What is the Bible? I believe the Bible is inspired by God, truthful in all it teaches, and authoritative in matters of faith and practice. And you will find a similar statement in the doctrinal statements of many churches and denominations as well as for this blog.
Science, on the other hand, is “the observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena.” It is a study of the natural world—an attempt to understand how it works.
Given these two definitions, there would not seem to be much reason for conflict between the two. The Bible deals primarily with the spiritual, while Science focuses exclusively on the material world. Yet, we often find them at odds with each other.
Sources of Conflict
One reason for this is the tendency for some to use science to prove that there is no need for God. Something that it is, by definition, unsuited for. Science is limited to observation and experimentation in the natural world. But God is not a physical entity that can be subjected to scientific observation and experiment.
A second source of conflict is when the explanations given by science appear to conflict with what is described in the Bible. And this is especially true in the first few chapters of Genesis. A literal reading of the first chapter of Genesis is vastly different from the explanation given by science for the beginning and formation of the universe, the earth, life, and humanity.
Reconciliation
So, as a Bible-believing Christian, how do I reconcile the two? I will have much to say about this in subsequent posts. But I will start by saying that I believe God to be truthful. That what he teaches in the inspired words of the Bible is truthful. And what he tells us in his creation is also truthful. They do not tell us two separate stories that are at odds with each other. When they appear to be in conflict, the issue is how we interpret what God tells us in his two revelations: the Bible and creation.
There will be more posts looking at some specific areas of seeming conflict between the two. In particular, the Big Bang and Evolution.
- The Bible and Science (1/4/2025) - When the Bible and science appear to conflict, the issue is understanding what God tells us in his two revelations: the Bible and creation.
I’m looking forward to reading this (as I have much from the Clay Jar over the years). The fact that God is truthful in his inspired words and in his creation makes perfect sense. There are not two separate stories. Thank you.
You are very welcome. I hope you are not disappointed.