Baylor prof: ‘Our identity isn’t in being “Dr.” or “Tenured.” It’s in being “His.”‘
Dr. Leigh Greathouse is one of Baylor’s many cancer researchers, specifically focused on the relationship between diet, microorganisms and cancer. Her efforts are driven in part by her own experience fighting cancer while still in her 20s.
Her work is also driven by her faith. Earlier this year, she posted on social media about what it’s like to be a Christian working in science today:
“Had a powerful conversation with a colleague recently. Both of us are scientists. Both of us are Christians. And both of us are facing the same storm: dwindling research funding, failed grants, and an uncertain academic future.
“Science is a profession of failure. Experiments fail. Grants don’t get funded. Papers get rejected. And lately, it’s been harder than ever. Even the best ideas can be shelved — not because they’re wrong, but because the system is broken and now very strained.
“In the middle of it all, he said something that resounded with me like a bell: ‘I’m so glad I’m a Christian. It is comforting to know that I have life after this — for eternity.’
“And that’s it. That’s the difference.
“In a world where everything feels fragile, we stand on something eternal. Our hope isn’t in the next award letter. It’s in the risen Christ.
“Science is a field of failure and refinement. So is faith. But while science trains the mind, trials refine the soul. This life — these years of struggle, striving, disappointment — they’re not wasted. They’re preparation.
“As Christians, we labor as hard as anyone in this field. We publish. We apply. We push the boundaries of knowledge. But we do it with a different motive: Not to bring glory to ourselves — but to bring glory to the Kingdom.
“This world is not our home. This career is not our crown. We’re called to serve, to love, to steward what we’ve been given — and to point to something greater.
“Every unanswered prayer, every rejected grant or paper, every failed experiment — it’s a reminder: This life is merely a training ground for our souls. And our true reward is not tenure or titles, but eternity with Him.
“We work hard. But we don’t cling hard. Our identity isn’t in being ‘Dr.’ or ‘Tenured.’ It’s in being ‘His.’
“So to every scientist who follows Christ or those who want to: Your data might get ignored. Your paper or grant might get rejected. But your soul is seen — and your work, when done for Him, will never be in vain.
“Let’s keep going. Not for applause, but for the lost. Not for prestige, but for purpose. Not for our name, but for His. Because we’re not just building knowledge. We’re building the Kingdom. Not for our name, but for His.
“John 11:25–26 (NLV): ‘Jesus said to her, “I am the One Who raises the dead and gives them life. Anyone who puts his trust in Me will live again, even if he dies. Everyone who lives and puts his trust in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”‘”
Many Baylor professors would echo such thoughts — and it’s the sort of immeasurable quality that, far beyond the rankings, makes Baylor such a special place.
Sic ’em, Dr. Greathouse!