7 Inspiring Lessons from the Cimbala Interview: Strengthen Your Faith Today

Dr. John Cimbala: A Journey to Embrace Creation

Dr. John M. Cimbala, a professor at Pennsylvania State University, shares his personal experience of coming to believe in creation despite his initial doubts and struggles. Growing up in a Christian household, he encountered a significant stumbling block when he reached high school and college. The conflict between what he was learning in his science classes and the creation account in Genesis led him to question the validity of the Bible. For Dr. Cimbala, the choice between creation and evolution seemed mutually exclusive. However, his open-mindedness allowed him to explore alternative viewpoints.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Dr. Cimbala became interested in the work of the Institute for Creation Research (ICR), which presented scientific evidence supporting creation and challenging evolution. One influential book for him was "The Genesis Flood" by Henry Morris and John Whitcomb. As a researcher in fluid mechanics, he found particular interest in understanding how the hydrology associated with Noah's Flood could explain geological features, fossils, and the deposition of sediment.

Through extensive reading, studying, and attending lectures on these topics, Dr. Cimbala gradually embraced the idea of a Creator God. He realized that if he could believe in the first page of the Bible—the creation account—he could accept the rest of it as well. This pivotal moment led him to surrender his life to Christ and become a Christian.

A Passion for Fluid Mechanics

Dr. Cimbala's fascination with fluid mechanics began during his undergraduate studies at Penn State University. Working at the Garfield Thomas Water Tunnel exposed him to groundbreaking experiments in fluid flow, igniting his interest in this field. He decided to pursue fluid mechanics for his graduate studies at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where he worked alongside Anatol Roshko, a renowned expert in fluid mechanics.

After completing his Ph.D. in Aeronautics in 1984, Dr. Cimbala accepted a faculty position at Penn State, where he has been teaching ever since. His research has involved significant projects, including leading a team in studying how to enhance the performance of large hydroturbines like those found at Hoover Dam. By modifying the turbine design to improve efficiency under non-ideal conditions, such as different flow rates, Dr. Cimbala's work could potentially increase electricity production.

Fluid Mechanics and the Global Flood

Dr. Cimbala firmly believes that fluid mechanics provides a more plausible explanation for the fossil record and geological features when considering Noah's Flood. He points to the Grand Canyon as an example, emphasizing that the horizontal strata spanning hundreds of miles are better explained by a catastrophic worldwide flood rather than millions of years of slow local flooding. Additionally, the absence of significant erosion over millions of years supports the idea of a global flood occurring within a relatively short time frame.

Understanding the physics of water flow and sediment transport has reinforced Dr. Cimbala's conviction that a worldwide flood occurred. He highlights how his knowledge aligns with the evidence found in rock formations, further confirming his belief in the biblical account.

Evidence for Design

Accepting the Bible as true and viewing the world through that lens reveals numerous examples of design in nature. From human bodies to the animal kingdom, Dr. Cimbala sees compelling evidence for intentional design by an all-wise and all-knowing Creator.

One example he discusses is the placement of fish eyes on their bodies. Fish eyes are typically located at a specific spot on the side of their heads where there is zero gauge pressure from surrounding water, ensuring optimal vision regardless of swimming speed. According to evolutionists, this precise location resulted from trial and error over millions of years. However, Dr. Cimbala argues that this design feature points to intentional creation by God, who understood the principles of fluid mechanics.

Sharing Creation through Writing

Driven by his passion for creation, Dr. Cimbala wrote a novel entitled "I Adam: The Man Without a Navel." The book explores the life of Adam from his own perspective, providing an autobiography just before his death at 930 years old. While some embellishment is present, the narrative remains faithful to the Genesis account. The novel also emphasizes the theme of the Promised Seed—Jesus—who would accomplish what Adam failed to achieve and addresses Adam's regret over his sin against God.

Why This Matters

Dr. Cimbala's journey from doubting the creation account to embracing it highlights the compatibility of science and faith. His story challenges the common belief that one cannot be a scientist and believe in the Bible simultaneously. By exploring scientific evidence and applying his knowledge in fluid mechanics, Dr. Cimbala found compelling support for creation and a worldwide flood.

Think About It

Dr. Cimbala's experience prompts us to consider how our preconceived notions or conflicts between science and faith may hinder our understanding of God's creation. How might embracing both scientific inquiry and biblical truths lead to a deeper appreciation for God's design in the natural world?