God vs Science - Fantastic TIME magazine article!

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1555132,00.html?internalid=AOT_h_11-05-2006_god_vs_science

 

Anyone interested in the whole debate should read this article and the interview.

While the magazine addresses largely failed Intelligent Design movement, its interview was between two scientists:

Dawkins, an staunch anti-religion atheist

And

Francis Collins, a believer born again when he was 27.

 

I mentioned Francis Collins previously - he is the Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute and a celebrated scientist who produced the map of the human genome and was recognized by Clinton.

 

He also wrote a book The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief

which basically talked about how science and Christianity is not contradictory. And basically dismantles some creationism and I.D. thoughts.

 

 

What was interesting in the interview was that the I.D. proponents had actually given atheists an argument that could be easily falsified under scientific methodology and basically gives evidential ammunition against God. That's basically one reason why I'm so against Intelligent Design, it's an endeavour that will ultimately result in christians being more confused.

In anycase, this interview really showcases two view points:

Dawkins is extremely against religion and christianity and he's fervently indicating that science can ultimately destroy the basis of belief.

I believe this is the mindset that has sparked fear among christians - that this brilliant scientist can provide scientific evidence to draw away believers from the faith.

 

two problems with this: The first and most obvious, it has resulted in many sincere christians to start running to find some sort of resolution or defence against such scientists.

This has resulted in an all out support for I.D. a very flawed argument shielded by scripturally-molded and philosophical tenets

 

Secondly: Science is testing and discovering things in the natural realm, any science that atempts to discover or disprove things in the supernatural realm are doomed to fail like Intelligent Design.

 

 

The second view point is Collins: a dedicated scientist who does not see a contradiction in science and God. But he does appreciate the views of very sincere christians who still hold dear to the Creationism ideal. But he quoted St Augustine:

 

"St. Augustine wrote that basically it is not possible to understand what was being described in Genesis. It was not intended as a science textbook. It was intended as a description of who God was, who we are and what our relationship is supposed to be with God. Augustine explicitly warns against a very narrow perspective that will put our faith at risk of looking ridiculous. If you step back from that one narrow interpretation, what the Bible describes is very consistent with the Big Bang."

 

Sometimes the reaction of many Christians who refute scientific explanations of miracles seems similar to a die-hard David Copperfield fan who refuses to hear explanations of how he made the Statue of Liberty disappear; instead, strongly defend that he is a true magician and that his magical abilities are indisputable.

 

I don't think evolution or any science cheapens the miracles and work that God does daily. But I can see how it takes away the lustre of a miracle that is supposed to be incomprehensible in our minds.

However, responding by ignorance is going to limit the effectiveness of spreading of the Gospel - people who understand and are discerning about issues like this.

 

Like with any theology, I recommend christians test everything, search and research into the various claims. Look at the scientific evidence as it is, not through a political-motivated article that decides a conclusion for you. Maybe you'll find that all millions of scientists consistently misinterpretated their data with the help of the devil, Or that you find revelation in the ingenious methodology that God has used to create His Earth.

 

The bible wasn't intended to be a science textbook - if the purpose of the bible is a description of God and our relationship with Him - how do you think the God- inspired author of Genesis would write about the beggining?

 

If God showed you the beggining of the universe as the big bang theory proposed in one night, how many days would 13.7billion years in 8 hours look like?

How would 4.6 billion years of Earth's creation look like? How would 3 Billion years of Evolution look like? From dust?

 

Seek, Test and Discern.