SCIENCE AND SCRIPTURE – DO THEY AGREE?
Modern science has shaped a new earth, or so it seems, and promises next to transform the heavens. Beyond many of the fondest dreams of the past, science and technology have changed man's existence physically, socially and intellectually.
For some reason, the explosion of scientific knowledge seems to have blasted God out of the world of learning. Since many university professors seem reticent to speak of God as an Omnipotent Person, their students understandably wonder whether the mountains of data accumulated through scientific and technological advances imply the irrelevance if not the unreality of God. In the words of Dr. Elmer W. Engstrom, Chief Executive Officer of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA), himself largely responsible for the organization and management of a research and development program that led to practical television service – "We live in an age when the results of science and engineering exercise the controlling influence in all walks of life."
Yet Dr. Engstrom does not stop there. Remarkably enough, while multitudes of 20th century men and women are tempted to look upon science as a new god, and on the God of the Bible as outmoded, an impressive number of scientists – Engstrom among them – insist that it is science that is forever changing , while the God of creation is the same "yesterday, today and forever." Says Engstrom: "I accept as real God's ruling in the affairs of men and in all aspects of His creation, and I accept the validity of a scientific understanding of material things and the happenings of nature."
It is not "the scientists" as such, contrary to a widespread impression, who are debunking the supernatural; their authority as a class cannot be invoked against miracle or faith in the deity of Jesus Christ. While some philosophers – notably, naturalists in the free world as well as the dialectical materialist in the Communist world contend that the scientific way of knowing disproves and discredits a supernatural faith, some of the leading men of science have stepped forward to expose the impropriety of such claims.
"Modern science has made wonderful changes in our lives", comments Dr. James H. Shaw, associate professor of Biological chemistry at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, "But no standard for morals, no universal concern for one's neighbor, no satisfaction for the yearning human heart can spring from any amoral, impersonal body of knowledge. Science has no answer to man's dilemma."
"For me, " Shaw continues, "the answer is a personal relationship with God freely given by Him in response to faith in and commitment to the claims of Jesus Christ."
Have science and technology solved man's basic problems: The quest for ultimate truth by which to live and die, the problems of moral and intellectual corruption, of crime, war, and suffering? So asks Dr. Bodo Volkman, professor of mathematics at the Institute of Technology in Stuttgart, Germany. His reply was very pointed: "It is evident that mere scientific knowledge, however valuable, can never accomplish this. Nor do I think that religious efforts will suffice." It takes, he says, "something different from just adhering to some ethical principles or believing in some anthropocentric god. Rather I do believe in the God of the Bible as a Person, and faith in Him to me means commitment to Jesus as the Christ. Actual communication with Him changes man's life from within; it is here that the answer is waiting."
What then of the widely trumpeted conflict between science and religion, and the bold claim of Anglo-Saxon naturalists and communist atheists that belief in the supernatural is akin to faith in the pagan myths? This is not only an exaggeration and over simplification – it is a patent falsehood, and some scientists are saying so today with a directness that contrasts with the timidity even of some theologians.
British scientist Malcom Dixon, who is a reader in enzyme biochemistry at Cambridge University, from which he holds both PH.D. and Sc.D. degrees, thinks the time long overdue to "dispel the harmful idea that science is anti-Christian." He declares: "For over forty years I have been engaged in scientific research and teaching at the advanced level in Cambridge University, and I have found no reason to think that there is any incompatibility between science and Christianity. Many of the greatest scientists have been Christian believers, and I should judge that there is now in this country about the same proportion of such believers among scientist as among non- scientist."
Not the incredulity of the man of sound religious faith so much as the naivete of the naturalistic mentality established the 'great divide' between Christian belief and unbelief, emphasizes Dr. John A. McIntyre, professor of Physics at Texas A & M University. In Professor McIntyre's words: "The most distinctive characteristic of our times is the sophisticated knowledge of people in scientific and technical matters and the simultaneous ignorance and naivete concerning religious things.
The general opinion seems to be that science has replaced religion as the source of answers for human questions, so that religious ignorance is to be encouraged. Yet, how can science explain the terrible wars and persecutions of this century among the civilized nations, the lostness and boredom spreading rapidly through our materialistically affluent society, and the recent disintegration of the American family?" He continues: "As a scientist who discovered the Christian messages as an adult, I can testify to the profundity and appeal of the Christian explanation of these facts: that man is completely estranged from God and that life is empty and incomplete until he returns to God through His Son, Jesus Christ. Further, I know of no scientific facts which contradict this view."
Against naturalistic and materialistic theories of consciousness, Professor Thorson, of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, says: "As a man who works in science, I do not find Christianity in any sense outmoded. On the contrary, my experience is that a personal relationship to Jesus Christ as God incarnate in man, a relationship of trust and love, is both possible in and relevant to daily life."
The case for the reality of the supernatural and for the enduring relevance of the Christian religion is not supported only by "Western" scientists from Europe and America. In Africa and Asia as well, some leaders in scientific interest are speaking about the decisive importance of spiritual and moral priorities.
An Indian scientist, Professor H. Enock, retired department head of zoology at the University of Madras in south India states: "After more than 30 years of teaching I have had no occasion to change my view of the spiritual realm or of the mission of Jesus Christ. I have come to the settled conviction that no established fact of science contradicts the Bible."
Dr Philip Saber Saif, Egyptian researcher in the Ministry of Education in Cairo, pinpoints the crucial decision facing contemporary man this way: "In this age, when nuclear experiments threaten the world with final destruction, the only hope for humanity lies in Christianity. Our Bible does not teach scientific theory, but theological and eternal truths. God who created man has also created science. I believe that no man of science has a proper reason for not becoming a Christian on the grounds of his science." He further stated: "As Jesus refused to pursue the young man (Matthew 19:16-22) and make other terms, so today the Gospel terms cannot be lessened, cheapened or altered. Therefore, if a scientist comes to God he must come the same way as any other man. He must repent, confess his sin to God, and believe in Jesus Christ with all of his heart."
Efforts to flippantly sweep aside the Bible and the claims of Christ are not valid in the light of testimony of many prominent men of science. It now becomes a matter for the individual to seriously consider the claims of Christianity.
The Bible declares that, "The world by wisdom knew not God" (I Corinthians 1:21). It also tells us: "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." (Psalms 111:10)
"Thus sayeth the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercises loving kindness, judgment and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, sayeth the Lord." (Jeremiah 9:23,24)
We will be in prayer that you will come to the KNOWLEDGE that Jesus Christ IS the ONLY way to peace of soul, and to salvation from ETERNAL condemnation. Pray a prayer like this one, if you now know that you NEED Jesus as YOUR Savior and you now accept His death as payment for YOUR sins. Pray something like this…
Lord Jesus come into my life. I acknowledge that I am living in a manner against God, a sinner in need of your salvation. I know that you died for my sins, and I now ask you into my heart. Lord Jesus take my life and do what YOU will with it that it may glorify you. I repent of my sins, and come to you now. Thank you Jesus, for your promise that "If any man confess me before man – him will I confess before my Father."
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