Faith and Science
—Three Issues Considered.
We consider Science and Faith, addressing three issues that relate to faith and science. They are: Evidence, Essence, and Enemies.
PREFACE: Some people trust modern science and reject Jesus Christ. On the other hand, some people trust Jesus Christ and reject science. Then again, some people embrace both faith and science, on the principle that genuine science and the Bible accurately interpreted, complement each other. Keep this in mind as we study.
1 EVIDENCE.
Does faith mean belief in something for which there is no evidence?
Some eminent scientists believe in God, and some don't. Those who reject belief in God think that faith means believing in something for which there is no evidence. However the opposite is true. Faith is fully substantiated by clear evidence.
Evidence for Noah’s Faith
"By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith" (Hebrews 11:7 NKJV).
Noah had strong evidence for what he believed. He had a clear warning to heed, and a clear command to obey, which came to him from God. He experienced Paul’s maxim, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing comes by the word of God" (Romans 10:17).
In short, the evidence for Noah’s faith was the message he had received from God. There is no better evidence than a testimony from God.
Evidence for Faith Today
Likewise all who have faith in the true God and his Son Jesus Christ, have evidence from God for that faith. The Bible is God’s testimony to all men. "We accept human testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son" (1John 5:9 NIV).
Evidence for Believing the Bible
Of course those who reject God will reject his testimony, misdescribing it as mythology, and inventing contradictions. For example, they might mock the Bible's reference to a street of gold in heaven, forgetting that this is a vision. It means that those who will live in heaven will walk in righteousness (Revelation 21:21, Isaiah 26:7).
The external evidences supporting the Bible can be researched by any scientist who cares to do so. For example, there are the manuscripts; findings of sciences including archaeology; and ancient writings that quote, translate, and comment on the Bible.
The Bible itself cites external evidences. For example, "The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows his handiwork ... ¶ Since the creation of the world his invisible attributes, his eternal power and Godhead, are clearly seen, being understood by the things which are made, so that they have no excuse" (Psalm 19:1-2, Romans 1:20).
We have so far seen that the main evidence for faith is the message given us from God. We accept human testimony as evidence, but God’s testimony is greater for the very reason that it is not human testimony but the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son (1John 5:9).
Evidence for Science
Science also requires evidence, just as faith does. As the ideal method, scientists start with an hypothesis and then apply various tests to prove whether it is true or false. The findings, if robust, are then submitted to a scientific journal for independent peer review.
Unfortunately many hypotheses are misrepresented in popular media. Headline: "New evidence for life on Mars..." Report: "Certain chemicals found in Martian rocks may have given rise to life" —something like that, calling "evidence" what is merely hypothesis.
2 ESSENCE.
What is the essence of faith, the fundamental core that validates faith?
Previously we mentioned Paul’s maxim, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing comes by the word of God" (Romans 10:17).
As we have seen, the word of God is the source of our faith and it gives our faith its substance. The Word is the essence of both faith and creation. "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him..." (John 1:1-3).
The Essence of All Things
So the essence of faith is the same as the essence of everything else in heaven and earth. That essence is not particles, waves, strings, or forces. It is the Logos and the words He has spoken. He is the fundamental source and essence of the worlds, the Bible, and our faith. "For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast." (Psalm 33:9 NKJV).
"[God’s Son,] being the brightness of [His Father’s] glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high" (Hebrews 1:3 NKJV).
"15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist" (Colossians 1:15-17 NKJV).
The Spirit of Jesus pervades all reality and everything coheres in him who is the Word; the logos; the essence; "the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2).
3ENEMIES.
Are faith and science friends or enemies? Can a Christian be a scientist?
A theist believes in God; an atheist does not. So there you have a disagreement between the two —between theist and atheist, but not between faith and science.
People who believe in God can be scientists just as atheists can. Moreover true faith is a friend of true science, and always has been. After all, true science does not say, "There is no God" (Psalm 14:1, 53:1).
Scientists with faith in God may sometimes work with different hypotheses compared to those without faith.
For example scientists of faith propose that life on earth originated when God spoke into existence many forms of life that were the ancestors of all life today (Genesis 1 to 3). Scientists without faith say that it is not yet known how life came from nonliving matter.
Conclusion:
We have considered the issues of Evidence, Essence, and Enemies regarding faith and science.
- On one hand, Faith is validated by evidence in the testimony of the Word of God.
- On the other hand, Science is validated by evidence in the testing of hypotheses proving them true or false.
- The Word is the essence, of everything except evil.
- The Word is the author and finisher of the faith and of all creation.
- There is conflict between faith and atheism; they are enemies.
- There is no conflict beteen true faith and true science; they are friends.
