There was standing room only at Simi Hills Christian Church last Sunday to hear the theories of nuclear physicist Gerald Schroeder, author of several books dealing with the relationship between religion and science.

While some see the subjects at odds with one another, Schroeder, who earned doctorates in earth sciences and nuclear physics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, doesn't. In fact, Schroeder's books actually use complex scientific reasoning to provide evidence of the existence of a higher power.

"Where there seems to be conflicts, there are answers that are compatible without bending the Bible to science," Schroeder told the crowd. "There is wisdom in creation going all the way back to the Big Bang."

More than 200 people attended the lecture as Schroeder demonstrated- sometimes with complicated mathematical calculations on a whiteboard- how it's possible to reconcile science and faith.

"We have been in the universe since the Creation. We are part of the Creation. We are part of the stars," Schroeder said. "Our life doesn't start with how a chimpanzee became a hominid. We started with the creation of the light burst- the Big Bang. We were part of the Big Bang."

Schroeder, a former member of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, has written more than 30 books, including "The Science of God: The Convergence of Scientific and Biblical Wisdom" and "The Hidden Face of God."

His most wellknown works attempt to reconcile the Biblical account of the age of the universe and of godly Creation with the claims of modern science.

"I read one of Dr. Schroeder's books, and I was interested in the science of it," said Ron Nelson, a Simi resident who attended the lecture. "The answers are out there in God's creation."

Some of the topics included in the lecture were: "The physics of free will- a biblical and scientific explanation," "Origins of humankind- comparing biblical writings with the fossil record" and "The age of our universe: six days, fifteen billion years or both?"

Simi Valley resident Joyce Childress, a retired psychiatric nurse, said she is an avid reader on the subject.

"It's very heady stuff integrating science and our take on religion with reality, mind, energy, molecular biology and quantum physics," Childress said.

Schroeder was on a lecture tour of Southern California when the opportunity arose for him to make a stop at Simi Hills.

Church pastor Kevin Dieckilman was happy to oblige.

"I wanted our people to have the opportunity to hear him and challenge us with his ideas," Dieckilman said.

The Jewish Federation arranged for Schroeder, an Orthodox Jew who makes his home in Jerusalem, to speak at the church. Dieckilman said he takes pride in his church's connection with the Jewish community.

Kathy Hobiger, secretary of Simi Hills Christian, called Schroeder's presentation "phenomenal," but admitted some of the MIT-taught scientist's far-reaching mathematical reasoning was hard to grasp.

"I could get most of it, I just didn't get all the math," Hobiger said. "But when you say something to the 29th power . . . that's a big number."

Hobiger said Schroeder's teachings on religion and science have the power to make believers out of nonbelievers.

"His talk about the Earth and the placement of the Earth in the solar system was just mind-blowing," Hobiger said. "If anyone was an atheist and could hear him speak I truly think they would change."

While Schroeder's lecture focused on infinite complexities, the teachings of the Simi Hills church are down-to-earth Bible fundamentals.

Dieckilman took over the church as pastor seven years ago when it faced declining membership. Dieckilman and his wife, Anna, are Simi Valley residents with two daughters and four grandchildren.

"We came here seven years ago because the church had gone through some difficulties, so we started all over again," said the pastor.

The church has grown to more than 100 members. The complex features a chapel, office and meeting buildings on six acres of land. Plans are currently underway to build a larger facility.

"We are a very loving congregation. Our people have a wonderful heart for Christ and for each other," Dieckilman said. "We love the community and our connection with other churches and pastors in Simi Valley."