Science and Truth

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32)

When it comes to understanding how Scripture and science are connected, many people simply say that the Bible is not a scientific textbook (which is true), and the Bible was not written primarily to teach us about science (which is also true). So, even if the Bible may be completely wrong when it comes to science, we can trust it when it comes to the more important questions of life and death and eternity.

That sounds good in the theory, but it is completely wrong. When Jesus was talking to Nicodemus about the physical process of birth, He makes this incredible statement, “If you won’t believe what I say about earthly matters, why would I expect you to believe what I say about heavenly matters?” It is a fair question. If I cannot rely on the Bible when it touches on any subject like history, science, morality, philosophy then how can I trust it when it comes to theology? Those are the questions I want us to consider today, specifically in the realm of science.

At its very core, science is the pursuit of truth. In fact, the word “science” comes from the Latin word “Scientia”, which literally means “truth.” Since all truth is God’s truth then there really couldn’t be and shouldn’t be a conflict between science and scripture. Jesus said something else about truth in this regard. “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32, NIV)

That is true in any area of truth. Once you know medical truth you can be set free from disease. Once you know theological truth you can be set free from heresy. Once you know spiritual truth you can be set free from sin.

The point is if there is such a thing as scientific truth and there is such a thing as scriptural truth those paths may cross each other and in fact they should cross each other, but they will never conflict with each other. They will converge into the same street called “truth.” This is the way one scientist (you may have heard of) put it, “A legitimate conflict between science and religion cannot exist. Science without religion is lame; religion without science is blind.” That scientist was Albert Einstein. Let’s not forget his words as we understand how God’s truth and science correspond.

Dear Lord, how amazing it is that your truth and your creation helps us understand science better. Help me not to be tempted to separate the two, but to study more deeply what you can teach me about this world and everything in it. In Jesus’ name, amen.