Panel of Experts
The Science and Biblical Faith Dialogue was shaped by a panel of South African and international scientists and Christian leaders, each bringing deep expertise and a strong personal faith. Hosted by African Enterprise South Africa, the initiative drew on decades of evangelistic and intellectual leadership.
The panel of experts behind the Science and Biblical Faith Dialogue brought together a remarkable blend of scientific rigor and theological depth. These men and women, drawn from South Africa and beyond, shared a common conviction that faith and science need not stand in opposition. Each panelist brought years of professional achievement in their respective fields alongside a deeply held personal commitment to Jesus Christ and the authority of Scripture. Their collective expertise helped shape a conversation that was both intellectually honest and spiritually grounded, offering attendees a model for engaging the most pressing questions of our time with wisdom and grace.
Hosted by African Enterprise South Africa, the initiative built on decades of evangelistic and intellectual leadership across the continent. The organization's long history of engaging communities with the gospel message provided a natural platform for this important dialogue. The panel members were carefully selected not only for their credentials but for their ability to communicate complex ideas in accessible ways. Their presence lent credibility to the discussions and helped bridge the gap between academic inquiry and everyday faith, demonstrating that serious engagement with modern science can coexist with faithful biblical conviction.
The composition of the panel reflected a deliberate commitment to diversity of perspective and experience. Scientists working across disciplines such as biology, physics, and the human sciences stood alongside pastors, theologians, and Christian educators. This interdisciplinary approach ensured that conversations about topics like origins, human identity, and the natural world were examined from multiple angles. The result was a richer, more nuanced dialogue than any single perspective could have produced, one that honored both the integrity of scientific investigation and the enduring truths of Scripture.
For those who attended the events, interaction with the panel offered a rare opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with leading thinkers. The design of the sessions encouraged meaningful exchange rather than passive listening, allowing participants to wrestle with difficult subjects in a supportive environment. The panelists modeled a posture of humility and openness, acknowledging the limits of human knowledge while remaining confident in the foundations of their faith. This approach left attendees better equipped to navigate the tensions between modern scientific claims and biblical teaching, and to do so with both courage and compassion.
Dr Michael Cassidy
Founder, African Enterprise- Founded African Enterprise in 1962 and has been involved in evangelism, teaching, preaching, and leadership ministries since that year.
- Holds an MA from Cambridge and a BD from Fuller Theological Seminary.
- Named Fuller Seminary's Distinguished Alumnus in 2012.
- Honorary Chairman of the global Lausanne Movement for world evangelisation, succeeding John Stott in that role (2012).
Dr Philip Calcott
Mission Associate, African Enterprise- Studied Physics at the universities of Oxford and Sheffield.
- Worked in semi-conductor opto-electronics at QinetiQ, a leading defence and security technology company.
- Served as a mission associate of African Enterprise, contributing a scientist's perspective to the faith-and-science conversation.
Broader Panel
In addition to Dr Cassidy and Dr Calcott, the dialogue involved six South African and international scientists — each with a strong personal faith — who participated in private leadership summits convened by African Enterprise South Africa. These summits brought together pastors, teachers, and Christian leaders to explore how the church can engage thoughtfully with science while remaining faithful to its mission.