If you look back at the “Two Stories” on the previous page, you will recall that different people wrote the stories of Genesis at different times. These stories tell about God’s creative act of bringing life into existence. As the story continues, we see God continuing to relate to humans, despite their mistakes. Finally, in the New Testament, God comes face-to-face with us in the person of Jesus Christ and show’s God’s purpose, or the why of Creation, is revealed. This purpose is for God to be in relationship with us and to fulfill the future promise of life in Christ that continues beyond the endpoint of death.
Darwin’s story of evolution tells us about how the many different species have come to exist, and have changed over time. Through a scientific method, he developed this theory that has yet to be proven false. He helped us begin to understand how things are in relationship with each other. But his work does not tell us the reason or purpose for these relationships or the development and evolution of species. It is generally believed that intelligent life evolved from coincidences and conditions that allowed it to happen, and Darwin provided scientific proof to support that belief.
So the biblical stories tell us the why and give us the promise of God’s love and continued life beyond death here on earth. The scientific stories tell us the how and give us proof of how life changes, adapts, and ends here on earth. Science tells us how things are related and work together, and the promise of God’s love tells us the purpose of these relationships.
Darwin’s story of evolution tells us about how the many different species have come to exist, and have changed over time. Through a scientific method, he developed this theory that has yet to be proven false. He helped us begin to understand how things are in relationship with each other. But his work does not tell us the reason or purpose for these relationships or the development and evolution of species. It is generally believed that intelligent life evolved from coincidences and conditions that allowed it to happen, and Darwin provided scientific proof to support that belief.
So the biblical stories tell us the why and give us the promise of God’s love and continued life beyond death here on earth. The scientific stories tell us the how and give us proof of how life changes, adapts, and ends here on earth. Science tells us how things are related and work together, and the promise of God’s love tells us the purpose of these relationships.
This isn't the end of the story, though. We are still discovering new things in the world, and God continues to be shown, or revealed to us. Both science and religion have changed their understanding of things over time.
As an example, since the 1930’s, Pluto was known as one of the nine planets in the solar system. But in August of 2006 astronomers decided that Pluto was no longer considered to be a planet. It was determined that Pluto no longer fit the definition of a planet. This shocked many people who grew up knowing that Pluto was a part of the solar system. So many science books in schools would now have to be rewritten. Some scientists and others refused to follow this new definition and continue to disagree about whether or not Pluto is a planet. |
The church too, has changed its mind about many things, including planets. In the early church it was believed that the earth was the center of the universe and that the other planets, including the sun, revolved around it. But in the 1500’s an astronomer named Copernicus developed a new idea that the sun was really the center of the universe. In 1610 another astronomer named Galileo built a powerful telescope that gave him proof that Copernicus was right. This angered the church, and he was tried and imprisoned. Several hundred years later, the church changed their mind and agreed with the scientific findings.
Just like the church and science, you too will continue to learn new things about the world and God. Science may make new discoveries that change the way we think about evolution. The church may also come to understand God in new ways that change our understanding of how we think about God. You too may change how you think about evolution and Creation. It might be hard for you to find your voice, or ways to speak about these two together.
But the most important thing to remember is that both science and religion can be reliable ways for us to know about the world. Science will continue to ask questions about how the world works and use reliable methods for seeking those answers. Religion will also continue to look for ways to continue to understand God’s purpose for our lives, and God will be a reliable source of love that provides an answer for that purpose. Together they will show us how all of life is interconnected.
To believe in a scientific understanding of the world you don’t have to disbelieve in a religious understanding of the world, and vice-a-versa. So when you speak the two languages of science and faith, just remember, you don’t have to shout for others to hear your voice!