When Science and Christianity Meet - Essay Example

2 The Bible introduces the main characters in the story of creation. These are God and a man. God is introduced as the Almighty Creator with the power to speak things into existence. The creation story teaches us that man was created from soil before God breathed into him. Therefore, God is the author of creation and the source of life (Lindberg and Numbers 51). While the truth has been contested through science, the story of creation appeals to reality given its explanation of the regeneration of mankind. The Bible tells us that God was pleased with creation. The modern education system has not been able authoritatively refute that. The story explains the fall of man and the beginning of suffering. Morality is first introduced in through the fall of man when the serpent deceived Adam. The story shows that God keeps His word and promises. The life and occurrences after the fall of man set the stage for suffering. They also show why God had to redeem mankind. God introduced the Law of Moses to familiarize His nature to the children of Israel. The law revealed His preferences. However, the law never solved the problem of enmity between God and man. God had to send Jesus to come and be a sacrifice for the sin. Most of the ancient prophets left records which have been authenticated scientifically to be true. A telling example is the Dead Sea scrolls. This gives the Bible credibility and authority in the determination of the place of God in life. The story sets the stage for Godly fear in the coming generations. The creation story also teaches that man is created in the image and likeness of God. 3 The concept of God, creation and revelation suggest the attitude of God toward mankind. In creation, God is portrayed as the master willing to give to a man an ideal life. He is also explained as a disciplinarian willing to keep His Word. The concept of revelation indicates that God was willing to reappear to man through His Son Jesus Christ. The revelation of Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate sacrifice to redeem mankind back to God. The process of reconciliation happens by faith in Jesus Christ. My understanding of creation has been enhanced through the demonstration of the supernatural power of God. Life, existence and creation are a basic concern for man. Several theories have been advanced to explain creation and existence of life. The records as presented in Genesis have a logical flow that culminates in the book of revelation. The Bible explanation of creation is detailed, logical and better advanced compared to science. This can be attributed to the fact that sections of the Bible have been confirmed to be true historical records. There is inadequate ground to consider the concept of revelation and creation to be a myth. The New Testament introduces God through the person of Spirit after the day of Pentecost. The reality of a life in Spirit after believing in Jesus makes the concept of revelation practical. The Holy Bible explains that the Holy Spirit reveals the person of God and His reality. The realities of revelation and creation continue to be felt and experienced especially to those coming to Him by faith in Jesus. Therefore, they cannot be mythical. 4 The theory of evolution and other scientific theories have been used to explain the origin of life. Evolution theory suggests that life began thousands of years ago. It suggests that complex creatures evolve over time from simplistic ancestors (Lindberg and Numbers 39). Random genetic mutation is perceived to have resulted to the species that exist on Earth today. According to the Bible, life began through creation in the garden on Aden. This means that the evolution theory seems to contradict the Biblical concept of creation. Evolution theory suggests that genetic mutations occur in the genetic codes of organisms. The resultant organisms develop adaptations in the process called natural selection. According to the Bible, the position of God cannot be contended. His role as a Creator cannot be replaced. The Bible records that God is constantly involved in the affairs of man. He is concerned with man’s welfare and draws him close to Himself by the power of love. The relationship between God and man is the heartbeat of the Holy Bible. Most of the science is seen to have been based on the Biblical worldview. Respected scientists life Isaac Newton subscribed to the theory of creation. Therefore, every scientific discovery potentially shows the enormity of God’s power through creation. Many argue that the evolution and mutations should be continuing up to date if the theory was to be believed as true (Lindberg and Numbers 17). The era of enlightenment introduced the concept of replacing God with science because of the industrialization. However, the emotional needs of man are addressed through faith in His Word. Therefore, it is in order to disregard to concept of evolution. This is enhanced by the fact that evolution deals more on history than present day realities which are addressed by the Bible. 5 It seems that God no longer reveals Himself According to science, the supernatural power of God is no longer evident. Science is being used to lift the standards of life. Miracles and supernatural occurrences rarely happen as a growing number of people continue to depend on scientific discoveries. Science suggests that if a concept cannot be explained scientifically, it does not exist. Science has been used to explain space shuttles, industrialization and globalization. The other argument states that religion is a mental creation which develops from obsession. This is explained through the argument that religious people are not open to reason. This makes them to develop radical positions for their convictions often zealously and with an extent of fanaticism. It seems that God does reveal God’s Self The holy bible records that Jesus promised to be with those who believe in Him to the end of the age. He also promised to confirm His Word with sign and wonders. The manifestation of His Word goes on through the healings that happen after the preaching of the gospel. Some healings have been confirmed by medical doctors through scientific tests. This includes people proven to have conditions and viruses like HIV have used doctor’s reports to confirm the healing power of God. God reveals Himself through dreams, His Word and trances in the modern age. Many people have encouraged God through dreams and some in the physical realm. The first argument is faulty given that science is a development of God power working through man. This is explained through authoritative scientists who attributed their discoveries to the power of God e.g. Michael Faraday and Isaac Newton. The second argument is inaccurate because many miracles have been confirmed scientifically to be true especially healings. Therefore, that refutes the theory of emotions. Works Cited Lindberg, David C, and Ronald L. Numbers. When Science & Christianity Meet. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2003. Print. Read More