Maybe I should have asked this instead of “Genesis or evolution – why do scripture and science seem to conflict with each other?” Unfortunately, this inspiration waited a few days to pop up.
The Templeton Foundation asked a number of scientists and scholars “Does the universe have a purpose?”. Here’s what Neil deGrasse Tyson, an astrophysicist and director of New York’s Hayden Planetarium, had to say:
I like Neil deGrasse Tyson. He’s very passionate about science and space and works to make it interesting and accessible to the public. But his response – in effect, “I’m not sure but it’s unlikely and even if it does, it certainly doesn't involve us” – illustrates the limits of science in answering the question “Why?” While science does a good job of describing “what” and “how”, it just doesn't serve us well when we ask “Why are we here? Why is the universe here?” Philosophical questions don’t always lend themselves to empirical observation and testing.
This is certainly an area where science and religion could work together. But sayings like this don’t help:
[source: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/unreasonablefaith/2008/07/reason-is-the-greatest-enemy-that-faith-has/]
That’s not just a Baptist church speaking. They’re quoting Martin Luther. It hangs like a “you’re not welcome here” mat for anyone who is a scientist or a thinker. Faith calls on us to trust in something that exists beyond reason, but it doesn't mean we’re not supposed to think. Science and reason, instead of being the enemy, can be the launching point for a deeper conversation.
Why is the universe here? Does it have a purpose? Why are we here on this particular speck in the universe? What is our purpose?
Can science and religion exist together? Can they work together?
I hope this opens up more conversation. Please click on “comments” below and join the discussion!
For additional discussion, here's what the Westminster Catechism, one of Confessions used by the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), says about this question:
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1: What is the chief and highest end of man?
Answer: Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever.
Question 2: How does it appear that there is a God?
Answer: The very light of nature in man, and the works of God, declare plainly that there is a God; but his Word and Spirit only do sufficiently and effectually reveal him unto men for their salvation.
Is that sufficient to you?
First, the universe can’t have a purpose for itself unless you assign it God-like qualities. I’ve never heard anybody argue for that. The better question might be, why is there a universe, or, why did the universe begin? It turns out that the Christian apologist William Lane Craig has a pretty good answer in chapter 5 of his book “On Guard”. He calls it the Kalam cosmological argument and it is based on the work of Abu Hamid Muhammad Ibn Al-Ghazali, an 11th century Islamic scholar. It goes like this:
ReplyDelete1. Whatever begins to exist has a cause.
2. The universe began to exist
3. Therefore, the universe has a cause.
Craig’s argument says that for #1, something cannot come from nothing (scientific fact). He then supports #2 with mathematics as well as the scientific facts that the universe is expanding and its thermodynamics. Finally, he supports #3 with the logic that the universe could not have caused itself to exist because it would have to exist before it came into existence. That leaves the only logical explanation of the universe’s existence is that there is an uncaused, timeless, spaceless, immaterial, powerful Personal Creator.
Craig has an interesting website at reasonablefaith.org.
Sure science and religion can coexist. Methodologically and philosophically, they're the same... people observing the world around them and trying to understand how and why things work and then apply that understanding for the benefit (or detriment) of person-kind. The questions should be perhaps: Which works better? And to what extent? If, as some assert, each address different phenomena/systems/questions, then they can certainly coexist.
ReplyDeleteThere was a time when I was interested in the debate between science and religion on the beginning of the universe. Whether I'm getting older (and allegedly wiser) or the two sides are getting more strident (and less respectful toward each other), I think that debate misses the bigger picture all together. There are bigger issues to which science and religion need to work together and the debate serves more as a distraction.
ReplyDeleteI've heard N.T. Wright say that the insistence of fundamentalist Christians on creationism and their efforts to discount evolution led to more vocal group of new atheists who are more openly hostile toward religion. I don't know if that's true, but creationism is often the first thing my doubting friends point to as a reason they don't believe.
Another argument they point to is that religion has been used to justify a lot of atrocities in the world (such as the crusades, the Holocaust, 9/11, the Middle Eastern conflict, the hatred directed toward gays). That ignores the fact that bad things have been done by the religious and non-religious. One could say that if we actually practiced the teachings we claim to follow, then maybe those of faith should stand out against the general masses (and I don't disagree with that argument other than to say that we're all human and in need of grace and forgiveness).
Science has led to a lot of advancements that have been used for good and for bad. Our world view, whether one of faith or of disbelief, has a lot to do with how we use that knowledge and technology in the world. And this is where our faith should be engaged.
Does it really matter that we must try to win the argument about the beginning of the universe? The intensity of the debate often reflects more human hubris (on both sides) rather than immutable truths. Somehow I don't think God considers it essential that we believe that the universe, earth, and all that is in it came into existence in 7 days.
Maybe we're spending too much time arguing about that and not enough time living as Jesus showed us - with love, grace, and compassion. I can't help but think that reflects more of God's light than any argument we can concoct about the beginning of the universe. I could be wrong about that, of course.