Science and the Bible

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about creationism. I affirm the infallibility and inerrancy of the Bible. As such, I believe the world was created in a literal six twenty-four hour days. I realize that those beliefs fly squarely in the face of what modern science tells us. In fact, that makes me, and the millions who hold the same view, look naïve and foolish. How do we reconcile the Biblical account of creation with the claims of modern science?

I confess that I often find myself trying to keep score in the battle between secular science and Biblical creationists. Biblical creationists in recent years have grown more and more aggressive and creative in their tactics for combating Darwinian Evolution. There are the state-by-state and district-by-district battles for inclusion of “Intelligent Design” curriculum alongside other explanations of the earth’s origin. One Christian creationist is opening creation a museum replete with explanations of dinosaurs and where they place those creatures on the timeline. Churches bring in creation scientists to hear detailed explanations of the Genesis account. Dozens of ministries have been birthed for the single purpose of fighting evolution and equipping Christians with talking points to use for sparring with their evolution minded friends.

Then there’s Noah’s ark. Christian scientists have built elaborate theories around exactly how Noah fit all those animals on the ark. They explain that the ark didn’t have to go anywhere. It just had to float. Many of the animals must have been babies. That explains one of the ways that Noah fit so many of them in such a small space. Oh, and don’t forget hibernation. Hibernation cuts down on the animal waste problem. All of these space saving measures are purely speculative. The text doesn’t answer all the questions for us. So, if we want to know the details, we have to theorize and speculate.

How do we explain a global flood? Some Christian scientists claim they can explain that. They put forth the “canopy theory.” The earth had complete cloud cover. This changed the sun’s impact on the earth. Thus we had different vegetation and the sun had different impact on man. That, some say, explains people being able to live for hundreds of years.

So what we have is modern science gradually coming up with evidence that seems to disprove the Bible. Then, Christian scientists explain why they are wrong. Sometimes the Christian explanation sounds reasonable. Sometimes, it sounds speculative. In fact, it sounds every bit as speculative as they accuse Darwinians of being.

Here’s the slippery problem with seeking scientific explanations to legitimize Bible stories. We eventually reach an impasse. We have to use the “M” word. Miracle. The explanations for creation and Noah’s Ark are one thing. What do we do when we get to the parting of the Red Sea? I believe that Moses literally parted the Red Sea and led the Israelites across it. However, I’m not going to look for a meteorological explanation. The infallible Word of God tells me that it happened.

How about the virgin birth? How about Jesus turning water into wine? Raising Lazarus from the dead? Walking on water? Even Peter walked on water for a little bit we know. How did these happen? We have to just say… miracle. That’s it. Science says they couldn’t have happened. We (Christians) have to just have faith that they did. We don’t require scientific proof of these events.

I appreciate the spirit with which these Christian scientists labor. No one wants to have science brand a big “Disproved” stamp across our entire Bible. However, this is a battle I believe that science will appear to win. Jesus ultimately won the war with His death on the cross.

I believe the Bible to be the inerrant infallible Word of God. I don’t need any further proof. Just as God opened Lydia’s heart to understand what Paul was saying, I believe that God’s Holy Spirit has opened my heart to believe the Bible’s claims. As we seek “proof” we’d be wise to remember Jesus’ words to Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”