People have used science to try and discredit the bible. According to some the bible has now become an “outdated book” because science can now give us all the knowledge we need. However all the scientific knowledge gathered so far are still more or less theories and are still yet to be proven as fact. So while some areas of science are valid, there are still categories of information that need to be tested or established.
Science is basically the gathering of knowledge to better understand the how and why of how things work as it relates to the world and the universe. Science and technology go hand in hand as they are both dependent on each other.
There are two categories of science:
Exact Sciences – these would include physics, chemistry, biology etc. For exact science the certainty of information is greater and in some cases the function is more analytical, while in others it is mostly descriptive.
Non Exact Sciences – History, Sociology and Humanities. For the non-exact sciences, the degree of definiteness is small, but in some branches exactness is allowed. That is why you can detect biasness in some areas, but not in others.
The methods for study and analysis will differ from discipline to discipline and the methods of investigation and analysis will be valid from one field but not for another. What is important though is that logic be used in the methods of investigation. Logic helps in determining what is true from false.
Therefore, one has to be careful when discussing the Bible and science. Science is a good thing and has made great strides especially in recent times, but in a lot of cases it has been used to discredit God and the Bible.
In the world of science, information can be categorized as theories and facts. Information that is based on theory should have no place in discussions about the bible and science, only those that deal with the facts and laws of science. When using scientific information based on facts, you will find that a lot of misconceptions about the bible will disappear.
Scientific Models
A model is used when studying things that cannot be easily handled. There are two types of models – qualitative or descriptive models and quantitative or mathematical models.
The theory of evolution and scientific creation are both examples of scientific models. However, the evolutionist should not claim his model is truth. He should rather state that his model is a possibility in which life came into being.
Testing of both models should be able to explain:
the maximum number of observed phenomena related to life, and
the maximum number of predictions about phenomena related to life, but not observed so far.
Only the Scientific Creation module has been able to do this.
In the world of Science, model making is a must. However, it must be understood that the model itself is not truth but only a representation of the truth. Therefore, the Christian Apologist must be wary when scientific theories are used in debates or discussions with the bible.
Historical Science
Science has really advanced over the years. It is used in a variety of ways to find answers to questions that long ago seemed impossible to answer. However, when it comes to the bible, we must understand that material science cannot explain or give answers to those questions that come out of the bible. We must look to historical science.
The Origin of the Universe, Life and Archaeology belongs with Historical studies. Demanding scientific proof for historical events in the Bible is beyond reason and shows the lack of knowledge about scientific investigation.
The Christian Apologist must make it known to his opponents who use physical science to discredit the bible that you cannot mix the two for their own biases and purposes.
