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Science and Religion: Oil & Water? |
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These are links to articles and essays which appear elsewhere on the Internet. This material is NOT on our website. Because the Academy lists material from other websites on the Internet does not imply acceptance or approval of the comments or opinions expressed by the author of the material. Nor is the Academy responsible for any misrepresentation of the facts included. It is your job to be a critical reader. Introduction and resources by Byron Barlowe, Editor/Webmaster, Leadership University Science and religion are almost universally portrayed as mortal enemies or at least as incompatible means to explain the universe. But is this popular notion just a myth? Get viewpoints from scientists and theologians themselves. "Science and religion? At odds by definition." That has been the underlying assumption of mainstream education, law and popular opinion for many years. True, the purview of science is limited to questions of observable fact or the effects of observables, to cause and effect, while religion majors on life's "whys." But are the two branches of knowledge incompatible and unrelated? If so, does this mean that they are enemies, as many believe? Popular scientist Carl Sagan said famously, "The universe is all that is, or was, or ever will be." Yet, a rising tide of researchers -- especially in the physical sciences -- proclaim ample evidence for an intelligent designer, pointing from the creation to a Creator. While this ties an intelligent agent to the natural world, it does not make the leap of tying this creator to the revealed Creator of Bible -- that is outside its purview and stated goal. That would be improper representation of supernaturalism, according to the thinking of Stephen M. Barr, featured below. Barr maintains that, "Supernaturalism is out of place in physics, astronomy, chemistry, or botany. However, it is necessary in anything that touches upon the nature of man, for man is made in the image of God." Barr maintains that the so-called war between science and religion is actually ongoing disagreement between religion and materialism. Physicist and Christian Richard Bube quipped, "There are proportionately as many atheistic truck drivers as there are atheistic scientists." Indeed, it seems that an increasing number scientists, like five-time Nobel Prize nominee and world-renowned chemist Dr. Fritz Schaefer, integrate faith with scientific pursuit. In an interview with U.S. News & World Report, Schaefer said, "The significance and joy in my science comes in...discovering something new and saying to myself, 'So that's how God did it!'" For skeptics, is holding unwaveringly to materialism not a bascially religious commitment? If indeed there is more to the world than what can be quantified and examined by science, then is science's perspective authoritative -- even on matters of science? For believers, if all truth is God's truth, why should followers of biblical religion worry about what science uncovers? Won't objective observation reveal whatever created order may exist in the universe? Shouldn't biblical believers in particular be at the fore, investigating "their Father's world"? We have gathered thinking from the realms of science and religion (many individuals cross over those lines) to address this abiding issue. Featured Resources Retelling the Story of Science, by Professor Stephen M. Barr Science is not in conflict with religion. Materialism is, with its "tendentious reading of scientific history" and agenda to rid mankind of religious superstition (read: supernaturalism) and mystery. Barr convincingly compares the ancient pagan, who elevated the material to the supernatural, with the materialist who lowers the supernatural to the material--with the same result. A broad and clear assessment of a confusing topic. Scientific Facts and Christian Faith: How Are They Compatible?, by Otto J. Helweg The causes of the science versus Christianity battle may be traced to three errors. First, the proponents on both sides often fail to define the term, "evolution." Second, both sides have failed to see science as a product of a Christian worldview. And, finally, both sides confuse the realms (limits) of science and theology. Is Science a Threat or Help to Faith?, by Dr. J. P. Moreland Moreland, Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, responds to the question "How are we to understand the relationship between science and Christianity?" He concludes, "There is nothing wrong in principle, however, with bringing one's theology into the practice of science.... It is time for Christians to rethink these matters and allow theistic science to be a part of how they love God with their minds." Scientists and Their Gods, by Dr. Henry F. Schaefer, III Five-time Nobel Prize nominee in theoretical chemistry and professor at University of Georgia, Schaefer is also a popular speaker. In this transcript, he presents a coterie of Christians in science and their views of faith and science. The Democratization of Science, by Brian Harvey Harvey argues that what Americans deem 'science' is increasingly subject to popular arbitration, which scientists decry, while simultaneously wanting to protect science from popular scrutiny. Scientists and their apologists seem neither to question their own rational presuppositions nor to allow for it by others, especially the religious non-scientist. "...In matters of religion and science populism expropriated the Cartesian method of radical doubt and elevated it into an art form." Preserving Theology and Science Through Philosophy, by Thomas J. Burke, Jr. Abstract of a paper which concludes that, the proper solution is not to try to incorporate theology into science or science into theology, but to recapture the fully cognitive nature of philosophy. Philosophy understood as a cognitive discipline can bridge the gap between Theism and Scientific Naturalism without distorting either. Aquinas and the Big Bang, by Professor William E. Carroll "Too often contemporary discussions about the relationship between science and religion suffer from an ignorance of history, and our question is an example." Carroll attempts to reconcile Big Bang cosmology with the doctrine of creation by hearkening back to Aquinas's distinction between creation and change. "Aquinas developed an analysis of the doctrine of creation ex nihilo that remains one of the enduring accomplishments of Western culture. His analysis provides refreshing clarity for our often confused contemporary discussion of the relationship between science and religion." Science and Religion, by Chris Stamper World Magazine: Despite evidence of God's creation, the newest worldview may be closer to paganism than to the Bible. Catholic Frogs, by Jean L. Bertelsen Pond Pond challenges those on both sides of the supposed debate between science and religion--but particularly Christians--to remain flexible regarding preconceptions and Biblical interpretations so as not to pre-determine outcomes. "I suggest that it is presumptuous to claim any precise understanding of where and how God has acted in Creation." Scientists of Faith Speak A Scientist Reflects on Religious Belief, by Dr. Allan Sandage Observational cosmologist and astronomer at the Carnegie Institution, Sandage gets straight to the point in this interview, answering questions like: Can the existence of God be proved? Must there necessarily be a conflict between science and religion? and, Can a person be a scientist and also be a Christian? Being a Christian in Science, by Rich Milne, Probe Using Walter Hearn's book Being a Christian in Science as a basis, we will look at what scientists really do, why Christians might spend their lives in science, and what resources there are for believers who make science their chosen career. Why I am a Christian, by Professor Henry Margenau Physicist Henry Margenau gives a deeply moving and intriguing account of his journey of faith, through upbringing in World War I Germany through many answered prayers to his exalted positions in physics and other disciplines(the first time he has done so in a public forum). From the first of three Truth Journal editions. Why I am a Christian, by Professor David Martin Martin provides a brief but lucid essay that takes into account science's limited approach to the transcendent while appreciating the aura of existing as a whole person. God cannot be proved and we are not simply "faulty computers more or less capable of logic and scientific inference. We are aware of the world as miracle and of transforming experiences which constantly point beyond themselves." Belief in the Christian story of redemption makes sense. The above information is courtesy of Leadership University, part of the Telling the Truth Project: Telling the Truth at the speed of life! |
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