Former Atheist and Scientist Says Naturalism Is Driving Young Christians from Faith


​For Immediate Release (Sacramento, CA) — In "Beyond Chance: From the Big Bang to the Empty Tomb," author, scientist, and former atheist Steve R. Osborne, PhD, argues that many young Christians are being pushed away from faith by a deception: the claim that science has disproved God. But Osborne says it has not.

“The real conflict is not between science and Christianity,” Osborne says. “It is between Christianity and naturalism—a worldview that assumes nature is all that exists and then presents that assumption as science.”

Naturalism holds that matter, energy, physical law, and chance constitute all reality. Because it permits no God, soul, miracle, divine purpose, or supernatural cause, every explanation must remain material—even when the evidence may point beyond nature.

Osborne argues that naturalism has hijacked the authority of science, persuading young people that rejecting this philosophy means rejecting evidence and reason.

“Science is a method for investigating nature,” Osborne says. “Naturalism is a belief about everything that exists. Confusing the two allows philosophy to masquerade as fact. Young Christians encounter this message in classrooms, documentaries, podcasts, social media, and conversations with skeptical friends. Genesis is dismissed as primitive, miracles are declared impossible, and human beings are reduced to animals produced by chance. Many are left asking: Can I still trust the Bible if I take science seriously?"

Osborne says many young people are wondering if they can trust the Bible and take science seriously at the same time. He believes the answer is yes and argues that modern science reveals a universe that began, follows rational laws, is finely tuned for life, and contains information-rich living systems that unguided processes have not adequately explained.

“If space, time, matter, and energy had a beginning, nature cannot be its own ultimate cause,” says Osborne. “The physical constants of the universe also fall within narrow life-permitting ranges. Minor changes in gravity, nuclear forces, or cosmic expansion could eliminate stars, chemistry, planets, and life. The universe does not look like an accident. It looks ordered, intelligible, and prepared for life.”
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Osborne says the origin of life presents another challenge. Darwinian evolution cannot begin until a reproducing organism already exists. Yet even the simplest cell requires coded information, molecular machinery, metabolism, energy control, and coordinated functions.

“DNA contains coded instructions,” Osborne says. “In every other area of experience, coded information comes from intelligence. Naturalism asks us to believe life is the one great exception. Naturalism also tells young people they are biochemical accidents. Christianity tells them they are made in the image of God and possess dignity, purpose, and eternal significance.”

Christian faith also rests on history, especially the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Osborne says naturalism rejects miracles, but not because the evidence has been disproved.

“If God created the universe, then miracles are possible,” Osborne says. “The evidence for the resurrection demands a hearing.”

Osborne says the next generation needs a faith that exposes the philosophical assumptions hiding behind claims of scientific certainty.

“The threat is not science,” he says. “The threat is naturalism dressed in a lab coat. Science studies creation, and Christianity identifies the Creator.”

About the Author:

Steve Osborne, PhD, is an experimental psychologist, published scientist, and former atheist. He served as a grant reviewer for the National Science Foundation, as a guest reviewer for several scientific publications, and earned his PhD from Arizona State University. His book, "Beyond Chance: From the Big Bang to the Empty Tomb," explores scientific and historical evidence for Christian faith. He lives in Northern California and continues to write, teach, and speak on issues of faith and reason. For more information visit: https://www.steveosbornebooks.com/.