Science is defined as “the
observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and
theoretical explanation of phenomena.” Science is a method that mankind can use
to gain a greater understanding of the natural universe. It is a search for
knowledge through observation. Advances in science demonstrate the reach of
human logic and imagination. However, a Christian’s belief in science should
never be like our belief in God. A Christian can have faith in God and respect
for science, as long as we remember which is perfect and which is not.
Our belief in God is a belief of
faith. We have faith in His Son for salvation, faith in His Word for
instruction, and faith in His Holy Spirit for guidance. Our faith in God should
be absolute, since when we put our faith in God, we depend on a perfect,
omnipotent, omniscient Creator. Our belief in science should be intellectual
and nothing more. We can count on science to do many great things, but we can
also count on science to make mistakes. If we put faith in science, we depend
on imperfect, sinful, limited, mortal men. Science throughout history has been
wrong about many things, such as the shape of the earth, powered flight,
vaccines, blood transfusions, and even reproduction. God is never wrong.
Truth is nothing to fear, so
there is no reason for a Christian to fear good science. Learning more about
the way God constructed our universe helps all of mankind appreciate the wonder
of creation. Expanding our knowledge helps us to combat disease, ignorance, and
misunderstanding. However, there is danger when scientists hold their faith in
human logic above faith in our Creator. These persons are no different from
anyone devoted to a religion; they have chosen faith in man and will find facts
to defend that faith.
Still, the most rational
scientists, even those who refuse to believe in God, admit to a lack of
completeness in our understanding of the universe. They will admit that neither
God nor the Bible can be proved or disproved by science, just as many of their
favorite theories ultimately cannot be proved or disproved. Science is meant to
be a truly neutral discipline, seeking only the truth, not furtherance of an
agenda.
Much of science supports the
existence and work of God. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of
God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” As modern science discovers
more about the universe, we find more evidence of creation. The amazing
complexity and replication of DNA, the intricate and interlocking laws of physics,
and the absolute harmony of conditions and chemistry here on earth all serve to
support the message of the Bible. A Christian should embrace science that seeks
the truth, but reject the “priests of science” who put human knowledge above
God.
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