Does creation display the explanatory powers of science or the design of God? The debate between science and Christianity has been intensifying over the past decades as science continues to evolve and grow in accuracy. Unfortunately, the scientist and Christian have been set in opposition to each other. The popular narrative is that individuals must choose between having faith in the reliability of science or the claims of Christianity. But what if both were true at the same time? Instead of science and Christianity being in opposition to one another, what if they complement each other?
The only reason that science and Christianity have been in recent opposition to one another is because of the lens that science has been viewed through. Originally, the leading scientists in the world were Christian. Their objective was to uncover the beautiful creation of God so people could grow in appreciation for what He has made. Then, the mindset of scientists shifted. Science focused on removing the need for a god. The common misconception about science and religion is that if science discovers how something works than it removes the possibility and need for God. However, the existence of God is not dependent on the temporary understanding scientists have. God exists as the creator and author of all things, and this is not contingent on science. Undoubtedly, science has expanded humanities understanding of the world we live in. It is slowly demystifying the universe. As humans continue to develop their understanding of creation, it should not point away from a God. Rather, it points towards a God who set these rules of creation in motion. This is one-way humans can know that God exists. It is through the marvelous, intricate, and beautiful design of the universe that science continues to uncover. The answers of science do not remove the possibility of God but develop a need for the author of the universe.
The Bible affirms this idea of creation reflecting the beautiful design of God. Psalm 19:1 reads, “the heavens declare the glory of God and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” This shows that all of nature reveals the wonderful work of God through creation. He designed all the universe with such detail and grandeur that it should inspire awe and wonder. Science has not taken away this awe through the explanations it has created. Instead, it has merely created a new kind of appreciation for the handiwork of God. It has revealed just how detailed He made everything. Even the intricacies of the tiniest living cell demand a creator who could intentionally design and weave it together. So, will science and Christianity forever be in opposition to each other? No, science and Christianity should not be considered contradictory. Instead, both work to display how amazing the creation of God is. People should not feel the need to choose between science and Christianity. People should feel free to embrace the wonders of modern science and its developments while giving glory to the God who created everything.
Written by Luke Radtke