Astronomer and best-selling author Hugh Ross travels the globe speaking on the compatibility of advancing scientific discoveries with the timeless truths of Christianity. His organization, Reasons to Believe (RTB), is dedicated to demonstrating, via a variety of resources and events, that science and biblical faith are allies, not enemies.

While in college, Hugh committed himself to faith in Jesus Christ. After his study of big bang cosmology convinced him of a Creator’s existence, curiosity led him to test religious “holy books” for scientific and historical accuracy. Only the Bible passed the test, therefore convincing him of Christianity’s validity and the Beginner’s identity. Later, Hugh was surprised to discover how many people believed or disbelieved in Christ without checking the evidence. Prompted by family, friends, and colleagues, he founded Reasons to Believe in 1986 to bring the scientific evidence for Christianity to light.

Hugh leads a team of scholars who keep tabs on the frontiers of scientific research with the goal of demonstrating that sound reason and scientific discoveries—including the very latest findings—consistently support, rather than erode, confidence in the God of the Bible. Hugh shares this message through numerous books—including Navigating Genesis, Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job, and Improbable Planet—as well as articles, videos, and podcasts. Additionally, he has spoken at over 300 universities, 400 churches, and other venues around the world, presenting a testable creation model and challenging people of all backgrounds to consider what they believe and why.

With a degree in physics from the University of British Columbia and a grant from the National Research Council of Canada, Hugh earned a PhD in astronomy from the University of Toronto. For several years he continued his research on quasars and galaxies as a postdoctoral fellow at the California Institute of Technology. In 2012, Hugh, together with Dr. Gerald Schroeder, received the Ide P. Trotter Prize presented by Texas A&M University in recognition of his work in demonstrating connections between science and religion.

Outside of RTB, Hugh teaches as an adjunct faculty member at both A. W. Tozer Seminary and Southern Evangelical Seminary. He also serves as minister of apologetics at Sierra Madre Congregational Church where he conducts a weekly apologetics class.

Hugh lives in Southern California with his wife, Kathy, and their two sons.

Published books

  • Improbable Planet (2016)
  • Navigating Genesis (2014)
  • Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job (2011)
  • Beyond the Cosmos, 3rd ed. (2010)
  • More Than a Theory (2009)
  • Why the Universe Is the Way It Is (2008)
  • Creation as Science (2006)
  • Who Was Adam? (coauthor, 2005)
  • A Matter of Days (2004)
  • Origins of Life (coauthor, 2004)
  • Lights in the Sky and Little Green Men (coauthor, 2002)
  • The Creator and the Cosmos, 3rd ed. (2001)
  • The Genesis Question (1998)
  • Creation and Time (1994)
  • The Fingerprint of God (1989)
  • Contributing author to seven other books, including The Genesis Debate (2000)

Booklets

  • Genesis One: A Scientific Perspective (2006)
  • 10 Breakthroughs series (2006–2013)
  • What Darwin Didn’t Know (coauthor, 2009)

Complete academic credentials

  • Director of observations for Vancouver’s Royal Astronomical Society (age 16)
  • Recipient of a National Research Council of Canada fellowship
  • BS in physics (University of British Columbia)
  • MS and PhD in astronomy (University of Toronto)
  • Postdoctoral studies researching distant galaxies and quasars (Caltech)