Science and Faith: Enemies or Allies?

In week 2 we asked the question-

“Is there really a God?”

Of course for us the answer is a resounding YES! There were several “arguments” we used:

The Cosmological Arugment (The Argument from Cause): Everything that begins to exist has a cause. The universe began to exists. Therefore, the universe has cause - and that cause must be eternal, immaterial, powerful and personal [God}

The Teleological Argument (The Argument from Design): The universe exhibits intricate design, order and fine-tuning that point to an intelligent designer, not random chance.

The Moral Argument (The Argument from Morality): An objective moral law that transcends human opinion exists and can’t be explained by evolution or society alone - they require a moral Lawgiver.

The Ontological Argument (The Argument from Being): God is understood as the greatest possible being, and since existence is greater than non-existence, God must exist in reality.

The Argument from Personal Experience/Testimony: The transformative power of God in individual lives, and the collective testimony of believers throughout history, provides compelling evidence for His existence.

In week 3 we asked another question, “Is the universe, life, and everything we see around us a cosmic accident, a product of random chance, or the result of an intentional, perfect plan by a divine Creator?”

We touched on topics like: intelligent design, the fine-tuning of the universe, the origin of the universe, the complexity of DNA and even the age of all things.

I have thrown out a lot of science to make the case for God but that leaves us with another question…

Are science and faith enemies or allies?

The Big Idea: True science doesn’t contradict Scripture - it confirms it. See faith explains what science explores.

Colossians 1:15–17 CSB

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities— all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and by him all things hold together.

Psalm 8:3–4 CSB

3 When I observe your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you set in place, 4 what is a human being that you remember him, a son of man that you look after him?

The false fight.

For centuries, people have tried to pit science and faith against each other.

Though there isn’t a specific finding or event that changed things. The transition from a religious to a more scientific worldview progressed through several key stages in Western history:

6th–17th Centuries (Scientific Revolution): Modern scientific practices emerged through the work of figures like Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton. Most of these thinkers were devout Christians who saw their work as unravelling "God's plan" for a rational natural world.

8th Century (The Enlightenment): Philosophers like Immanuel Kant and Jean-Jacques Rousseau began arguing that science and religion were separate domains that should be kept apart. During this time, scientific authority began to displace religious authority in explaining the physical world.

Late 19th Century (The "Warfare" Model): The idea of an inherent conflict between science and religion gained major traction after the publication of Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species in 1859. This period saw the rise of the "Conflict Thesis," which framed religion as a primitive belief system that would inevitably yield to scientific rationality.

20th Century to Present: The "secularization thesis"—the idea that modernization leads to an inevitable decline in religion—gained prominence in the 1950s and 60s but was sharply criticized by the 1980s as global religious movements remained vibrant.

The issue is in the questions. Science and Scripture answer different questions.

Science asks: HOW does it work?

Faith asks: WHY does it exist?

If we can keep those questions in their right places, conflict disappears.

The other big issue is the base on which the question is built. Many claim we have to take a creator like God out of the equation. If God must be removed then science will always look for a natural way to explain its findings.

Methodological Naturalism - many modern scientists operate under this. It doesn’t necessarily say that God doesn’t exist; rather, it’s a self-imposed boundary for the “scientific method.”     The Logic: Science relies on repeatable experiments and peer review. Because a supernatural being is, by definition, outside the laws of nature and cannot be "controlled" in a lab or predicted by a formula, scientists exclude "divine intervention" as an explanation for data.

Philosophical Materialism - This is the belief that  the physical world exists. A scientist who holds this view would say that because God cannot be measured, God is not real. This is where the "clash" usually happens. Many philosophers argue that this is no longer "science," but a philosophical stance or even a type of faith in itself.

The “True Scientist” Perspective - a “true scientist” should be open to all possibilities. Historically, many of the greatest scientists felt the same way:

Sir Isaac Newton viewed his discovery of gravity not as a replacement for God, but as a way to understand the “mathematical language” God us to create the universe.

Sire Francis Bacon: The father of the scientific method famously said, “A little philosophy inclineth man’s mind to atheism, but depth in philosophy bringeth men’s minds about to religion.”

The Agnostic View: Many scientists remain”agnostic,” arguing that since science can neither prove nor disproves a creator, the only truly scientific position is to remain open but focus their actual work on what CAN be measured.

The reason science usually excludes God isn't necessarily a dismissal of the possibility, but a matter of utility :

Testability: If a bridge collapses, a scientist can't just say "God willed it" and stop there. They have to find the structural flaw so they can build a better bridge next time.

The “God of the Gaps” Problem: Historically, when people used God to explain things they didn't understand (like lightning), science eventually found a physical explanation (static electricity). Scientists are wary of using God as a "placeholder" for knowledge they haven't discovered yet.

As Christians we shouldn’t fear discovery because every new discovery only serves to reveal more of God.

Christ is the Center of Creation.

Remember that Colossians tells us that everything, from galaxies to gravity, only exists through Jesus and for Jesus.

