I have previously emphasized the importance of science in our lives.1 Almost everything in our modern lives depends on science in some way – our transportation, our communication, our recreation, our health and this list goes on and on. To deny our dependence on science and to deny the importance of science and the scientific method flies in the face of reality. Yet we often hear that science and faith do not go together, especially when people are using false arguments to debunk science. They cite their faith as they express their disbelief in science.
The language of science and the language of faith go together. Yes, they really do. Like myself, those of deep faith can also be scientists in their search of ways to improve the lives of our fellow citizens and others around the world. I see science and its discoveries as incredible gifts from the God of my faith and to be cherished. It is unfortunate that extremists can push us to polarizing positions on this issue and can create an unnecessary false dichotomy. That dichotomy (strict adherence to certain religious texts or strict adherence to natural laws) forces us into the position of assuming that our choices have to be all or nothing.
I prefer at this point to listen to the wise counsel of Dr. Francis Collins, previously head of the Human Genome Project and most recently retired Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He has devoted his professional career to science and has been at the forefront of many scientific discoveries. For example, Collins and colleagues identified the site of the cystic fibrosis gene which led to the identification of the defective gene, making new therapies available and completely changing the life course of this disease. He was also at the forefront of the COVID epidemic, leading efforts behind the scenes to develop the vaccine and sharply limit the number of deaths. He was and still is the consummate physician scientist, using his God-given talents to enhance the lives of others.
In his profound book, The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief published in 2006, he lays out his cogent argument for the ability to live with deep faith and science.2 Several quotes are worthy of highlighting –
- On his faith journey – “It also became clear to me that science, despite its unquestioned powers in unraveling the mysteries of the natural world, would get me no further in resolving the question of God. If God exists, then He must be outside the natural world, and therefore the tools of science are not the right ones to learn about Him….the evidence of God’s existence would have to come from other directions, and ultimate decision would be based on faith, not proof.”
- On the ability to believe both science and faith – “Will we turn our backs on science because it is perceived as a threat to God, abandoning all of the promise of advancing our understanding of nature and applying that to the alleviation of suffering and the betterment of humanity? Alternatively, will we turn our backs on faith, concluding that science has rendered the spiritual life no longer necessary, and that traditional religious symbols can now be replaced by engravings of the double helix on our altars? Both of these choices are profoundly dangerous. Both deny truth. Both will diminish the nobility of humankind. And both are unnecessary. The God of the Bible is also the God of the genome. He can be worshiped in the cathedral or in the laboratory. His creation is majestic, awesome, intricate, and beautiful—and it cannot be at war with itself. Only we imperfect humans can start such battles. And only we can end them.”
- On the “war” between science and faith – It is time to call a truce in the escalating war between science and faith….Like so many early wars, this one has been initiated and intensified by extremists on both sides, sounding alarms that predict imminent ruin unless the other side is vanquished. Science is not threatened by God; it is enhanced. God is most certainly not threatened by science; He made it all possible. So let us together seek to reclaim the solid ground of an intellectually and spiritually satisfying synthesis of all great truths…Answer [the] call. Abandon the battlements. Our hopes, joys, and the future of our world depend on it.”
Dr. Collins so eloquently reminds us of the common purpose of both science and faith—”the alleviation of suffering and the betterment of humanity.” Both science and faith working together with a united citizenry can work wonders. The overt manifestation of one’s faith in terms of interpersonal relationships are critical to expressing and doing things that matter for our fellow citizens. In that context, one’s type of faith is less important than pursuing an integrity to help and nurture our fellow citizens. Even folks that do not practice a specific religion or deny the existence of a deity can and should practice a faith that values our common humanity and recognizes our responsibilities to each other. So, the science performed by those of differing faiths is of benefit to us all.
Science has been an integral part of my life, both professional and personal. I see science and the accompanying scientific method and inquiry as making my faith stronger, not weaker. The joy of using the gifts of a higher being to enhance my health and the health of others is unparalleled. It saddens me that so many have conflated the, at times, perceived vagaries of science as proof that it is not sound, that it is not to be trusted. Using the cudgel of anti-science by those of extreme faith serves no useful purpose. It encourages hate, enhances disease spread, heightens the risk of early death, leads to the deterioration of our environment, and promotes false hope when sound reasoning should prevail. Our current political environment has allowed this problem to erode the fabric of our society.
The attacks on science will be to our detriment, harming our individual and collective health, just as attacks on faith do not accept the wonders of spirituality and its collective expression as love for others. Such intolerance makes us weaker, not stronger, and does not make us great. The wondrous mixture of science and faith makes us stronger when we embrace it and use it to improve our lives, to improve the lives of others, and the life of our communities.
- https://mychildrenschildren.com/i-embrace-science-you-should-also/
- Collins F. The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief. Free Press, 2006. 305 pp.