In a recent post, we discussed that science and theology should be partners, not enemies. Nevertheless, some scientists and theologians disagree on key issues. How, then, do we find a resolution when certain scientists present evidence that appears to conflict with Christian teaching?
As Christians we believe that there cannot be any real or final conflict between theology and science, because God is the author of both the “book of Scripture” and the “book of nature.” If there is a conflict between certain theologians and certain scientists, it exists because of human error in interpreting Scripture or interpreting nature.
In other words, there will sometimes be disagreement between theologians and scientists, but there will never be disagreement between God’s two books (Scripture and nature).
Theologians and scientists may disagree, but Scripture and nature won’t.
In light of these convictions, I offer three principles to resolve the disagreements that sometimes exist between theologians and scientists. These three principles are modified from an article written by the Christian philosopher Norman Geisler:
1. Either group (theologians or scientists) can err. For that reason, either group should be open to correction.
Both theologians and scientists have made mistakes. On the one hand, centuries ago many theologians thought that the Earth was square, based on biblical texts referring to the “corners” of the Earth. However, scientists have demonstrated beyond doubt that the world is not square, and theologians now realize that the biblical authors used “corners of he Earth” language metaphorically.[1]
On the other hand, decades ago many scientists thought the Earth was eternal. However, most scientists now believe in the “Big Bang” theory, which explains that the universe is expanding outward from a point of “infinite density” (which is as close scientific language can come to saying that it appeared out of nothing).
2. The Bible is not a science textbook.
Scripture does make statements that can be investigated and either affirmed or denied by scientists. However, it does not use technical scientific language and it does not give scientific theories. Instead, it uses language that would be accessible to persons who are observing the world from an ordinary human standpoint.
When Scripture is interpreted correctly in this manner, we see that God’s written Word does not conflict with science in any real or final manner. Any disagreement we find should be located in human interpretive error, rather than in any real conflict between God’s two books.
3. Science is constantly changing.
One generation of scientists might argue that the universe is eternal, while the very next generation argues that the universe emerged from a point of infinite density and therefore had a beginning. For this reason, Christians should be careful not to hurriedly revise a traditional interpretation of Scripture in order to satisfy the demands of contemporary scientists.
Conclusion
God’s revelation of himself gives Christians deep motivation to embrace the sciences and do excellent work in them. Viewed from a Christian perspective, science is the discipline of studying the good world that God has given us.
Yes, scientists and theologians will occasionally disagree. But rest assured that nature and Scripture won’t.
This post is adapted from Dr. Ashford’s new book, Every Square Inch. Details>>
[1] For a fascinating treatment of this historical debate, see Kenneth D. Keathley, “Flat or Round? The Sixth Century Debate,” in Intelligent Design: William A. Dembski and Michael Ruse in Dialogue, ed. Robert Stewart (Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2007), 196-209.
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2019-01-23 06:00:38
Is It Possible to Reconcile Faith and Science? 4 Helpful Articles to Start the Conversation | Intersect
[…] What Should You Do When Scientists and Theologians Disagree? […]
2019-01-23 18:13:25
James
Scientists and Theologians cannot disagree. A real scientist is someone who by definition bases their principles on observable evidence and objective experimentation. Scientists, that is, real scientists, cannot disagree with theologians because real science ultimately proves the same thing that theologians believe - the existence of a Creator God. Conversely, today's "scientists" are not by definition scientists at all. They are philosophers. Real science proves the opposite of what these "scientists" believe. However, if you are referring not to real scientists, but to the atheist philosophers who call themselves scientists, then that is a completely different story. Atheist philosophers who masquerade under the title "scientist" - a misnomer, because they are by definition philosophers and not scientists - can never agree with biblical theologians. This is because the atheist "scientists" are effectively by definition anti-theologians. Being an atheist, the belief is that there is no God. It is not a battle of science against religion; that is only the claim, and it is a false claim. Rather, what it is, is a battle of anti-theology (atheism) against theology. By definition, an atheist cannot agree with a theist (theologian). By definition, an atheist must take the view of the absence of God, and a theist or theologian much take the view of there being a God. If an atheist ever does doubt their atheism, then they are no longer an atheist, they are an agnostic. n which case, they are no longer a "scientist" (aka atheist philosopher living in outright denial of truth and scientific evidence). However, if they admit any point about God, then they are no longer an atheist, they are a theist. In truth, real scientists who actually base their principles on scientific facts, (which are not found in almost any "science" textbook), would have a hard time ever disagreeing with theologians - that is, about our observable universe, assuming that the theologian is basing their views solely on biblical principles. This is because true science is in full and total agreement with the Bible.