1/13/18 Jim 50
I was talking with Jim, yet another self-proclaimed “science guy”, and trying to explain the relationship between the Bible and science for myself as a Christian.
I am a recipient of the many benefits of man’s God-given ability to observe the natural order of creation. We have been given logic to use these observations to develop the theories and laws that are used to invent the many technologies that improve our standard of living. Science also helps us to better observe the awesome vastness and intricacies of God’s creation, and thus to increase our appreciation for it’s Creator. For these reasons I would be foolish to underestimate the importance of science in my life.
I am also the recipient of the many benefits of God’s revelation of Himself in Scripture, working through history, bringing us as people back into a right relationship with Him. The Bible is our window to God with a reflection of who we are in relation to Him. It not only tells us how we can live in a right relationship with God for eternity, but how we can live in a right relationship with our fellow human beings here and now. For these reasons I would also be foolish to underestimate the importance of the Bible in my life.
As I was talking with Jim trying to explain the relationship between the two, I realized that science does a good job of observing what exists and happens physically, much like a good movie, but it is limited in its ability to explain the inner thoughts and motivations of the characters in the story.
The Bible, as a book, can do both. We not only get the “what” and some of the “how”, but also the “why”.
I wanted to help Jim gain a better balance between the two in his life. He has come to see the Bible and science as an “either/or” contrast, rather than the “both/and” harmony that I believe it is meant to be. And, like so many people, given the apparent contrast between the two he has favored science for its immediate benefits over the long-term and less obvious benefits of faith and the Bible.
So to all those “science guys” out there, go ahead and watch the movie, but you will get so much more out of it if you first read The Book!
PS - Jim kindly allowed me to record our conversation - It can be seen at https://youtu.be/NPZ51gT1A-o on my YouTube channel.
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