Can Science and Christianity Coexist? | Reasonable Doubt | Week 2

Can Science and Christianity Coexist? | Reasonable Doubt | Week 2
Pastor Greg Carr

Can science and Christianity coexist? More specifically, can God, Jesus, and the Bible be reconciled with modern-day science?

1. Is there really a God who created all things?

• Genesis 1:1
• John 1:1
• Romans 1:20

2. Is Jesus really the Son of God who was crucified and rose from the grave?

• Mark 14:60-62
• 1 Corinthians 15:17

3. Is the Bible really true and the divine word of God?

• 2 Peter 1:20-21
• 2 Timothy 3:16  

“But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
1 Corinthians 15:12-20 NIV

This week, explore the spiritual practice of prayer. Speak or write a short prayer to God. If you’re not sure where to start, you can use the ACTS model: adoration of God; confession of sin; thanksgiving; and supplication (request for needs). You can bring him your questions, your doubts, your emotions. He can handle it all. Talk to him daily this week.

I have always loved school but never got along with math and science. I could work on English and history all day long, but would start getting nervous when it was time to head to algebra class. Maybe you feel that way reflecting on this week’s sermon. Or maybe you love studying science and astronomy and you’re loving reflecting on how science and Christianity intersect.

As we’re considering these questions and thoughts, I discovered this quote from William Lane Craig (also in the Resources section):
“Sometimes you hear slogans like ‘Science deals with facts and religion deals with faith.’ But this is a gross caricature of both science and religion. As science probes the universe, she encounters problems and questions which are philosophical in character and therefore cannot be resolved scientifically, but which can be illuminated by a theological perspective. By the same token, it is simply false that religion makes no factual claims about the world. The world religions make various and conflicting claims about the origin and nature of the universe and humanity, and they cannot all be true. Science and religion are thus like two circles which intersect or partially overlap. It is in the area of intersection that the dialogue takes place.”

No matter our favorite classes in high school or what topics make us sweat a little, these two areas intersect and we get to be a part of the dialogue. We can be people of God who bring kindness, meaningful discussions, and the love of Jesus to those exploring both faith and science. 

Blessings,
Lydia Long