We thought previously (11/ 95, pg. 457) of the positive influence of the scriptures on modern science both in its method and in its practice. This article expands on this idea by reflecting on the complementary roles of the Bible and science.
Cooperation, not conflict
We have seen scripture teaches we have no right to claim any inbuilt rational insight of our own as did the Greeks. Instead we have been given God’s two-fold revelation: His words in the Bible and His works in nature. The impact of each can be tested by experience — the empirical approach.
Both are paths that can lead us to God and for this reason Bacon counseled: “Let men endeavor an endless progress or proficiency in both.”
We recall how the children of Israel were constantly reminded of the evidence of past divine intervention on their behalf and this was the compelling reason why they could trust Him in the present and future.
The Jews were to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psa. 34:8) and prove all things (1 Thess. 5:21) [the Greek word means “assay”]. Consistent with this the apostle John begins his first epistle, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life” (1 John 1:1).
We are among those who have not seen and yet have believed. We have reached our conviction based on our acquaintance with the inspired written word and its impelling message. Whether it be from scripture or personal experience or both, God invites us to a faith based on personal response.
These attitudes of searching out spiritual truth for oneself were to find their counterpart in scientific inquiry. Increasingly in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries mere theoretical speculation was being replaced by the direct evidence of the senses. Astronomical findings and the reports and specimens from the voyages of discovery clearly disproved the fanciful assertions of Aristotle.
At the same time, there was for all to see a growing wealth of evidence in nature which to religiously receptive minds showed the majesty and beauty of the Almighty’s creation. Not only did Bacon counsel thorough instruction from the inspired Word, he also commended diligent study of divine handiwork in the practice of science. But this was to be no mere academic exercise.
Scientific enterprise had two noble aims: “For the glory of the Creator and the relief of man’s estate.” This was an attempt to fulfill the dual injunction of Christ to love God and one’s neighbor as oneself (Matt. 22:35-40). Let us look at each in turn.
Science to the Glory of God
This raises the pursuit of science to the highest possible plane. Investigation becomes an act of “thinking God’s thoughts after Him” as one writer expressed it. Or as Calvin said, “Being placed in this most delightful theater, let us not decline to take a pious delight in the clear and manifest works of God.”
This aim was the driving force of many of the “natural philosophers” of the seventeenth century especially in England. To them there was a complete integration of science and religion; they would not have understood the term “conflict” applied to the relationship.
Furthermore, there was to grow a movement of “natural theology” advocated by such men as John Ray (1627-1705) and William Paley (1743-1805). Paley is the man who set forth the argument from design as a proof of the existence of God. He used the watch as his illustration. Anyone looking at the organization and complexity of a watch knows there was a watchmaker. In like manner, anyone looking at the design and organization of creation knows there is a Creator (“The Divine Watchmaker”). These men justified scientific investigation as providing convincing evidence of a divine hand.
Science for the benefit of man
Thus for many, science was being used as an act of worship. But at the same time, it was reaching out for the practical benefit of mankind.
As we found previously, the Greeks regarded manual work as demeaning and fit only for slaves. By contrast, the Hebrews were taught to see it as part of a divine requirement. This heritage was to develop into the Protestant work ethic traced back to the Ten Commandments where work is enjoined for six days followed by rest. This attitude is commended elsewhere in scripture: “If a man does not work, neither shall he eat.”
And not only was man to work, his energies were to be directed outward toward his fellows.
With the enthusiasm of the seventeenth century, elaborate research programs were proposed involving, for example, metal-working, the cure of disease, crop production and refrigeration.
Although these schemes were to prove too ambitious, the principle of utilitarian science was taken up by the Puritans. Although we would regard their lofty attempts to promote the kingdom of God on earth by merely human effort as misguided, we cannot help but applaud the nobility of their aims.
Today, centuries later, it is sad to witness the abandonment of such idealism and see so many of our resources and efforts being misdirected to selfish rather than altruistic ends. We all look forward to the time when such abuses will be swept away and God-given provisions will be used for the benefit of man under divine leadership.
The Bible and science today
In the meantime, we have the opportunity to complement the revelation of God in His words with that in His works. For indeed the two are related: “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth…For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast” (Psa. 33:6,9).
Of course, we need to discriminate between the true and the false in science just as we are urged to do throughout scripture on all matters. But we need not feel threatened by fact. By thinking on “whatsoever things are true” (whether spiritual or scientific) our faith will be strengthened.
We have a divinely ordained opportunity to learn of Him and from Him and using the knowledge in His service. We know of God’s greatness and compassion from scripture and our own experience. This is clearly supported from the evidence of His provision in the world around us.
The lesson is also clear that, just as God cares for us, it is for us to show our care for others by using the blessings of modern scientific discoveries for their benefit. Our response to the divine love must be a balance of words and works just as God’s revelation has these two aspects, neither of which we should undervalue.
As the famous physicist Sir William Bragg expressed it: “Religion and science are opposed…but only in the same sense as that in which my thumb and forefinger are opposed and between the two one can grasp everything.”
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One