Bernhard Riemann

September 17, 1826 – July 20, 1866

Mathematician

Laid the foundations for Einstein's relativity while trusting in God's Word

Biography

German mathematician who made lasting contributions to analysis, number theory, and differential geometry, including the Riemann hypothesis and Riemannian geometry (which provided the mathematical foundation for Einstein's general relativity).

Faith & Testimony

The son of a Lutheran pastor, Riemann was a devout Christian throughout his life. He originally planned to study theology before pursuing mathematics.

Sources

Bernhard Riemann — Wikipedia — Biography including his pastoral family background and original intent to study theology
Bernhard Riemann: Turning Points in the Conception of Mathematics — Detlef Laugwitz — Mathematical biography noting Riemann's deep Lutheran piety — the son of a pastor, he nearly entered the ministry himself before choosing mathematics