My first degree is in Science, my second degree is in Theology. I do not see a conflict between Science and Religion or Spirituality.
I do not see how measuring the thickness of the paint on the Mona Lisa, or analysing its chemical composition, or measuring the wavelengths of the light it reflects conflicts with appreciating its beauty. I do not see how analysing the wavelength of a Beethoven symphony conflicts with enjoying listening to it. I do not see how understanding human biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, conflicts with being part of a human friendship…
The following three wonderful videos include people I do not always agree with, and statements I might express differently – that having been said, I think they are pretty awesome. Enjoy!
We Are All Connected
with Carl Sagan, Richard Feynman, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Bill Nye
A Glorious Dawn
with Carl Sagan, Stephen Hawking
Our Place in the Cosmos
with Carl Sagan, Richard Dawkins, Michio Kaku, Robert Jastrow
Yes, these videos are pretty awesome, but I think you are pretty awesome, too, Bosco. 🙂
And I couldn’t agree more with your point – Science is as much a part of my spiritual life as is prayer. The more I learn about this amazing universe we live in, the greater my sense of awe.
Thank you for your wonderful blog.
Thanks for the links.
I’m a nurse, and a teacher. I have always loved to learn, so when we got our Apple IIe in the mid80s, I began a journey of learning about computers, one that enabled me to start translating computers to nurses & doctors, then later, to teach it. Thus, I became a nurse informaticist.
In a meeting of nurse informaticists that I attended a few years ago, a speaker gave an update on the Human Genome Project. She told us there were only 4 amino acids in our DNA. At the end of the presentation, during the discussion, I said that while my comment wasn’t intended to proselytize, I had to say this: That to me, only God could take 4 amino acids & create the variety & diversity of people. Just look, I said, at all of us: all different hair & skin tones, heights, weights, body builds, thinking processes. No 2 of us are alike, no matter how similar our professions, likes, dislikes, etc. We learn more the more we embrace both our differences & our similarities. In my mind, this could not have happened randomly. This, to me, is hard core evidence of intelligent design. That’s what I see. Science, to me, affirms my faith, and I believe there is no limit to how much we are supposed to learn. But there is also no limit to the potential for mischief in what we learn, and that is where ethics comes into play. And to me, ethics boils down to what Jesus wants us to do with the knowledge we gain. That’s my view.” I could see that the thought of intelligent design being affirmed by this was new to some, & some asked about my faith. I didn’t try to convert anyone; I felt the Holy Spirit wanted me to continue simply to answer questions, & let Him do the rest.
I believe my statement surprised them. Christians, they’ve been taught, fight science; they don’t embrace it. But they’re wrong; every scientific discovery doesn’t point away from God; it points TO Him. He made everything, after all, & that includes science.
Wisdom or Wealth?
An angel appeared at a faculty meeting and told the dean that in return for his unselfish and exemplary behavior, the Lord would reward him for his choice of infinite wealth, wisdom, or beauty. Without hesitating, the dean selected infinite wisdom.
Done!” said the angel and disappeared in a cloud of smoke and a bolt of lightning. Then all heads turned toward the dean who sat surrounded by a faint halo of light. He seemed stunned and shocked as a cloud of silence encompassed the room.
One of his colleagues leaned over and whispered to him, “Say something.”
The dean, now filled with infinite wisdom said, “I should have taken the money.”
You MUST see Louie Giglio’s “How Great Is Our God” regarding science and faith. I see absolutely no conflict, either. Secular scientists just start with the premise that there is no God, but that’s a foundational flaw… Check out Louie’s incredible teaching at
http://twurl.nl/yn1p82
You will not be the same afterwards. God bless!
I also agree there is no conflict between science and spirituality; what should we worry? we all are in a path for Truth, we are finding more answers in science that lead us to God! If paradigms in faith should crumble because of new discoveries, we embrace them, as they lead us in understanding that after all, no matter what faith we profess we all are part of one only big family.
I’m a big fan of Carl Sagan, I wish he could be alive today to see the complete decoding of the human genome.
I also believe that we are in the beginning of a new era, a leap in humankind, scientific and spiritual. Neat! 😀