What Happened Last?

July 2005

The Bible and Science - What do we make of it?

The realm of science seems to be an almost permanent battle ground where secular and religious world views clash and come to blows. In fact, even different schools of interpretation and traditions within Christianity seem quite capable of falling out over the implications of scientific theories and discoveries. Does this mean that the earnest seeker after spiritual truth should steer well clear of science and all its works? Can anyone hold true to a faith position and maintain scientific integrity?

These were the issues explored in the Galilee seminar in July. Paul Wilson presented a panorama of the history of science, pointing out the flash points where church authorities have been outraged by breakthrough steps in thinking and have contended hard to defend established views. What is also clear is that of the objects of this opposition were often men of genuine faith, seeking to explore and understand a world God has made.

Discussion ranged over ideas (and their inadequacies) such as “the God of the Gaps”, where God is factored in to fill the holes left by science, and God as the watchmaker who established the mechanisms of the universe but no longer intervenes or participates in its workings. Many of the issues appear to surround understanding different facets to “truth” which are to be approached and understood in different but valid ways. The scientist should ask honest questions and let the principles of science guide him or her, in integrity, to the answers, even if those answers then pose some further challenges. The person of faith seeks to understand the God of the same universe using the tools and techniques of spiritual enquiry, drawing on the wisdom and insight of those who have gone before. Many find themselves involved in both quests.

This was not a evening that provided the last word on controversies old and new. However, it was a call to think about how we think about big questions and a major encouragement that science and faith can both be embraced with integrity as part of a single enterprise – the quest for truth.

Chris.