God & Science

"Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind."

"Every one who is seriously involved in the pursuit of science becomes convinced that a spirit is manifest in the laws of the universe - a spirit vastly superior to that of man, and one in the face of which we with our modest powers must feel humble. In this way the pursuit of science leads to a religious feeling of a special sort, which is indeed quite different from the religiosity of someone more naive."
Albert Einstein (1879-1955), theoretical physicist, scientific genius

One definition of Creationism: Belief in the literal interpretation of the account of the creation of the universe and of all living things related in the Bible. - www.dictionary.com, www.yourdictionary.com based on Houghton Mifflin Company. 2000. The American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company.

Hence, it is compatible for one to 1) understand that the bible is not to be used as a science book, 2) know that God exists (often referred to as "having belief in God") and 3) understand and believe that evolutionary theory holds "true."

Regardless, science addresses the testable and philosophy (i.e. religion, etc.) should not be confused with this field. Amalgamating religious beliefs with scientific phenomena can be a fulfilling endeavor; however, this is not within the realm of science.

Notes on other important words:

True/truth - Scientific truth involves proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Chance events - simply implies that such events do not have a recognizable pattern. Note: The inability for humans to recognize a pattern does not explain, prove or disprove the origin of an event. Nor does it aid in the support of or rejection of God's existence. Perhaps this addresses one quotation of Einstein's, which some creationists use:

A letter to Max Born, December 12, 1926, according to Einstein: The Life and Times, p. 414. ISBN 0-380-44123-3. This quote is commonly paraphrased as "God does not play dice with the universe."

See also: Science, Hypothesis, Theory

Two more good free online dictionaries include www.thefreedictionary.com and Wikipedia.

To: Creationists (as defined above) From: one theistic evolutionist point of view:

Some creationists often have a problem with humility and humbleness. Sharing an ancestor with pongids (which people often mistakenly call monkeys) and evolving "by chance" (see above comment on chance events), should only reinforce the humility and humbleness communicated in God's Word. Consequently, this aspect of human evolution is clearly in accord with the Bible. In other words, in concert with God's Word, it is humbling to see that we have evolved in the same manner in which the other parts of His creation were created. As biologists understand, humans are extraordinary, unlike any other animal. Of course, science cannot deal with the matter of a human soul and matters of the like nature. Science cannot address things that are not testable and observable. Likewise, the Bible should not be used as any sort of science text. Since God does not change, the inability to recognize a pattern in the mechanism by which we were created, does not make Him any less or more loving, etc. Additionally, creationists need to remember not to shoot the messenger(s).

Recommendation: Understand any of one's own substantial belief(s) about evolution. Substantial belief meaning any belief that one would think about, voice or take any action with its basis. It is in everyone's best interest to hold your own beliefs based on your own thinking. Many people become atheists/agnostics due to the followers of men. God discourages blind following of others (e.g. 1 Timothy 1: 3-7 NIV) and selfish following (e.g. 2 Timothy 4:3).

Warning Against False Teachers of the Law

³As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer ⁴nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work–which is by faith. ⁵The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. ⁶Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. ⁷They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.

1 Timothy 1: 3-7 NIV

³For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

2 Timothy 4:3

Faith

Scientific evidence of God's existence is unattainable. Although critical thinking is an important message in the Bible, a clear message of the need for faith, not evidence, is expressed extensively (e.g. John 20:29).

²⁹Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

John 20:29

Miscellanea

"15 Answers to Creationist Nonsense"

Intelligent Design