truth v. Truth

The goal of any scientist is to discover something that was once unknown. Research is the quest to understand nature a bit more than we had before, to find a new tidbit of truth that was once only a question. 

I believe that science does provide truth, but it does not provide the ultimate Truth. To quote Francis S. Collins on his experience of scientific discovery, 

“Having perceived a glimmer of scientific truth, I find at once both a sense of satisfaction and a longing to understand some even greater Truth. In such a moment, science becomes more than a process of discovery. It transports the scientist into an experience that defies a completely naturalistic explanation” 

This captures the universal desire that I believe everyone experiences - a desire for more than just the material of this world. A sense that there is something more, something above, something greater. This existential yearning is woven into the human psyche.  

I find that there is a constant, though sometimes unstated, argument between science and religion. There seems to be a misunderstanding that only one, science or religion, can be truth. But that is not the case. There is a distinction between truth and Truth.

Science provides a naturalistic truth. The truth of science comes from observable, testable and verifiable information. It strives to find the truth within the swarm of possible hypotheses to explain a certain phenomenon. These truths can then be applied in new ways to develop new technology, medicine, or theories. From these truths, our society has been propelled. From these truths, we learn about our environment. Ultimately, science’s quest is for truth - natural truth.

Religion, on the other hand, provides a supernatural Truth. When naturalistic explanations cease to satisfy, religion provides. In John 14:16 Jesus claims “I am the way the Truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.” Religion provides a greater purpose for this world - salvation, redemption, hope, love. Jesus, being beyond the natural realm, is the only provider of this kind of Truth. From these Truths we develop morality, purpose and our reason for existence. From these truths, we learn about our souls. Religion is the pursuit of truth beyond this world. 

Therefore, there is no reason that both science and religion cannot be purveyors of truth. I sometimes feel there is a distrust of science by the religious community, and those feelings are often returned by science unto religion. Both sides feel they are the only providers of truth. There does not need to be this “king of the hill” conflict. Science and religion are working towards different truths, and therefore cannot be compared. This conflict is found in no greater controversy than Evolutionary Theory… but we’ll get into that later. :) 

As Collins says in his quote, I believe that scientific truth can be a vessel into a religious Truth. Understanding the complexities of this world beckon for a greater presence. The intricacies of this universe are too dynamic to be purposeless. As I study science, I cannot help but worship its creator, and thank him for giving me the capacity to understand it all. I imagine God watching us with a smirk on his face as we tire endlessly to understand that which he created so effortlessly. I hope that one day, I will be able to claim a discovery - and one that propels his kingdom forward. 

The Language of God: An Introduction

I’ve been working my way through Francis S. Collins book The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief. About to embark into graduate school, I thought it would be a good read. So far, that has proven true. So, I thought I might blog through some of my thoughts. This will hopefully be both a way to be entertaining and thought-provoking to others as well as a form of processing what I’m reading and developing my own ideas and beliefs. 

A brief background to the book so you’re not completely lost: Francis S. Collins was the director of the Human Genome Project and an atheist-turned-Christian. He came to faith through his own investigation and questioning. The book is his thoughts on his experience, faith and beliefs as a well-established and respected scientist who also believes in God. 

Part One of his book explores “The Chasm Between Science and Faith.” He narrates his investigation into Christianity that ultimately lead him to find faith. He tackles the biggest dilemmas and questions many seekers fight when they begin to seek God - especially as a scientist. I don’t want to bore you with a summary of them...I want to get some of my own thoughts out here.

In his introduction, he says something which sums up what I feel as a devoted Christian and scientist. He says,

“God’s domain is in the spiritual world, a realm not possible to explore with the tools and language of science. It must be examined with the heart, the mind and the soul- and the mind must find a way to embrace both realms”

God exists beyond and above science. He is greater than our test tubes and pipettes. He speaks to the soul and moves in the heart. Just look at the scriptures - the delight, joy and truth found the Bible could never compare to the facts outlined in a textbook. His realm is his own. 

Yet, this is his Kingdom and his creation. I can find joy in reading a science book similar to the joy in reading the scriptures - both are revealing his character and power. As an investigator of nature, I cannot help but see God’s magnificence in his creation. His provision is evident in the mechanisms, systems and relationships that sustain nature.

To think science can be used to disprove God is a fallacy. For God and science do not exist in the same realm. Nor can science be used to prove God. Can there be traces of God’s goodness within creation? Yes. Can science be used to explore these bits of evidence? Yes. Can science be used to ultimately prove God? No. But isn’t that where faith comes in? We are meant to embrace both the supernatural and the natural, but the way we do so is different for both.

I believe that God can move in the heart in a way no amount of natural facts ever could. I believe that God has given us minds to explore, investigate and understand his world and therefore those that are gifted to do so, must. 

Therefore, I am aware that God has gifted me to enjoy and thrive in science. I hope to use the skills he has given me to understand his creation and, in doing so, work to bring his Kingdom to earth.