When we think of religion in relation to science, we often think of conflicting ideas. For Christian microbiologist James Holden, however, life will have greater meaning once it is understood that religion and science can coexist.

Holden spoke about how he reconciles his scientific work with his Christian beliefs during an event at the University of Washington, where he got a doctoral degree in oceanography.

The Christian microbiologist shared that a lot of issues currently being tackled by the scientific community, including technological advances, sustainability and resilience in the face of natural disasters, also have societal or moral components.

It is in these issues that religion and science can overlap in a good way and can both proclaim their respective truths, he explained.

"This doesn't mean that science and religion agree on everything, but I'm at peace with these two aspects of my life being together as one," Holden, who conducts independent research in microbial physiology, explained, as quoted by The Gospel Herald.

The scientist admitted that relating scientific facts with his Christian beliefs was "the most challenging question to (his) faith."

He nevertheless said he found greater meaning and purpose in his scientific work because of the "roots of Christianity" he believes in.

"Some things are, and will likely remain, unclear, but this connection between science and religion has allowed me to find greater meaning," Holden said.

During the event, the Christian microbiologist also explained that science and religion exist in separate domains, in the sense that the former requires solid factual basis, while the latter has the more ambiguous notion of faith.

Holden further said that the substance of religion exists outside of science's area of space, energy, time and matter, which by contrast is where science takes place. He said it is necessary to respect this diversity of beliefs.