Science and Christianity

In every culture there’s a set of ideas or beliefs that people don’t think much about, but many simply assume to be true. One of these ideas is that there is an intrinsic conflict between science and Christianity. Today we’ll talk about some of the apparent conflict, discuss the differences between science and Christianity, and consider how believers in Christ might benefit from thinking more like a scientist.

1. What is your general view of science? How have you arrived at this perspective?

2. Consider the many advances in modern technology and medicine. For example, medicines that keep people alive for many years, space travel, electric vehicles, modern cell phones, the internet, etc. Think about how your life would be different without them (for example consider the last time you endured an extended power failure!). All of these ultimately have resulted from advances in Science. Does this impact your perspective?

3. Read Psalm 19. What aspects of the Psalm discuss our natural world, and which aspects address our relationship with God. Are there any apparent conflicts?

4. Consider the last time your perspective on something significant was changed. For example, maybe this was when you became a believer in Christ, perhaps you have switched political parties, or come full circle on some other significant idea? Why did you have your original perspective in the first place? What persuaded you to change? Why did you ultimately decide to change?

5. Consider the idea of “confirmation bias” (i.e., the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms or supports one's prior beliefs or values). How might this be influencing the way you think about things? Or the way you interact with others who do not hold similar beliefs to your own? Now consider Matt 22:39. How can we reconcile these two ideas?