I’ve been meaning to write about this topic for a long time, but somehow just never got around to it. To me, it reeks of common sense and obviousness, but to many others, it’s something they haven’t really thought about. Science’s place as the ultimate truth-finder in the modern world is taken as a given. But is it really? I contend that it isn’t.
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Why Science and the Supernatural Don’t Mix
In our last article in this category on Understanding Science, we answered the question “What is Science?” I quoted a definition by Stephen S. Carey, author of “A Beginner’s Guide to Scientific Method”. On page 5, he defines science as “that activity which aims to further our understanding of why things happen as they do in the natural world [emphasis added]. It accomplishes this goal by applications of scientific method – the process of observing nature [emphasis added], isolating a facet that is not well understood and then proposing and testing possible explanations.” [Read more…]
What is Science?
Christians are viewed as having a superficial or even non-existent understanding of science and the world we live in. Non-Christian, humanist, atheist “free-thinkers” would even go so far as saying we turn a blind eye to the world and the scientific knowledge that is to be gained by scientific inquiry.
Although I believe this general characterization of Christians to be pretty accurate, it certainly doesn’t correctly define us all. There are plenty of Christian scientists in the world, countless Christian science teachers, and prominent Christian professors who are able to balance a knowledge of God with the human knowledge discernible through the sciences. [Read more…]
Science & Religion
Q: My friend says that religion and science oppose each other. Is that really true?
A: I don't think so. If anything, science complements religion. The Bible leaves out the details of many things.
For example, the Bible describes the heavens as vast. But we learn through science that space is infinite. In other words, science helps us understand how vast the heavens are.
Another example might be creation. The Bible tells us that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. It goes on to tells how He created everything on earth. Science suggests how God might have done all that.
I like to think of science as God revealing a bit more of Himself, His nature and even His ways to mankind. In that way, when confronted with science, I ask yourself how it might be complementary to Scripture. You should too!
A: I don't think so. If anything, science complements religion. The Bible leaves out the details of many things.
For example, the Bible describes the heavens as vast. But we learn through science that space is infinite. In other words, science helps us understand how vast the heavens are.
Another example might be creation. The Bible tells us that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. It goes on to tells how He created everything on earth. Science suggests how God might have done all that.
I like to think of science as God revealing a bit more of Himself, His nature and even His ways to mankind. In that way, when confronted with science, I ask yourself how it might be complementary to Scripture. You should too!
Don’t Know Much About Science?
One area Christians are viewed as superficial or “behind the times” is in our knowledge and understanding of science. Unfortunately, we are viewed as turning a blind eye toward scientific inquiry. This blindness feeds the stereotype that our faith is superficial and unreasoned.
We are viewed as turning a blind eye toward scientific inquiry.
Of course, there are quite a few Christians scholars, professors, philosophers, and theologians deeply engaged in the scientific debate. These Christians are learning about science, evolution, intelligent design, and the origins of the universe and life on earth. Instead of putting their heads in the sand, they are rolling up their sleeves and trying to understand life’s most compelling question: Where did we come from and why?
Where Did We Come From and Why?
The answer to both questions is God. But those committed to education and intellectually honest debate are trying to prove that argument using science, philosophy, archeology, history, logic and reason. It is by no means a superficial faith. It is highly reasoned…even if others disagree with our Christian or religious beliefs.
Understanding the Bible Isn’t Enough
The majority of Christians we researched DON’T participate in the science debate or seek scientific understanding. Instead of looking outside the Bible to corroborate it’s overall message and purpose, many Christians just hold to the position that the Bible is enough.
However, if we are to sit down for dinner with a “free thinking” intellectual atheist, you had better have done your homework. To have a meaningful conversation with an agnostic scientist, you will quickly learn how much you don’t know about the world we live in.
We Must Do Our Homework
Again, for those Christians engaged in the debate, there are many scientifically valid and logically sound reasons to believe in our God. There are historical documents which corroborate Biblical stories about the miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection of our savior Jesus Christ.
Take the time to educate yourself, or you will come across as superficial and uninformed to non-believers, and unworthy of a meaningful conversation.
But if you don’t take the time to educate yourself, to study them, and to internalize them… you will come across as superficial, uninformed, and unworthy of a meaningful conversation.
You Can Help
You can help reverse this negative Christian stereotype of not knowing much about science by 1) seeking to understand the world we live in and the compelling proofs to God’s existence, and 2) sharing what you have learned with others.
We will soon be providing a Christian education store with recommended reading materials, and other educational materials such as videos, podcasts, articles, and other blogs. Raise your awareness and arm yourself with as much knowledge on science, evolution, metaphysics, and intelligent design as your mind can absorb.
Join us in reversing the negative Christian stereotype of having a superficial faith and lack of understanding in the area of science.