Laminin is a large, multi-domain glycoprotein that serves as a primary structural component of the basement membrane in animal tissues. Often called the "glue" of the body, it plays a vital role in holding cells and tissues together by facilitating cell adhesion, differentiation, and migration.

Structurally, laminin is a  composed of three distinct chains—alpha, beta, and gamma—that are joined together by disulfide bonds. In standardized scientific diagrams and specialized microscopy, this arrangement typically forms a cross like shape.

This is an image of laminin - to be fair, it is flexible and sometimes when viewing through a microscope is actually looks more folded that this…

Science explores the physical forces that keep the universe stable. Scripture says Jesus Himself is the One holding it together.

A great analogy is an orchestra. An orchestra can’t tune itself. It takes one person (usually the first chair oboe) to play an “A” note. The orchestra then tunes in waves to ensure everyone can hear their own instrument clearly(this is order). Woodwinds and brass for first followed by strings. Finally, if a piano is being used the entire orchestra (including the oboe) will tune to the piano’s “A” because the piano’s tuning is fixed and cannot be changed. Science can describe the pitch and physics, but someone must conduct the music — and Christ conducts the cosmos. Scientists analyze the notes, but faith listens for the Composer. The score (the laws of physics) is incredibly complex and beautiful, and the fact that the orchestra (the universe) plays in harmony, without collapsing into discord, is a testament to the Composer's genius and the Conductor's continuous guidance.

Science Reveals God’s Wisdom, Not His Absence.

The more we learn about creation, the more in awe of God we should feel.

The Milky Way contains 100 billion stars.- A single human cell holds 3 billion letters of genetic code. - Light travels 186,000 miles per second—and God spoke it into being.

David didn’t have a telescope, but he looked up and said, “What is man that You are mindful of him?”

True science humbles us before a wise, immense, and personal Creator.

Many astronauts, upon seeing Earth from space, have reported a profound sense of the fragility and preciousness of life, and a renewed sense of spiritual wonder, often leading to deeper faith or a search for meaning. When Apollo 8 astronauts saw Earth rise over the moon in 1968, Commander Frank Borman read Genesis 1:1–10 live over broadcast. The sight of creation led them to worship, not disbelief.

This firsthand experience of the "big picture" often strips away the mundane and reveals the miraculous.

Awe-Inspiring Discoveries:

The Human Brain: Beyond the genetic code, consider the complexity of the human brain. It's the most complex object in the known universe, with billions of neurons and trillions of connections, capable of consciousness, abstract thought, creativity, and spiritual awareness. The sheer computational power and intricate wiring of the brain, allowing us to ponder the universe and our Creator, is a profound testament to intelligent design.

The Water Cycle: A seemingly simple process, yet incredibly vital and perfectly designed. Water evaporates, forms clouds, precipitates as rain or snow, and flows back to oceans. This continuous, self-sustaining cycle cleanses the atmosphere, distributes fresh water, and supports all life. It's a perfect example of a system designed for life.

Symbiotic Relationships in Nature: The intricate interdependencies between different species (e.g., bees pollinating flowers, gut bacteria aiding digestion) demonstrate a web of life where each component plays a crucial role. This interconnectedness points to a master planner who designed systems to work together harmoniously.

Astronomy advancements in 2026, via the James Webb Space Telescope's latest images, have uncovered exoplanets with Earth-like atmospheres, highlighting the universe's vastness (over 2 trillion galaxies observed). Yet, Earth's unique position in a "quiet" galactic zone allows for stable life, evoking humility and wonder—science reveals this immensity, confirming the Psalmist's awe at God's mindfulness of humanity.

Conflict Arises When We Worship the Wrong Thing.

Science becomes an idol when it replaces God rather than reveals Him.

Romans 1:25 CSB

25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served what has been created instead of the Creator, who is praised forever. Amen.

This is the core of the conflict. When science, a tool for understanding creation, becomes the object of worship or the sole arbiter of truth, it has overstepped its bounds.

Scientism: This is the belief that science is the only source of knowledge or that scientific methods are applicable to all fields of inquiry. It's a philosophical stance, not a scientific one, and it's where the conflict often arises. It attempts to answer "why" questions with "how" answers, leading to an incomplete and often unsatisfying worldview.

Any good thing (including science) can become an idol if it takes God's rightful place in our lives. When we elevate human reason or scientific discovery above the Creator, we lose sight of the ultimate source of truth and meaning.

If you stare at a painting and conclude, “No artist made this,” you’re not scientific—you’re stubborn. A true art critic doesn't just analyze the paint and canvas; they seek to understand the artist's intent, message, and genius. To ignore the artist is to miss the deepest meaning of the art. Similarly, to study creation without acknowledging the Creator is to miss the deepest meaning of the universe.

“Science can tell us how the heavens go, but not how to go to Heaven.” — Galileo (attributed)

Faith and Discovery Belong Together.

Christian history is filled with scientists whose faith drove their curiosity:

Johannes Kepler - Astronomy: “I was thinking God’s thoughts after Him.” - “To want to know the works of God is to apply one’s mind to His creation.”

Isaac Newton- Physics, Mathematics: “Gravity explains the motions of the planets, but it cannot explain who set them in motion.” - “The most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent Being.”

