Science and Faith
Begging the Question
Being a follower of Jesus and a grad student in chemistry begs the question of my stance on the “all important” issue: do I believe the physical universe came to be through evolution or direct creation? I will have to disappoint. What I think or believe is of little value, as I am not an expert in the requisite fields, nor do I aspire to be. There are far too many fascinating unknowns in science for me to spend my time there.
What then?
As a follower of Jesus, I believe that God exists. If God exists, then I am assuming He created the physical universe in some way, shape or form. I am making two assumptions then. If He exists, but did not create the universe, He is not the God I know through Scripture. It could be argued that these assumptions are wrong, but that is a discussion for another space. What people who believe in God generally argue about is not whether the universe was created, but how it was created – by evolution or some other means.
For some reason, people on both sides of the fence hold to their guns on these points as if their lives depended on it, name calling and castigating alternate views. This situation is deeply unfortunate.
Perhaps people do so because their opinions on this topic reflect an important part of their identity or understanding of their religious beliefs. Perhaps some fear that science will disprove God’s existence. I would say that it is unwise to base one’s belief in God on any one thing – whatever it may be, including science. By definition in Scripture, God is spirit. Spirit cannot be known through science.
In any case, name calling is unnecessary and it denigrates anyone who practices it. It is important to remember that if God exists, He is fully capable of defending Himself. According to Scripture, God is the Author of Truth (Deut. 32:4; John 14:6). Viewpoints are fallible, but Truth, as Scripture describes it, is not. I would encourage then that people be dedicated – not to a certain way of thinking or viewpoint – but to Truth. Whatever science discovers, whatever the answers are, God already knows them and is not surprised.
Science Shows the Glory of God
What I do know is that everything I learn in science makes me daily more amazed at what He did and continues to do! The biological world is so intricate, so beautiful, so amazing to behold. And we understand so little. Truly it can be said with the Psalmist:
Being a follower of Jesus and a grad student in chemistry begs the question of my stance on the “all important” issue: do I believe the physical universe came to be through evolution or direct creation? I will have to disappoint. What I think or believe is of little value, as I am not an expert in the requisite fields, nor do I aspire to be. There are far too many fascinating unknowns in science for me to spend my time there.
What then?
As a follower of Jesus, I believe that God exists. If God exists, then I am assuming He created the physical universe in some way, shape or form. I am making two assumptions then. If He exists, but did not create the universe, He is not the God I know through Scripture. It could be argued that these assumptions are wrong, but that is a discussion for another space. What people who believe in God generally argue about is not whether the universe was created, but how it was created – by evolution or some other means.
For some reason, people on both sides of the fence hold to their guns on these points as if their lives depended on it, name calling and castigating alternate views. This situation is deeply unfortunate.
Perhaps people do so because their opinions on this topic reflect an important part of their identity or understanding of their religious beliefs. Perhaps some fear that science will disprove God’s existence. I would say that it is unwise to base one’s belief in God on any one thing – whatever it may be, including science. By definition in Scripture, God is spirit. Spirit cannot be known through science.
In any case, name calling is unnecessary and it denigrates anyone who practices it. It is important to remember that if God exists, He is fully capable of defending Himself. According to Scripture, God is the Author of Truth (Deut. 32:4; John 14:6). Viewpoints are fallible, but Truth, as Scripture describes it, is not. I would encourage then that people be dedicated – not to a certain way of thinking or viewpoint – but to Truth. Whatever science discovers, whatever the answers are, God already knows them and is not surprised.
Science Shows the Glory of God
What I do know is that everything I learn in science makes me daily more amazed at what He did and continues to do! The biological world is so intricate, so beautiful, so amazing to behold. And we understand so little. Truly it can be said with the Psalmist:
Psalm 19:1-3 (NKJV)
1The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
2 Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard.
Conclusion
Therefore, I insist that if the question of how God made the world is important to you, research the facts and decide the matter for yourself: study science, read Scripture, pray about it and listen to your conscience. Always be ready to modify your views upon new information.
Therefore, I insist that if the question of how God made the world is important to you, research the facts and decide the matter for yourself: study science, read Scripture, pray about it and listen to your conscience. Always be ready to modify your views upon new information.
Job 38:1-7 (NIV)
1"Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said:
2 'Who is this that darkens my counsel
with words without knowledge?
3 Brace yourself like a man;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.
4 'Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
Tell me, if you understand.
5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
6 On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone--
7 while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels[a] shouted for joy?'"