by Pastor Mark Moreno
Science and Faith
I am not the most scientifically minded person in the world, but I am fascinated by the topic of dark matter. Dark matter is an invisible, unknown substance that makes up roughly 27% of the universe. It does not emit, reflect, or absorb light, making it invisible to telescopes. Scientists know it exists because its gravity holds galaxies together and shapes the cosmos, acting as an invisible “cosmic glue”. How interesting!
Some people think that faith and science are somehow incompatible, in fact, perhaps even opposed to one another. I don’t believe that at all! While I may not be the most scientifically gifted person, I affirm that life is so much better because of science.
We can live in safer structures and drive more efficient cars, medicine continues to advance, and all of this is because of the progress of science. Christians believe that what we call science is simply one way in which God works: Through means!
We may pray for healing, and God likely answers that through diet and exercise, surgery and medication. But the really great thing about science is that it acknowledges its own limitations. The scientific method is defined as a structured, empirical process for investigating the world, acquiring knowledge, and testing ideas through observation, experimentation, and analysis. That means that science does not try to answer questions that the Christian faith does and the Christian faith does not try to answer questions of science.
I am saying is that even scientists are divided and have differing views and theories about dark matter. Science is not a democratic process, so when you hear that most scientists believe x, remember that Copernicus proposed that the solar system revolves around the sun and not the Earth even though the vast majority of scientists at the time believed incorrectly. he truth was, and is, the truth.
Hebrews 11 starts,
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible”.
Hebrews 11:1-2 English Standard Version
The truth is that science is not our God, nor is it our enemy. I thank God that my faith is bolstered by many disciplines, including science.
Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