Louis Pasteur – Microbiology - “A little science leads you away from God, but a lot of science brings you back.”

James Clerk Maxwell – Electromagnetism - Inscribed Romans 1:20 (“20 For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made. As a result, people are without excuse.”) over the entrance of his laboratory.

Dr. John Lennox (Oxford Mathematician) “- The more we get to know about our universe, the more the hypothesis that there is a Creator gains in credibility"

Dr. Jennifer Wiseman (NASA Astrophysicist) - Studies star formation:” The universe is not only consistent with belief in God, it's revelatory of God"

Over half of practicing scientists in the U.S. today believe in some form of deity or higher power (Pew, 2015).

The field of Intelligent Design continues to produce peer-reviewed work suggesting that information in DNA, system interdependence, and irreducible complexity point toward purpose.

Modern discoveries support Scripture’s framework:

Astronomy - Universe had a beginning (Big Bang implies "Let there be light") - Gen. 1:1; Isa. 45:12

Physics - Universal laws constant and orderly - Jer. 33:25 — “the fixed order of heaven and earth”

Biology / Genetics - DNA carries precise information like language - Psalm 139:13–16 — “You knit me together”

Hydrology - Water cycle described poetically in Scripture - Job 36:27–28 “27 For he makes waterdrops evaporate; they distill the rain into its mist, 28 which the clouds pour out and shower abundantly on mankind.” ; Ecclesiastes 1:7 “7 All the streams flow to the sea, yet the sea is never full; to the place where the streams flow, there they flow again.”

Meteorology - Jet streams, evaporation, and weather cycles now understood - Amos 9:6 — “He calls for the waters of the sea…”

Geology / Cosmology - Earth uniquely fit for life - Isaiah 45:18 — “He formed it to be inhabited.”

The Christian Mandate for Discovery:

Dominion (Genesis 1:28): God commanded humanity to "fill the earth and subdue it." This implies a mandate to understand, explore, and responsibly manage creation, which includes scientific inquiry.

Glorifying God: When we discover new wonders in the universe, we are discovering more about God's infinite wisdom, power, and creativity. This should lead to worship and praise.

“ Faith explains what science explores." Faith provides the framework and purpose, while science provides the detailed exploration of that framework.

Practical Applications

Adopt a “Student” Mindset. Fear often comes from feeling like we have to be experts in biology or physics to defend our faith… We don’t. Ask questions. By being a “humble learner” we lower the other person’s defenses and show that our faith isn’t fragile or threatened by new data.

Distinguish Between “Data” and “Interpretation”. Many conflicts aren’t actually about scientific facts; they are about the philosophical story people tell about those facts. The data may say the universe is 13.8 billion years old, Scientism may interpret that data and conclude” there is no purpose to human life.” We can agree with the data while gently challenging the interpretation. In this case we may not fully agree with age of the universe but we can acknowledge that possibility but more concerning is the conclusion that humanity has no value. Say, “I can see the evidence for the age of the universe, but I don’t think that necessarily means our lives are an accident. Why do you fell those two things have to go together?”

Use the “Doxological” Lens. When you see a high-resolution photo from the James Webb Telescope or an electron micrograph of a cell, let your first reaction be, “Wow, God’s handiwork is even more intricate than we thought.” This tell others that science doesn’t “shrink” God; it makes Him appear even more magnificent. It moves the conversation from - Science vs. God to Science as a map oof God’s creativity.

Lean on “Intellectual Humility”. The greatest scientist are often the most humble because they know how much they don’t know. As Christians, we should be the same. The best this you can say is, “I don’t have all the answers for how that fits with my theology yet, but I’m not afraid to look at the evidence with you.” This removes the “us vs. them” wall. It show that we value TRUTH above ‘being right”.

Science is the process of tracing the fingerprints of God across the canvas of the universe. When we look through a microscope at the cross-shaped laminin holding our cells together, or through a telescoope at the vastness of the cosmos, we aren’t finding reasons too doubt. We are finding reasons too worship. Science gives us the description, but only Christ gives us the definition. Le us not fear discovery, but let’s pursue it, knowing that every layer of truth we peel back only reveals a more magnificent Creator.

The Objection - The "Common" Perspective - The Christian Response

The "Stop Sign" - - Using "God" as an answer makes scientists lazy and stops further research.- Knowing God is rational is actually what drives us to discover the laws He set in motion.

The "Whose God?" - If we allow faith in science, whose religion gets to set the rules? - Science is a "neutral" tool we use to study the creation, while faith tells us about the Creator.

The "Shrinking God" - Science is slowly explaining away things we used to attribute to God (the "Gaps"). - We don't find God only in what we don't know; we find Him in the incredible order of what we do know.

The "Bias" Trap - Religious people will ignore data if it contradicts their specific interpretation of the Bible. - All truth is God’s truth. We don't have to fear the data; we just seek to understand it rightly.

The "Test Tube" - If you can't measure it or see it in a lab, it isn't a fact and doesn't belong in science.- Science is for measuring the physical; Faith is for understanding the purpose and the Metaphysical.