Calvin Remembers Howard Van Till
As a long time professor of physics and astronomy at Calvin University, Howard Van Till will be remembered for his contributions to the conversation of the relationship between Christian faith and science.
Van Till, who taught at Calvin from 1965-1998, died on July 31, 2024. He was 85 years old.
An early interest
As a youngster, Van Till showed an early interest in science, surviving numerous “experiments” conducted at his home in Modesto, California. He graduated from Calvin in 1960 and earned a PhD from Michigan State in 1965.
He returned to his alma mater and began teaching astronomy, an interest that would shape his entire research and teaching career.
With his focus on astrophysics, Van Till oversaw the Calvin observatory and supervised many student observatory assistants. To honor his contributions, Calvin students named an asteroid that they discovered after Van Till in 2005.
The intersection of faith and science
Throughout his career, Van Till published numerous articles in professional and religious publications. But it was the publication of his first book in 1986, The Fourth Day, that drew heightened attention and stimulated Calvin and the church to grapple with issues surrounding the intersection of faith and science.
“Howard Van Till was part of a long line of faculty at Calvin who thought deeply and persistently about the relationship between Christian faith and worldview, on the one hand, and scientific study on the other,” said Will Katerberg, curator of Calvin’s Heritage Hall and professor of history.
“Van Till stands out for his determined, deep scholarship, with a variety of collaborators, and for continuing his work despite attacks on not just his writings, but his character,” he said. “In the long run, he profoundly shaped conversations about faith and learning not just at Calvin, but in Christian higher education more widely.”
Loren Haarsma, Calvin professor of physics concurred: “His writings inspired numerous colleagues and students to study topics at the intersection of science and theology courageously, to communicate what they learned thoughtfully and clearly, and to respond to criticisms patiently and graciously.”
Van Till was one of the founding members of the International Society for Science and Religion and was recognized by the Calvin Alumni Association with the Faith and Learning Award in 1999. He continued to speak on issues of science and religion well into his retirement.
“Though highly controversial at the time, the position Howard held as a professor is now broadly acceptable in the Christian Reformed Church,” said Paul Harper, Calvin physics department chair. “The department is deeply appreciative of the excellent and difficult work that he did while a professor at Calvin.”
Van Till is survived by his wife, Betty; children Steve (Robin), Roger (Mary), Nancy, and MaryBeth (Scott); eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.