Science vs Religion–the Knockout Round

The internet battle rages on. In one corner we have science, the all-encompassing study built on observations and evidence. Challenging science, we have religion, a long-standing dogmatic domain relying on faith in a higher power. These two heavyweights are not just sparring for themselves, but for the fate of the entire universe, at least if you listen to them bicker.

Is one “side” better than the other? Can both camps coexist peacefully?

It depends.

Should you choose to interpret the Bible literally, you may find little wiggle room between the Old Testament pages “In the Beginning.” On the other hand, if your mind is trained on a scientific understanding of the world around you, you will probably either refute the existence of said higher power or demur with the opinion that belief doesn’t matter.

Who’s right and who’s wrong?

In my opinion, neither. To fine-tune the debate, let us explore creationism and evolution. In the Bible we learn that God created man, and from man, he created woman for companionship. Charles Darwin, on the other hand, observed that all species are related through genetics and DNA, and that if we look back far enough, we find ancient relatives shared between species.

One common myth is that man evolved from apes. This is not a core principle of evolution. Instead, the theory of evolution posits that man and apes share a common ancestor. Indeed, the human genome shares 98% of its DNA with chimpanzees.

Can’t we reason that God created natural laws governing earth, life, and all existence? If we believe that to be true, then we must also reason that God would not choose to violate his own laws just to magic something into existence. Therefore, he created an avenue for all species to grow and adapt, otherwise known as what we call evolution. That’s my opinion, and I’m sticking with it–that is until sufficient evidence arises to add further detail or prove me wrong.

What is a theory, anyway?

Colloquially, we are used to defining a theory as a guess or assumption. In science, there’s a lot more to it. Hypotheses often take the form of a question about what scientists hope to learn about a certain unexplained phenomenon. Through observation, conducting research, and collecting data, scientists publish their findings, making them available for their peers to review and critique. If the original findings make it through the process without being proven wrong, the research becomes a scientific theory backed by hard evidence. Science might not have everything right. It corrects itself when new evidence comes to light.

Should we postulate that religion could follow the same principles and that complete understanding requires further learning based on faith-based research? In the dark ages, such a question might get you put on trial for heresy, but what if the idea is correct? God put us on this earth through his own natural process to test us, to learn as much as we can, and to grow in faith. Why then should we assume that questioning current beliefs amounts to blasphemy?

“Nothing can come from nothing,” creationists say. 

Fair point. But then where did God come from?

Science and faith can be friends if they stop trying to prove each other wrong. The Bible says that God created the earth in six days, resting on the seventh. But when he started, there was no earth, no sun, no moon–everything mankind uses to measure time. Without them, there is no point of reference for what a day really means. There could not have been a twenty-four-hour period with no earth. There could not have been a month without the moon. There could not have been a year without the sun. Can’t we then assume that the ‘days’ referenced in the Bible might be what God considers a day? For an eternal being, a day might be an eon. What if the Bible uses the word day in a metaphorical or vague sense?

The biggest problem might be taking everything the Bible says literally. I happen to believe in God and always have. The Bible was never meant to be taken literally. It is not a written history, a science textbook, or a work of fiction. It is a guidebook for how to live a live fulfilled by faith. With that in mind, does admitting that science might be just as true actually challenge your beliefs? It doesn’t mine.

It’s time for science and religion to take the gloves off, shake hands (or hug it out), and be friends. Humanity gains little in constant war.

-bm