The Reconciliation

One might wonder why a person from the profession of chemistry with hobbies of woodworking and gardening would attempt such a work as this. In my mind, however, nothing could be more faith producing than a study of the physical universe as presented through chemistry. Also, it seems reasonable that any worker would find a special pleasure in knowing that Jesus may have been the master woodworker and that he created both the beauties and the bounties of the garden. Raymond E. Isbell received a bachelor's degree in chemistry and mathematics, a masters degree in organic chemistry, and a doctor of philosophy degree in physical and analytical chemistry. He served as a research chemist for seven years with studies mostly in solid rocket propellants and slow release nitrogen fertilizers. He taught chemistry at the undergraduate level for over 30 years and served as professor and department head for 17 of those years. During his career he was active in several scientific and scholastic organizations including The American Chemical Society and The Alabama Academy of Science and taught several chemistry courses including his specialties in physical chemistry and analytical chemical instrumentation. His hobbies are gardening, plant propagation and woodworking. At the age of 12, Dr. Isbell was baptized into Christ at the Spring Valley Church of Christ in Colbert County, Alabama. That small country congregation made a lasting impact on him as he observed the open atmosphere in the adult Bible classes in which diverse views were discussed and tolerated without rancor. It was also well ahead of the social and civil curve of the time as black visitors were welcomed to the services and black and white Christians shared meals and prayed together. During his career, Dr. Isbell has served several congregations in the capacity of deacon, elder, and guest lecturer. He observed the missionary zeal of the 1950s and 1960s followed by a retreat of the church into a period of