Lured by Infinity

The title to my blog was inspired from a phrase in Vern Poythress’ book Redeeming Science, A God-Centered Approach. In the introduction, he tells his story of becoming fascinated with arithmetic. In describing this “magical wonderland,” he says, “I did not know it, but I was experiencing the lure of infinity.” This phrase–“the lure of infinity”–struck a particular chord within me. For although I don’t know Dr. Poythress nor have I read this book entirely (I briefly perused it and do plan to read it entirely), I think I know what he means. In a sense this phrase summarizes my life and experience.

As a young boy, I was captivated by thoughts about God, life after death (and life before birth), and eternity. I would lay awake at night trying to imagine what is out there, what it was like before I was born, what would happen after I die, what was this world and why am I here. Many times these thoughts led me to fear. In this quest, I began to search the Bible and ask questions to local youth leaders. Through this process, God was giving me a glimpse of His splendor, design, majesty, holiness… and my sinfulness. Looking back now, God through the Holy Spirit was drawing me to Himself. In a sense, I was being lured by infinity.

Another area of my life also relates to this phrase. For as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed learning how things work. This bent eventually led me to study engineering as an undergraduate and graduate student. In scientific study, I have been awed many times by God’s design. Even though I often understand only a small piece of His creation (or even an approximation to the actual), I see that it is beautiful and magnificent. When I was a MS student, I recall a PhD student stating that exploring the physics and chemistry of combustion was like looking into the eye of God. Using Poythress’ phrase again, the lure of infinity has led me to worship God through engineering sciences.

My purpose in starting this blog is to encourage one another with thoughts about the indescribable, uncontainable… immortal, invisible, God only wise. May we continue to be lured by infinity.