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.