What Does the Bible Say about Science, and Are They in Conflict?
Share
What Does the Bible Say about Science?
Humanity’s quest for truth and discovery accelerated during the Enlightenment. Through various intellectual disciplines such as philosophy and science, people sought to discover the diverse facets of truth itself. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the philosophy of empiricism (the belief all knowledge is discovered through our physical senses) began to take hold of the hard sciences (sciences that explore the physical world like physics and biology) and excluded God from any discussion regarding the physical world. This was a vital stage in our history that led the way to the divorce between science and religion. At one time, it was the very belief in God that inspired scientific discovery because people believed the universe was created through intelligence. This meant there was logic and order to the world that made scientific discovery possible in the first place. Sadly, over time, a rift formed between religion and science. Human reason was given precedence over God’s Word to explain the deepest questions of life. Eventually, religion was treated as unnecessary, unsubstantiated baggage that hinders discussion on the nuts and bolts of reality. It is commonly seen as a delusional opinion which colors and obscures our noble quest for truth.
No matter how hard they try, the naturalists will never explain God away because science does not deal with metaphysics. Science is an important discipline for discovering how the physical universe operates; however, it does not account for all reality. The naturalist who states God is not necessary because they can explain a few physical processes is akin to a person saying a car doesn’t need a designer because they can describe a few of the mechanical workings of the vehicle. God is the Creator of the universe, and His Word is the final authority over all matters (Genesis 1:1: John 10:35). It’s evident that we live in a created world that points toward a Creator (Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:21), and only a fool tries to argue there is no God (Psalm 14:1). Scripture informs us people suppress their belief in God because of their unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). Ultimately, all these supposed arguments against God’s existence are nothing more than intellectual excuses for sinners who refuse to acknowledge their Creator. With this in mind, we should ask ourselves, what does the Bible say about science?
In no way are these examples comprehensive. Rather, they are intended to demonstrate how Scripture has laid the foundational principles which no scientific endeavor can escape.
What does the Bible say about science in general?
Science is a wonderful thing! From the beginning, God encouraged the scientific exploration of the world when He commanded us to rule over and subdue the earth (Genesis 1:28). Scripture speaks of the fixed nature of the universe that makes scientific discovery possible (Jeremiah 31:35-36; Colossians 1:17). After all, it would be impossible to discover anything if everything changed each day. But science does not (and cannot) account for all reality (that is the belief of scientism) because it only explores the behavior and function of the physical universe. Scripture teaches us there are nonmaterial facets of reality as well (Colossians 1:16). Despite popular claims, the origin of the universe is not something science can discover. For both philosophical and (ironically) scientific reasons the universe itself cannot be eternal, and the First Cause which brought the universe into existence had to be spaceless, timeless, immensely powerful, and intelligent. God fits all these descriptions. Science itself is dependent on human reason, which is fallible. It’s absurd and foolish to think we would know better than God, Who operates beyond our understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 55:8-9). We should pursue science as a means to give God glory by exercising our God-given intellect and exploring His marvelous creation. It is wicked (and ignorant) to pursue science to push the Creator out of His creation.
What does the Bible say about science regarding cloning?
Humans were given dominion over other animals, not other humans (Genesis 1:28). Part of our being made in God’s image means that God alone has the right to rule over our life. Governing authorities that help create order are not the same as manipulating the very essence of human life itself. A cloning process used on animals for various benefits would be acceptable because it would be in keeping with our God-given position to rule over the animal kingdom. A cloning process for humans would not be ethical because now we would be manipulating (taking dominion over) human life itself and it would violate God’s intended design. Child-bearing was God’s blessing for marriage (Genesis 1:28) and children were meant to have parents. Cloning humans would deprive a child of these things
What does the Bible say about science regarding evolution?
From the beginning, God revealed the limitation of biological reproductive systems. Each animal reproduces after its own kind (Genesis 1:11-25). It’s a common assertion for an evolutionist to point out the genetic variations observed within a species and then extrapolate their conclusion that all life must have evolved from a common ancestor. First, it should be noted this is not a scientific statement because we have never observed one kind of animal evolving into another kind. If anything, we observe the limitations of genetic variation because the genetic changes we witness are always confined within the kind of animal in which they occur.
What does the Bible say about science regarding genetic alteration?
The same bioethical principle for cloning also helps shed light on this topic. We should first consider the fact that Jesus Himself healed people from their infirmities and physical ailments (Mark 3:10; Luke 13:11-13). Excluding the use of embryonic stem cells, any genetic manipulation which helps restore a person to God’s initial design for the human body is ethical. However, using it to determine physical traits such as the color of our hair or eyes, would be exercising dominion over human life and is a line we should not cross.
Are Science and Religion in Conflict?
A common contention, especially by agnostics and atheists, is that religion and science are in conflict with each other. The philosophy of naturalism dominates most scientific circles these days and religion is treated as a vestigial afterthought. Often the God of the Gaps argument is set forth as proof religion denies science. This argument posits any natural event we don’t understand is the direct result of God working and cannot be explained naturally. People who have held to this misguided view of God and His creation, believe God operates supernaturally in the gaps of our knowledge about the universe. This idea echoes the ancient polytheistic religions that designated false gods as the governing authority over various aspects of the world such as the earth, sea, and sky. The Greek god Zeus is probably one of the best-known examples of this. A sweeping generalization is typically made that this primitive way of understanding the world is innate in all religions. Unfortunately, there are some well-meaning Christians who embrace this view of God. The confusion is understandable because popular scientific discussions generally come from a secular viewpoint and give the impression that science is anti-God. However, the god of the gaps does not represent the God of the Bible and sadly it has brought much public scorn on the Christian faith because the god of the gaps continues to shrink as we expand our knowledge of the universe. This false view allows atheists to feel justified in viewing God as an unnecessary attachment to a physical process already explained through science.
The truth is the Bible and science are completely compatible! The issue has never been science vs. religion. The issue is there are two competing worldviews examining the same universe.
Is Science a Gift from God?
Science is a gift from God Who is the Source of all good things (James 1:17). The fact that we can use our intellect to explore the physical world and make discoveries that improve our living conditions is not only wonderful; it’s also biblical! As referenced before, God encouraged science from the beginning. Part of our responsibility to subdue the earth would certainly include learning how to harness nature for the benefit of mankind (Genesis 1:28).
What Should We Tell People Who Say the Bible and Science are Incompatible?
All discussions of this nature must be handled with love, patience, and wisdom. It’s vital not to make assumptions about a person’s beliefs. Whenever someone makes the claim, the Bible is not compatible with science, ask them why they believe that. Don’t be hasty to jump into the problems with Darwinian Evolution or the problem of the Big Bang theory. Make a genuine effort to listen to the person so you can adapt the conversation to the individual. Ultimately, a person should be shown the problem is not the Bible vs. Science, but the problem is there are two competing worldviews that seek to interpret the same evidence; Christianity and Naturalism. Both require faith and bring their own presuppositions to the table. The difference? One heeds the infallible Word of the Creator Who was there in the beginning and cannot lie (Genesis 1:1; Hebrews 6:18), while the other heeds the words of ignorant, fallible human beings.
Evangelism lies at the heart of apologetics. The goal should always be to remove intellectual barriers (or excuses) which obstruct a person’s belief in the Gospel (2 Corinthians 10:5). Christians need to remember we are not seeking to win mere arguments, instead, we seek to win souls to Jesus Christ.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/sakkmesterke
