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.
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