-

Science & Religion:
Oil & Water?

"Science and religion? At odds by definition." That has been the underlying assumption of mainstream education, law and popular opinion for many years. True, the purview of science is limited to questions of observable fact, to cause and effect, while religion majors on life's "whys." But are the two branches of knowledge incompatible and unrelated? Or, as many believe, are they enemies?

Popular scientist Carl Sagan said, "The universe is all that is, or was, or ever will be." Yet, a rising tide of researchers--especially in the physical sciences--proclaim ample evidence for an intelligent designer, pointing from the creation to a Creator.

Physicist and Christian Richard Bube quipped, "There are proportionately as many atheistic truck drivers as there are atheistic scientists." Indeed, scientists like five-time Nobel Prize nominee and world-renowned chemist Dr. Fritz Schaefer integrate faith with scientific pursuit. In an interview with U.S. News & World Report, Schaefer said, "The significance and joy in my science comes in...discovering something new and saying to myself, 'So that's how God did it!'"

If all truth is God's truth, why should Christians worry about what science uncovers? Won't objective observation reveal whatever created order may exist in the universe? Shouldn't biblical believers in particular be at the fore, investigating "their Father's world"? We have gathered thinking from the realms of science and religion (many individuals cross over those lines) to address this abiding issue.

—Leadership University Editor/Webmaster, Byron Barlowe


Feature Articles:

Scientific Facts and Christian Faith: How Are They Compatible?
Otto J. Helweg
The causes of the science versus Christianity battle may be traced to three errors. First, the proponents on both sides often fail to define the term, "evolution." Second, both sides have failed to see science as a product of a Christian worldview. And, finally, both sides confuse the realms (limits) of science and theology.

A Scientist Reflects on Religious Belief
Dr. Allan Sandage
Observational cosmologist and astronomer at the Carnegie Institution, Sandage gets straight to the point in this interview, answering questions like: Can the existence of God be proved? Must there necessarily be a conflict between science and religion? and, Can a person be a scientist and also be a Christian?

Is Science a Threat or Help to Faith?
Dr. J. P. Moreland
Moreland, Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, responds to the question "How are we to understand the relationship between science and Christianity?" He concludes, "There is nothing wrong in principle, however, with bringing one's theology into the practice of science.... It is time for Christians to rethink these matters and allow theistic science to be a part of how they love God with their minds."

Scientists and Their Gods
Dr. Henry F. Schaefer, III
Five-time Nobel Prize nominee in theoretical chemistry and professor at University of Georgia, Schaefer is also a popular speaker. In this transcript, he presents a coterie of Christians in science and their views of faith and science.

Preserving Theology and Science Through Philosophy
Thomas J. Burke, Jr.
Abstract of a paper which concludes that, the proper solution is not to try to incorporate theology into science or science into theology, but to recapture the fully cognitive nature of philosophy. Philosophy understood as a cognitive discipline can bridge the gap between Theism and Scientific Naturalism without distorting either.

Catholic Frogs
Jean L. Bertelsen Pond
Pond challenges those on both sides of the supposed debate between science and religion--but particularly Christians--to remain flexible regarding preconceptions and Biblical interpretations so as not to pre-determine outcomes. "I suggest that it is presumptuous to claim any precise understanding of where and how God has acted in Creation."


Related Articles:

Being a Christian in Science
Rich Milne, Probe Ministries
Using Walter Hearn's book Being a Christian in Science as a basis, we will look at what scientists really do, why Christians might spend their lives in science, and what resources there are for believers who make science their chosen career.

Science and Religion
Chris Stamper
World Magazine: Despite evidence of God's creation, the newest worldview may be closer to paganism than to the Bible.

Ask the Animals
Patricia A. Mondore, M.A. and Robert J. Mondore
A view from Scripture to science: Job's injunction to investigate life and its environs not only points our focus back to God, but is also an endorsement of the scientific method. If all truth is God's truth, this makes sense.


Related Resources:

These Related Resources are part of the Real Issue, a journal of Christian Leadership Ministries (creators of Leadership U) aimed at Christian scholars. In a series of three editions on faith and science, the editors selected a broad range of topics to deal with the integration of scientists' faith with their work.

Special Edition: Faith and Science I
Real Issue, September/October 1994

Special Edition: Faith and Science II
Real Issue, November/December 1994

Special Edition: Faith and Science III
Real Issue, March/April 1995

 



We would love to get your feedback on this special focus. Please tell us what you think.

Go here to see our past Special Focus features.