Christian oceanographer Matthew Maury mapped the seas.
His break came when he was given a post considered a sinecure: Superintendent of the Depot of Charts and Instruments in Washington, D.C. He found many old logs gathering dust and saw the chance to convert them into maps of winds and currents. He also solicited information from captains world-wide, promising them free publications in return. Millions of his forms were returned to the Depot, enabling him to revise and update maps, and advise the entire world on shipping lanes. He advocated many farsighted advances which are documented in my book Scientists of Faith.
Like many scientists before and after him, Maury’s Christian faith played an integral part in advancing knowledge. He is an example of why thoughtful faith should not be disparaged in scientific circles.
