THE TRUE HERO

James Bond, fictitious character, may be some folk’s hero. James Tour, non-fictitious contemporary, is my hero. James Tour is a synthetic organic chemist, specializing in nanotechnology. He is doing some amazing things. His work includes batteries that can charge in three seconds and last an incredible length of time; a method of using carbon particles to deliver treatment molecularly to traumatic brain injuries; radio frequency markers for organic items, including vegetables and fruits; and, on and on. Currently, he is working on and has developed nanocars. Nanocars are single-molecule vehicles with four independently rotating axles and wheels that are turned by light-activated motors. Thirty-thousand of these can fit on a human hair. James Tour has over 130 patents, 680 research publications. He has been ranked in the top fifty most influential minds of the world and in the top .004% of the top seven-million published scientists. His educational background is impressive. His awards are numerous. Few understand the complexities of the cell and its DNA as they relate to the origin of life as well as he. Yet, in the eyes of a largely atheistic, naturalistic academia, something is bad wrong with James Tour. What’s wrong with him? He is an unapologetic, professing Christian. In their and much of the world’s eyes, someone with deep faith in Christ cannot be very intelligent much less a serious scientist. The vogue, populist sentiment is to label Christians as deluded, ignorant, simple-minded, etc. The media portrays them as bumbling idiots, hypocrites, psychotic nuts, etc. Yet, there is James Tour. There is no way to question his credentials as a scientist. His work proves itself. James Tour is an enigma. Academia and media find it difficult to believe he can be a true scientist if he is a Christian. Naïve Christians find it difficult to believe he can be a born-again Christian if he is such an academic. James fits neither’s stereotype. I first listened about his work as a scientist and was deeply impressed. And, then I heard his testimony. After sharing how he became born-again in college when he, a Jew, was witnessed to by a Christian in a laundromat, he went through the impressive litany of all the accomplishments of his life. Then, tearing up, he said, “But, what means most to me is that I believe Jesus is the Messiah.” In another YouTube video before beginning a lecture before a huge audience, he noted that he would like to pray before commencing. He then knelt beside the podium and, giving God glory, implored His help. Often, James shares analogies of spiritual truth from his knowledge of science. I saw a video that was labeled with the words “James Tour” and “Isaiah 53.” Now Isaiah 53 is the chapter that prophesies the coming of Jesus as the Suffering Servant who bears our sins. I thought, “This will be interesting to see how Dr. Tour gives interesting insights into Isaiah 53 using illustrations from his work in nanotechnology and his knowledge of DNA and the cell.” That’s not what I heard. I heard one of the clearest, poignant presentations of the Gospel of Jesus that I’ve ever heard. No, one does not have to check his brain in at the door to be a Christian. Neither does a true scientist have to give up his Christianity. The two are not mutually exclusive. In James’ words, "I build molecules for a living, I stand in awe of God because of what he has done through His creation. Only a rookie who knows nothing about science would say science takes away from faith. If you really study science, it will bring you closer to God." No, a brilliant person becoming a Christian isn’t any more remarkable than an average person. Neither has more to commend him to God than the other. Both need to be saved. This only Jesus can do. In the end, Jesus, and neither James, is the true hero. (A short James Tour’ testimony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNGLZvtRoiU)

THE TRUE HERO

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