How to Use the Bible to Guide Science Study

Faith in the Bible benefits from critical thinking and scientific reasoning.

Science and faith have stood through history as seemingly opposing forces. But where they intersect, it is possible to unveil new, deeper discoveries of truth, both spiritual and scientific. Many prolific scientists have spoken about the reconciliation of their faith with the analytical study of the world and universe in which we live. Dr. Francis Collins, former director of the Human Genome Project, wrote that he sees the complexity of nature and the human body as "a reflection of God's plan." "The God of the Bible is also the God of the genome," Collins wrote in a CNN-published commentary on faith. There are opportunities to study scientific principles under guidance from faith and the Bible. In fact, under the same inquisitive lens, both science and faith stand to gain from one another.

Instructions

1. Take into account that the Bible and science have more similar qualities than is often realized. For example, both the text of the Bible and the study of scientific evidence are easily misinterpreted. Marshall Shelley, editor of Leadership Journal, a magazine for pastors, offers this guidance: "Remember this saying of the early church: 'All truth is God's truth.' That means that if we understand the Bible correctly, and if we understand scientific data correctly, they will not contradict each other. God is the author of both scriptural truth and scientific truth."

2. Check out resources specifically geared toward cross-disciplinary study of science and the Bible. Online, the Counterbalance Interactive Library is a good starting point for serious inquisitors, and it includes in-depth analyses and viewpoints from scientists.

3. Study scientific projects that work to discover more about the historical world of the Bible. Modern scientists and archaeologists are discovering new insights that apply to the ancient holy land and biblical scenarios. While scientific studies may sometimes seem to contradict a biblical passage or statement, that does not mean an acceptance of scientific fact should discredit the Bible's spiritual message. Part of the mystery of faith is belief, even where reason falls short. Interpreting the Bible with respect to scientific discovery leads a person closer to a whole picture of truth.

4. Remember that critical thinking and reasoning can only strengthen a foundation of faith in the Bible. Many of the world's great philosophers used serious critical inquiry and reason to arrive at faith in God.

5. Look at the ways science and faith complement each other. Where the Bible leaves off, science picks up, and vice versa. Science can explain the physical laws that govern the universe, but it cannot answer fundamental philosophical questions about the meaning of life or death. Christian believers turn to the Bible for answers about such questions.

6. Allow the study of science to deepen an understanding of God and the Bible. Knowing more about the complexity of the Earth and universe can lead to a greater appreciation of God's works and the wonder of creation.

References

• CNN: Why This Scientist Believes in God; Dr. Francis Collins; April 3, 2007
• "The Oxford Companion to the Bible"; Science and the Bible; André L. Goddu
• "Christian History"; The Christian Face of the Scientific Revolution; Chris Armstrong; 2002
• "Lutheran Education"; Reflections on Science and Faith in a Parish; Richard Gotsch; 2001
• "Campus Life's Ignite Your Faith"; Faith Q&A: Bible vs. Science; Marshall Shelley; 2006

Resources

• Counterbalance Interactive Library
• "The Seven Pillars of Creation: The Bible, Science, and the Ecology of Wonder"; William P. Brown