Are Christianity and science compatible?
Long ago, science was strongly supported by Christianity. Many of the oldest and most prestigious universities and hospitals were founded by, supported financially, and staffed by Christian churches. In the 1600s, however, a movement started by Rene Descartes and others now dubbed the “Age of Reason” moved philosophical inquiry from “What is true?” to “What can we know for certain?” which had the effect over the next couple of centuries of moving the decider of truth away from God to the musings of man. Descartes’ now-famous “I think, therefore I am.” seemed to divide the human into the physical being and the soul, effectively allowing science to take on the study of the body while leaving the non-physical, spiritual aspects of humanity to the church.
For centuries this divide seemed to be acceptable to most until two things happened to confound this unwritten agreement. The first was the development of psychology to study and hopefully treat issues of human behavior and thought. While this was also started by those in the religious realms, it took off tremendously after being addressed by the likes of Sigmund Freud and John Watson, who looked at religious and spiritual experiences as neurotic, and obvious psychological defects. When fine investigators such as Carl Jung and William James suggested that the pendulum may have swung too far away from spirituality and that it did indeed have a legitimate place in the lives of humans, they were ridiculed as unscientific by a profession that had already heavily selected for practitioners whose spiritual beliefs ranged from atheistic to agnostic.
Even recently, studies showed that while 90% of Americans believed in God, only 25% of those who go into psychology do. Many fundamental Christians look back at science with skepticism as well. At Him & Them, we see science as a God-given tool to help us through this earthly life as a “human being.” The divide between science and religion seems nonsensical. If one looks at religion as the study of the creator, and science as the study of creation - what could be more compatible?
Our Father designed us to be curious about this universe and gave us the mental capacity to search out its mysteries. At times we have used these abilities for immense good, and, when our false selves rule, for unspeakable horror.
Science is a tool. Just like a screwdriver. When used with sound thought, it makes our life easier, and when ill intent is applied, the same screwdriver could be used to take a life. Science is neither good nor evil – it just is. Our responsibility is to seek out our True Self in Christ, and let that rule our actions. The tool of science and medicine in the hands of True Self guided individuals can be the source of great comfort and peaceful coexistence with the rest of God’s creation. We simply need to pursue the self God intends us to live.
God created us with amazing brains and gave us the sometimes gift/sometimes challenge of our minds. He also placed His spirit in us so we would all belong to the great I AM. His plan is great, and we all play a part. Sorry Monsieur Descartes, but you got it all wrong…
I AM; therefore, I think.
Peace,
Don
