes Kepler, so I thought it was a good time to introduce you to the first of these three.

Who was Johannes Kepler?
Best known for discovering the three mathematical laws of planetary motion, Johannes Kepler was a devout biblical Creation scientist with a deep love for Jesus Christ.

Johannes Kepler didn’t just tinker with his microscope in his garage. He left a pretty impressive legacy of scientific accomplishments:

• He was the founder of physical astronomy, revolutionizing scientific thought by applying physics to astronomy. Previously, physics had been considered a branch of philosophy, and astronomy had been considered a branch of math.
• He developed the first tables for tracking the movement of stars.
• He not only defended and promoted the theory of heliocentrism (that the sun is the center of our universe), but he helped people understand how that theory aligned with the Bible.
• He discovered the three mathematical laws of planetary motion which established the discipline of celestial mechanics. In fact, he proved the planets orbit in ellipses, not circles, around the sun. We call these “Kepler’s Laws.”
• He also discovered a supernova, improved the process of calendar-making, improved the telescope, and located many stars and planets.

So, what do you think? Was Johannes Kepler a “real scientist”? And yet, one of the best quotes we have from Kepler was how he defined science: “thinking God’s thoughts after Him.” With his biblical worldview, he knew that the universe must have been created in a logical way, obeying organized patterns that came from an intelligent Designer. That is how he was able to make so many discoveries which have enabled scientists who have come after him to continue making even more discoveries (whether they give the credit to a Designer or not).

Incidentally, there are a lot of modern-day real scientists who believe God created the world too. In fact, this year my friends from the Creation Fellowship Santee have had the privilege of hosting several, including a couple of my favorites: Bill Morgan, Steve Austin, Jay Wile, Jason Lisle, and Gary Bates.

Don’t just take my word for it! Visit YouFormedMe.com/people/kepler.html to read, watch, and listen to supporting research and commentary from scientists, doctors, theologians, and more!
This blog is from a special series of “Creation Fun Facts” by Terri Kammerzell, starting from June 10, 2020. Read the introduction at TruthOfGenesis.com/blogs/building-a-biblical-defense-of-creation.