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Science and the evolution of Christianity - scope for understanding?
The Scopes Trial—formally known as The State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes and informally known as the Scopes Monkey Trial—was a landmark American legal case in 1925 in which high school science teacher, John Scopes, was accused of violating Tennessee's Butler Act which made it unlawful to teach evolution.[1]
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Science v Christianity - Certainly seemed to be the case (literally) in the above mentioned Scopes trial - which effectively was about the doctrine of human origin and evolution. Indeed there were two opposing sides - the scientific and Christian communities, at least that was the public view. The Christian community rejected scientists account of evolution claiming it was unbiblical. Science was wrong!
Is science wrong though? I do not believe it is.
It is some of the scientists who are wrong in their speculations. But I also believe that some in the Christian community should not discount evolution - as a process used by God. I've heard many Christians say "I don't believe in evolution", but there are valid scientific claims in Darwin's theory of evolution; some aspects of his theory were/are obviously speculative.
The creation is another issue that seemingly separates science and Christianity - how old is the universe? Is there a designer? Who created God? etc etc
It is not a case of science v Christianity - rather isn't it a case of science for Christianity? There should be scope for understanding between both communities I believe.
After all - science is only revealing what God has created.
Any thoughts on this?
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Bible-Talk on
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Hi Gary - thanks for sharing.
I don't think that science can ever contradict the bible. The science of evolution is not entirely against the bible - there are many prominent Christian (theistic) scientists who are experts in the field of evolution and present views that are compatible with the authority of the bible:
"Theistic evolution or evolutionary creation is a concept that asserts that classical religious teachings about God are compatible with the modern scientific understanding about biological evolution. In short, theistic evolutionists believe that there is a God, that God is the creator of the material universe and (by consequence) all life within, and that biological evolution is simply a natural process within that creation. Evolution, according to this view, is simply a tool that God employed to develop human life."
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
I do not think the issue is about (evolution) science - rather it is about the rogue scientists who refuse to acknowledge that God is the creator. Darwin made some valid observations/studies but he was in grave error of substituting the truth(s) of the bible (God) with some of his ideas (not observations).
I believe that every branch of science provides proof of Gods creation (design and function) - sadly, as Rita pointed out there are scientists who are blind to this truth and invent alternative suggestions; they will discover the truth when it is too late. If they could only read the Bible from the start with open hearts and minds;
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth ...................."
In Christ,
Desmond
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Permalink Reply by dean burrows on
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Actually science agriculture medicine the whole works are ffound all through scripture if we paid attention we wouldn't be destroying the world with man's so called science(quess work)
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Appreciate your thoughts Gary - I don't feel justified in discrediting (branches of) science just because some people have selfishly misrepresented data/facts to accommodate their erroneous thinking. Science is empirical proof of Gods intelligence, design and creation and I believe that science will always be supportive of God. However some scientists will not! I think Dean Burrows makes a valid point about the contribution that science makes in alliance with the scriptures. It's great to share thoughts with you Gary. Keep up the great work brother.
In Him,
Desmond
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Permalink Reply by Amanda on
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Science is empirical proof of Gods intelligence, design and creation and I believe that science will always be supportive of God
I just had a little tiny problem with that phrase. The way I see it is in order for anyone to even say that there is no God it actually would take absolute knowledge. Who has absolute knowledge? To make such a statement would mean that one would need to know all things and especially be omnipotent and omniscient…because God could actually be somewhere and they just haven’t come across Him yet.
There are things that we know to be true that cannot be proven scientifically. If the scientific method were the only method we had for proving facts, I couldn’t prove to you that I made it through this day. There is no way I can repeat the events in a controllable setting that made up my living out the hours of today.
Relying upon the empirical evidence of science as proof of God’s intelligence and creation and that science supports God…that doesn’t sound right to me. The world is real, orderly, and knowable and the universe is rational because God exists. Have you ever read More than a Carpenter by Josh and Sean McDowell?
Even if the best scientists in the world were to get together and attempt to create life in a lab just to prove that life can be created without intelligence (through evolution and no intelligent design)--well, is that an intelligent thing to do? How much intelligence would be needed to create life without using intelligence?I don't need science to prove God is intelligent. God proves His intelligence to me through His revelation and through His creation and His Word.
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Just a quick reply Amanda - I do not believe that anyone should rely on science alone to come to know of God and then on to knowing Him through the bible.
Do you think that science has any value in the case FOR God?
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Only God convinces. God draws and calls and reveals and saves. God does not need science to make a case for Him, nor do I.
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I am a great believer in science and very greatful for it.. If not for God's scientifically proven way of doing things this once aetheist would not have evolved into a now Spirit filled Christian. Thankyou Father for Your guidance in the evolution of my thought and direction.
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Hi Dean - it's so great to hear about your conversion. I certainly believe that science provides incredible and amazing ways to understand God. I love the way you mentioned evolution in your personal life (thought and direction) - great use of the word. It is great to have you here brother.
In Him,
Desmond
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Would like to add that the proper use of science is doing and fulfiling the purpose God had for us in the beginning." Fill the earth dress and keep it" Can you imagine God had commanded man to make His creation better. WOW
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Rita you have hit the nail on the head. Some people are blind. I remember as a young none believer(aetheist) my father had an accident which was suppose to have killed him. Well I told God I hated Him and if He actually was this wouldn't have happened the usual hate stuff and blame someone else stuff. Well to make things shorter my dad was home in 6 months and I was so blind it took The Lord working for another 22 years before I evolved
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Dean,
I hear you saying evolution starts with us. Great thought!
Blessings...
Rita
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