Science and Scripture
Beyond Belief
As we delve deeper spiritually, it’s essential to explore the concept of expanded faith beyond mere personal beliefs. James 2:19 reminds us that even demons believe in the existence of God, so today, let us strive to go Beyond Belief and nurture our faith.
In our current culture, there is growing pressure to only have beliefs that can be proven or backed up by scientific evidence. However, we must acknowledge that science is ever-evolving and often changes its position on various matters. For instance, historical scientific beliefs such as the Earth being the center of the universe have been replaced by a heliocentric model. Even the classification of Pluto as a planet has shifted over time. Recently, we have witnessed controversies surrounding Covid-19 science, highlighting the influence of politics and confirmation bias.
You may argue that confirmation bias influences me as well, and you’re right. I have an unwavering hope in my soul that emerged when I surrendered my life to Jesus. Therefore, if the latest scientific study contradicts scripture, I choose to believe God’s word. Blind faith exists on both sides of the spectrum – you either believe in creation or the creator. No one is free from their own biases; it’s a matter of choosing and acknowledging them.
However, this doesn’t mean we should disregard reason and critical thinking. While faith requires us to believe in unseen things, we can still engage our intellect and establish a solid worldview. What if science and scripture complemented rather than competed with each other? What if science told us how things work, while scripture unveiled the who and why?
It’s crucial to understand that the Bible was never intended to be a historical or scientific textbook. It is a spiritual book with references to historical and scientific events. Romans 1:20 reveals that through creation, we can perceive God’s invisible qualities, leaving humanity without excuse for not knowing Him.
Consider these thoughts for today:
Faith ventures into realms where science cannot reach. Colossians 1:16-17 emphasizes that everything visible and invisible was created through Christ, who holds all creation together. There are questions and concepts that transcend physics and enter the realm of philosophy or theology.
Our beliefs are often influenced by popular narratives or emotions. Everyone has a belief system, including atheism. However, it is important to be intellectually convinced, not just emotionally driven, about Christianity. Isaac Newton wrote, “a little knowledge leads away from God, but much knowledge leads towards Him.”
Many people struggle to believe historical accounts found in the Bible, such as Noah’s Ark or Daniel’s exile in Babylon. However, history has often corroborated Christianity’s claims, with science catching up to these events.
While science is limited to observations, faith encompasses more than what can be observed. True faith relies on confidence and assurance in what is unseen or unprovable (Hebrews 11:1-3). Apologetics shows that the foundation of our faith, Jesus’ resurrection, is solid and well-proven.
Where most of us need to develop our faith is within our daily Christian lives. Faith motivates action, shapes our worldview, and helps us navigate through uncertainties.
As discoveries are made, we see that science and scripture complement each other.
They are not adversaries but partners in yielding a more complete understanding of the world. Science shouldn’t threaten theology but ignite our curiosity about the divine. Rather than focusing solely on how the Earth was made, perhaps scripture aims to reveal the who and why.
Ultimately, Jesus is the central figure in both science and faith. John 1:1-5 speaks of Jesus existing in the beginning, giving life and illuminating darkness. The why behind creation is love, as John 3:16 testifies. To know God, we openly declare our belief in Jesus, for it is by believing in our hearts and confessing with our mouths that we are saved (Romans 10:8-10).
Throughout history, God’s Word has faced constant scrutiny but has consistently been proven to be accurate. Therefore, you can trust God’s promises.
Let us stand firm in our worship today, for faith goes beyond beliefs and trusts God in the unseen. No matter what challenges the world may throw at us, we can rely on the truth of God’s Word.