Have Science and Faith

There is sign near my house that says, “Have Faith in Science.” The relationship between Science and Faith is intriguing. There is both good will and animosity between the two camps. Christians can be so cruel toward atheists and agnostics and visa versa. If you don’t believe me, watch this video of evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins reading his hate mail.

I want to make a case to people who feel far from God that Faith and Science get along well and that Faith does not defy intellect. I would argue that Faith and Science are partners and I’d like to offer a viewpoint on evidence based reasons for our faith.

But first, as a follower of Jesus, I’d like to say how embarrassed I am of hate toward atheists and taking delight in the idea of them burning in hell. I know you’re offended, but Jesus can defend Himself. Jesus didn’t act like that and neither should we. Besides, he wouldn’t die for someone He didn’t want to be with!

So, what does it mean to have faith in science? I definitely appreciate science, but we do not have to only believe in one or the other.

Where would we be without the discovery of gravity, DNA, or germ theory? Electricity keeps our homes warm and lit in the winter months and medical technology that has increased our standard of living. Science is wonderful!

Here’s where I’m going: What if scientific method is actually the heart of the gospels? Allow me to explain.

The Science Council defines science as the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world following a systematic methodology based on evidence. We seek to understand the universe based on the evidence we study and observe. Often our findings and subsequent developments are extremely beneficial to humanity.

Other times they are just plain wrong. One such discovery was the proposal of a static universe by Albert Einstein in 1917. Later the work of Edwin Hubble discredited that theory and proved that the universe is constantly expanding. Albert Einstein was brilliant, but he was also human.

Albert Einstein said this: “If something is in me which can be called religious then it is the unbounded admiration for the structure of the world so far as our science can reveal it.” He believed that science reveals natural wonders. “I want to know the mind of God,” Einstein said. “The rest are details.”

Jesus taught that He came to earth to show us the mind and heart of His Father. By knowing Him, we can know God and put our trust in Him. Faith is defined as complete trust or confidence in someone or something. How do you know in whom or what to put your faith? Are you supposed to turn off your brain and “just believe?” How much faith does it take?

Here’s the problem. The idea that science and faith complement each other is under fierce attack. For example, according to Richard Dawkins, “The less you think, the more you believe.” If someone were trying to convince me to believe in the tooth fairy, I would feel the same way as Dawkins feels about the existence of the supernatural. No wonder some philosophers portray religious people as unintelligent and lacking critical thinking.

So much murder and hatred has been committed in the name of religion and, unfortunately, many see no difference between religion and being a wholehearted follower of Jesus. Because of the atrocities committed in the name of religion, not only do people not believe in God, they don’t want to believe God. He doesn’t seem very nice. People have looked at religious institutions, rather than at Jesus, to form their opinions about God.

Dawkins also said, “Faith is belief without evidence and reason; coincidentally that’s also the definition of delusion.” That resonates with me. It doesn’t make sense to believe in fairies, elves, or unseen spiritual beings, especially if you haven’t seen them yourself. One of my agnostic friends told me that a personal relationship with Jesus sounds like having an imaginary friend. I get that.

However, let’s look at the first followers of Jesus. Rest assured that your faith is founded in an abundance of evidence. In many ways the disciples were actually scientists by definition and practice. Scientists typically have strong observational skills, curiosity, logic, creativity, skepticism, and objectivity. The disciples’ belief in Jesus was the furthest thing from blind faith. Though often skeptical, they observed over and over that Jesus was extraordinary. They watched Him cast out demons, heal invalids, restore sight to the blind, and bring dead people back to life. He spoke and nature obeyed him, including animals, wind, and sea. Then, he predicted His death and resurrection and pulled it off. There were over 500 witnesses of his life after death. From this evidence they eventually concluded that Jesus was not just a man, but that He was God. And because of that, they put their confidence and trust in Him. But, their faith took years to evolve, not to mention their front row seats for the miraculous.

Peter tested his scientific theory when he saw Jesus walking on the water. The guys were all scared because, well, people don’t walk on top of the water not to mention that it was dark outside and they didn’t recognize Him. But, when they realized that it was Jesus that they saw, the conclusion was undeniable. Jesus could walk on water, and that’s not normal! At that moment, Peter’s hypothesis that Jesus was more than just a man was put to the test because Jesus invited Peter to get out of the boat and join Him. It didn’t take faith for Peter and the other guys to observe what they saw. But, to get out of the boat on a stormy sea in the middle of the night without a life jacket and try to walk on water would take a LOT of faith. Not faith in science, because walking on water denies physical laws. Peter had to put his faith in the person of Jesus.

And so, he did. Peter got out of the boat and walked on water toward Jesus. He put his faith and confidence in Jesus and he experienced a miracle first hand. The other guys were just witnesses, but Peter experienced supernatural power in his own body. Because of Peter’s faith, all of their lives were changed. Peter ended up being killed for his beliefs because he would not take back his conclusions, deny his faith, or keep quiet about it. I am not talking about religion; I am talking about Jesus. The two are often very different.

Jesus has never asked His followers to have blind faith. Disciples of Jesus wrote down what they observed and drew conclusions. The gospels invite you to do the same by sharing the written accounts of eyewitnesses who ended up sacrificing their lives to defend their experiences. Don’t let anyone convince you that you have to choose between reality and faith. Do some research and start where you are with what you know. Belief, facts, and intellect go hand in hand, and that is good news. It is arrogant to think that we could understand everything, and it’s irresponsible not to draw conclusions from the historical evidence we know about that many believers were willing to die for. God will be patient with you because He loves you and He wants you to know Him!