Reasons to Believe (RTB) stands as a non-profit organization dedicated to the exploration and communication of the compatibility between science and Christian faith. Founded in 1986 by astrophysicist Dr. Hugh Ross, RTB aims to challenge the popular perception of their inherent conflict and showcase their potential for harmonious interplay.

From its inception, RTB's mission has revolved around two key pillars: research and communication. Their team of scientists delves into various scientific disciplines, examining the intricacies of the universe and exploring its origins. This research forms the foundation for their communication efforts, which encompass a diverse range of activities.

At the heart of RTB's communication strategy lies their educational resources. They produce books, articles, and online content featuring research findings and arguments supporting the compatibility of science and faith. Additionally, they organize conferences, seminars, and presentations, providing platforms for thought-provoking discussions and engaging with broader audiences.

Beyond intellectual pursuits, RTB also recognizes the importance of personal impact. They offer retreats and workshops designed to foster spiritual growth and equip individuals with tools to navigate the intersection of faith and reason. Moreover, their international outreach programs extend their message to diverse communities across the globe.

Over the years, RTB has garnered recognition for its contributions to the dialogue between science and faith. Their commitment to rigorous research, clear communication, and impactful initiatives has resonated with individuals seeking to reconcile their scientific understanding with their religious beliefs. As they continue exploring the complexities of this relationship, RTB remains a leading voice in bridging the perceived gap between faith and reason.

Dr. Hugh Ross, born in 1945, stands at the crossroads of science and faith, bridging the perceived gap with his expertise in astrophysics and unwavering Christian belief. His remarkable journey has taken him from exploring the vastness of the universe to defending its compatibility with biblical truths, captivating audiences with his insights and challenging skeptics with his arguments.

Ross's fascination with science manifested early. A curious child, he devoured science textbooks and dreamed of unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos. This passion led him to pursue a B.Sc. in physics from the University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in astronomy from the University of Toronto. Years of dedicated research followed, as he delved into the intricacies of stars, galaxies, and the origins of the universe.

Amidst his scientific pursuits, a profound personal transformation occurred. While studying the universe, Ross felt a growing conviction for its design and purpose, leading him to embrace Christianity. This pivotal moment ignited a new mission – to reconcile the seemingly disparate worlds of science and faith. He felt compelled to articulate how advancements in cosmology supported, rather than contradicted, Biblical narratives.

Driven by this mission, Ross established Reasons to Believe, a non-profit organization dedicated to communicating the compatibility of science and Christianity. He authored numerous books, including the bestseller "Why the Universe Is the Way It Is," presenting scientific evidence as a testament to God's intricate design. He also became a sought-after speaker, engaging audiences with his clear explanations and thought-provoking arguments, challenging the common misconception of an inherent conflict between science and faith.

Beyond his scientific expertise and apologetic endeavors, Ross actively cultivates meaningful connections. He serves as a pastoral team member at Christ Church Sierra Madre, demonstrating his commitment to integrating faith into everyday life. His story continues to inspire others to explore the wonders of the universe, not just through a scientific lens, but also through an open heart and a willingness to consider its divine dimension.

Fazale "Fuz" Rana, born in 1963, navigated a unique and impactful career path. From the halls of research labs to the stages of conferences and lecture halls, his life has been fueled by a passion for science and a deep faith.

Rana began his journey with a strong foundation in the sciences. He earned a Bachelor's degree in chemistry with highest honors and a Ph.D. in biochemistry, even completing postdoctoral studies at prestigious universities. His talent landed him a seven-year stint as a senior scientist at Procter & Gamble, where he contributed valuable research and expertise.

Yet, a pivotal moment shifted Rana's focus. During his graduate studies, he encountered the Bible in a new light, leading to a significant conversion to Christianity. This newfound faith ignited a desire to bridge the perceived gap between science and faith. He saw an opportunity to utilize his scientific knowledge to support, rather than contradict, his religious beliefs.

Driven by this mission, Rana joined Reasons to Believe, a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring and communicating the scientific compatibility with Christianity. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming president and CEO. As a renowned speaker and author, he captivates audiences with thought-provoking lectures and insightful books like "The Cell's Design" and "Humans 2.0." He challenges skeptics and encourages believers, demonstrating how faith and science can co-exist and inform one another.

Rana's remarkable journey represents a powerful intersection of scientific inquiry and personal faith. He remains a prominent figure in the world of Christian apologetics, inspiring others to explore the wonders of God's creation through the lens of both science and belief.

Abstract: NOVA1, a neuronal RNA-binding protein expressed in the central nervous system, is essential for survival in mice and normal development in humans. A single amino acid change (I197V) in NOVA1’s second RNA binding domain is unique to modern humans. To study its physiological effects, we generated mice carrying the human-specific I197V variant (Nova1hu/hu) and analyzed the molecular and behavioral consequences. While the I197V substitution had minimal impact on NOVA1’s RNA binding capacity, it led to specific effects on alternative splicing, and CLIP revealed multiple binding peaks in mouse brain transcripts involved in vocalization. These molecular findings were associated with behavioral differences in vocalization patterns in Nova1hu/hu mice as pups and adults. Our findings suggest that this human-specific NOVA1 substitution may have been part of an ancient evolutionary selective sweep in a common ancestral population of Homo sapiens, possibly contributing to the development of spoken language through differential RNA regulation during brain development.

Abstract: According to the “hard-steps” model, the origin of humanity required “successful passage through a number of intermediate steps” (so-called “hard steps”) that were intrinsically improbable in the time available for biological evolution on Earth. This model similarly predicts that technological life analogous to human life on Earth is “exceedingly rare” in the Universe. Here, we critically reevaluate core assumptions of the hard-steps model through the lens of historical geobiology. Specifically, we propose an alternative model where there are no hard steps, and evolutionary singularities required for human origins can be explained via mechanisms outside of intrinsic improbability. Furthermore, if Earth’s surface environment was initially inhospitable not only to human life, but also to certain key intermediate steps required for human existence, then the timing of human origins was controlled by the sequential opening of new global environmental windows of habitability over Earth history.