Robert's Story

The Harmony of Physics and Faith

Robert’s Story

Physics, the scientific study of matter, its fundamental constituents, its motion and behavior through space and time, and the related entities of energy and force (have your eyes glazed over yet?) is one of the most fundamental scientific disciplines and one that Good Shepherd member Robert Engle is most fascinated by.  Robert finds inspiration in the disciplines of art and music as well, but when Robert and his wife Betsy visited Good Shepherd ten years ago it was the music that first drew them in.

Robert spent years taking piano lessons, performing in recitals and sharing practice time with his siblings. He, his twin brother, his two younger brothers and his little sister also played in handbell choirs at their church. When Robert attended St. Olaf college his emersion in music continued, especially after he met Betsy, a St. Olaf Band member.  Concerts and recitals were a regular part of their college experience. Faith and music were always indelibly combined.

It is Robert and Betsy’s son Marcus, however, who has been most engaged by Good Shepherd’s music, from delighting in the drums of contemporary worship as a toddler to participating in music camp and Christmas programs each year now that he is older. The adult music leaders and the friends Marcus has made through music are an important point of connection for Robert’s family at Good Shepherd. This Christmas five-year-old Clara joined him!

Music is only one of many opportunities Robert has found to deepen his spiritual growth at Good Shepherd. He values the conversations and friendships he has formed through the men’s retreat, Basecamp and the Stewardship team. Balancing church commitments and family life can be challenging but is something Robert finds worthwhile.  

Eighteen years ago, a brain tumor tested both Robert’s faith and resilience. He has come to accept what happened to him. At Good Shepherd Robert has found acceptance and encouragement to engage God in ways that are deeply personal and meaningful. A firm believer with a physics degree, Robert has found the intersection of science and spirituality to be a space of complexity. His faith leads him to see the intricate design of the universe as evidence of a purposeful Creator. Robert is grateful for all the ways Good Shepherd supports his family on their faith journey through music and the Word.