Science vs Religion

There has been, for some years now, a conflict between science and faith. I know ... that's an understatement. Watch the TV. Read the various media. Peruse the blogs. It's more like a battle. You see, the perception is that science and faith are at odds. You can either believe in science or you can believe in religion, but you can't believe in both.

This, of course, is a nonsensical position. There are many scientists who are people of faith. Modern science itself has its origins in Christian belief that an orderly God created an orderly universe, and we ought to examine the universe to think God's thoughts after Him. Indeed, many have suggested that nature is the other revelation of God. No, not another Bible; the idea is that the heavens declare the glory of God. Oh, wait, that's not a "Christian" idea, is it? No, those are David's words in Psalm 19. Paul echoes the sentiment, assuring us that "since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made" (Rom. 1:20). So, while our best understanding of the character of God and His truth comes from the Word that He inspired, that Word also insists that we can gain much understanding of who He is from what He has made.

For some reason, faith itself has become something it was never intended to be. This, I believe, is the root of the misunderstanding. Science is the study of evidence. (I know, I know, very, very shorthand, but bear with me.) Faith, on the other hand, is "a blind leap." That's how it is perceived. You either examine the evidence and come to a conclusion, or you ignore the evidence and leap to a conclusion. Obviously these two are in opposition. So obviously you can't be a person of science and a person of faith. There are, in fact, people who will argue that reason negates faith.

The biblical version of faith, of course, isn't anywhere near this position. The children of Israel weren't capable of believing God blindly when He came to rescue them from Egypt, so He set about hardening Pharaoh's heart to give them sufficient evidence to believe He could finish the job (Rom. 9:17). When God called on them to submit to His commands, He did it based on evidence (Exo. 20:2). When Paul says that Man is without excuse, it is because of evidence (Rom. 1:19-23). Indeed, the Greek word for faith used throughout the New Testament suggests that it includes evidence. It means "to be convinced." That doesn't come without reasons.

Me? I am constantly amazed. I look around and see God in every corner. Whether it is in the amazing design of a feather or the astounding intricacies of the human brain, the bizarre balancing of rocks in nature or the power of a bolt of lightning, I see God's power and care, His design, His love, His wisdom and knowledge, and so much more. I don't see God without reason; I see Him because of reason. And everything I see gives me more reason to love and trust Him more.