Aaron Dees: Compatibility of Science and Scripture on the Origions of Life

Science and Christianity have coexisted in harmony; however today, a large population of scientists considers religion a hindrance to science and in particular, the Christian community sees science as incompatible with true belief. This divide is evident when scientists and Christians discuss genesis accounts. Scientists argue that the world and scientific evidence prove a genesis contrary to that of the Christian scriptures. The Christian community argues that the scientific findings are not harmonious with Genesis. Contrary to these popular beliefs, science and orthodox Christianity are compatible, just as they were in the past, especially concerning Darwinian evolution and creationism.

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Permalink Reply by Nathan Winters on October 20, 2011 at 10:47am
Aaron, you've torn off a big bite with this topic -good!   My own experience in conversation with a fair number of Christian scientists, including PHDs at multiple Christian liberal arts colleges, is that traditional Christian views -a literal 6day/24 hour creation account in particular- are regularly dismissed, if not deliberately belittled.   Regardless your findings as to compatibility I'm hoping you will address at some point the attitudes with which we offer our convictions!
Permalink Reply by Anne Reeve on October 20, 2011 at 10:58am

Nate,

I've found just the same problem with attitudes among folks who hold the literal view of Genesis, perhaps even more stridently. I have had people claim that I am not saved because I don't hold to a young earth, 6 day view. I find that just as offensive as those who would belittle others for holding to a YEC point of view. As far as I can see, one's particular reading of Genesis is not a matter of salvation.

Anne

Permalink Reply by Anne Reeve on October 20, 2011 at 11:07am

Aaron,

Great topic! I could not agree more with your thesis statement.

I'd recommend Pete Enns' book Inspiration and Incarnation. He is an orthodox Christian who reads the original languages and holds a high view of scripture and of science. There are a number of people here who have a great deal of expertise on all aspects of this topic, from a strict young earth interpretation to theistic evolution. Feel free to contact me and I can put you in touch with any of them if you want another ear to run ideas by.

Another good resource is the American Scientific Affiliation, an organization for Christians in science. (www.asa3.org)

Anne Reeve

Permalink Reply by Alison Mullins on October 20, 2011 at 5:12pm

Hi Aaron,

Great topic!

I'm sure you have heard of Dr. John Lennox, the featured speaker at this year's Society of Classical Learning Conference in Baltimore.

His web-site is www.johnlennox.com, and some of his debates are on you-tube. 

I have copious notes from the conference if you are interested in any of them.  

I'm already looking forward to your presentation!

 

Permalink Reply by Grant Durrell on October 20, 2011 at 10:42pm

When you say the Christian community sees science as incompatible with true belief, I think you need to narrow your focus a bit.  Most Christians I know readily accept many areas of scientific exploration wholeheartedly. Indeed, they are quite fascinated and excited by them.   I would also revise, "the Christian scriptures," since Jews would object that Genesis is part of the Hebrew scriptures which Christians have (wrongly) appropriated for themselves.  

When you assert that Darwinian evolution and creationism are compatible, do you mean to say that there is no contradiction between the traditional creationist view and evolution?  Or, do you mean to say that there are reasonable interpretations of Genesis that do not conflict with evolution? There is a significant difference between the two statements.  

Permalink Reply by Robyn Burlew on October 24, 2011 at 8:16pm
You know I love this topic :-)  I will look forward to some good conversation throughout the year.  My advice is to keep your topic very narrow lest it become unmanageable.
Permalink Reply by Aaron Dees on October 31, 2011 at 7:28am
Thanks for all the comments! It's been exciting seeing a lot of the community's interest in this topic.
Permalink Reply by Grant Durrell on October 31, 2011 at 7:53pm

Aaron, 

Do you intend to demonstrate that evolution is true, that it is compatible with Christian belief, or (yikes!) both? Accomplishing either of the two will be a monumental task in and of itself.  Trying to tackle both may prove to be too broad a goal.  

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