Working Title: “Microscopes, Milky Ways, and the Myth that Christians Fear Science”
Let’s Warm Up the Bunsen Burner
Grab a mug of fair‑trade coffee, pull up a stool, and pretend we’re in the back corner of your favorite indie café—the one with too many plants and not enough seating. You’ve got questions, I’ve got Bible pages sticking out of my notebook, and somewhere between the espresso machine and the physics textbook in your backpack, you’re wondering:
“Can I take Jesus seriously without unplugging my brain?”
Culture screams “Nope!” Social feeds drip with memes insisting Christians think dinosaurs wore saddles, the earth is flatter than your failed sourdough starter, and climate science is a global conspiracy cooked up by vegans and Volvo owners. Apparently, following Jesus requires signing a statement that says, “I solemnly swear to hate telescopes and call them demonic.”
Spoiler: that statement isn’t in the New Testament. (I checked. Twice.)
But I get the tension. You love the periodic table and the Sermon on the Mount. You know your way around both a microscope and a concordance—yet every time a professor or podcast host pits “faith” against “facts,” you feel pinned like a bug specimen. So you silently ask: Is Christianity really anti‑science?
Why This Matters More Than a Twitter Spat
We’re not just talking about winning an online argument. How we answer shapes:
- Our worship — If creation is God’s handiwork, then studying it should crank the volume on our praise, not mute it.
- Our witness — Skeptics won’t trust a Gospel that seems to require intellectual lobotomies.
- Our wonder — Nothing kills awe like thinking you must choose between Genesis and genetics.
A Quick Reality Check
Let’s clear out the straw men before they catch fire:
- The Bible isn’t a pocket science manual. It tells us why the universe exists and who runs it, not how many milligrams of sodium chloride belong in your saline solution.
- Science isn’t a faith‑free zone. Every experiment borrows assumptions—order, consistency, intelligibility—that look suspiciously like someone fine‑tuned reality for discovery (see Col 1 : 16‑17 for the backstage pass).
- Christians have historically loved science. The modern scientific method? Birthed in a worldview that said, “The world is orderly because its Maker is.” Kepler, Boyle, Pascal, Maxwell, Faraday—Sunday worshipers, weekday lab rats.
So the real conflict isn’t “Christianity versus science.” It’s worldview versus worldview—materialism saying “matter is all that matters” versus truth saying “the heavens declare the glory of God.”
The Plan for This Blog
Over the next few sections we’ll tackle the two flashpoints that spark the most eye‑rolls:
- Evolution — The spectrum of orthodox Christian views, the non‑negotiables of the Gospel, and why macro‑evolution doesn’t magic sin, the cross, or resurrection into fairy tales.
- Climate Change — Dominion without domination, stewardship without panic, and why loving your neighbor might mean both planting trees and preaching repentance.
We’ll drag dusty misconceptions into the light, high‑five Christian scientists who changed history, and—yes—poke fun at fringe fundamentalists who think NASA fakes moon dust.
But more than snark, we’ll keep circling back to grace: the scandalous news that the Carpenter who calibrated quasars also climbed a cross to rescue rebels with PhDs and GEDs alike. That truth reframes every lab result and every late‑night doubt.
A Note on Tone
You’ll catch hints of sarcasm—think of it as holy habañero, burning off cliché crust so the meat of the matter tastes better. But the goal isn’t to win a roast battle. It’s to invite honest skeptics and uneasy believers to breathe, think, and see that the Gospel’s foundations aren’t threatened by a petri dish.
If you’re a scientist who’s been burned by bumper‑sticker theology, I’m sorry. Stick around. If you’re a believer who fears biology class like a horror movie, take heart. Truth is never the enemy of Truth‑Incarnate.
Ready? Goggles on, Bibles open, sarcasm dial set to “helpful-ish.”
Let’s discover why the God who authored DNA is perfectly comfortable letting you study it.
The Popular Narrative: “Choose Your Side—Bible or Beakers”
1. Twitter Theology in 280 Characters or Less
Scroll your feed and you’ll find hot‑takes like,
“LOL @ Christians who still think Adam & Eve rode dinosaurs to church. #DomeEarth #ScienceWins”
Welcome to the digital coliseum, where nuance gets mauled by memes before breakfast. One cherry‑picked verse, one viral clip, and suddenly the entire Christian tradition is reduced to a punchline involving saddle‑size T‑Rexes. The algorithm favors rage‑shares, not careful exegesis, so straw‑man Christianity goes viral while Augustine’s _Confessions_gather dust.
2. YouTube University: Where Every Fundamentalist Has a Mic
Next stop: the video rabbit‑hole. You click one documentary about black holes and—boom—the sidebar recommends a mustached “pastor‑scientist” insisting gravity is a hoax from the pit of hell. Atheist reaction channels stitch that clip, add laugh‑track emojis, and presto: ten million views “proving” faith and reason can’t coexist.
Meanwhile, faithful PhD‑level believers quietly publish peer‑reviewed research on CRISPR or cosmology, but the algorithm yawns because calm competence doesn’t drive ad revenue.
3. Late‑Night Comedy CliffsNotes
Cue the desk‑slam monologue:
“If you still believe a talking snake doomed humanity, I’ve got a Flat‑Earth cruise to sell you!” studio laughter
The joke writes itself—never mind that Genesis wasn’t penned as a modern lab report or that centuries of Christian scholarship have wrestled seriously with genre, language, and literary structure. Complexity doesn’t fit between commercial breaks.
4. The Result: False Dichotomy Syndrome
After twenty scroll-minutes of this, the average student concludes:
- Real scientists are atheists.
- Real Christians shun microscopes.
- Therefore I must pick—intellect or faith.
That’s intellectual blackmail masquerading as enlightenment.
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.” — Proverbs 14:15
(Side note: prudent = do your homework.)
5. Why This Narrative Persists
Culprit
What It Does
Why It Sticks
Click‑Economy
Rewards outrage & oversimplification
Nuance ≠ Virality
Lazy Apologetics
Christians weaponize out‑of‑context verses
Confirmation bias for skeptics
Secular Gatekeepers
Treat theism as intellectual contagion
Keeps grant money “pure”
Hurt & Horror Stories
Real church abuse fuels blanket mistrust
Pain personalizes the caricature
None of these factors equal truth, but together they create a hurricane of suspicion that even seasoned believers feel.
6. A Quick Reality Check (Before We Move On)
- Science isn’t a worldview; it’s a method. Atheism hijacking the lab coat doesn’t make naturalism the default setting of the universe.
- The Church birthed the university. Theological conviction that creation is orderly undergirded Kepler’s math, Boyle’s chemistry, and Maxwell’s equations.
- False witnesses exist on both sides. Yes, some Christians peddle conspiracy (at times entertaining) nonsense. Yes, some scientists smuggle untestable metaphysics into their TED Talks. Reject the extremes; follow the evidence.
If we don’t expose the popular narrative for what it is—a meme monster built on half‑truths—we’ll keep letting loud caricatures define a 2,000‑year intellectual heritage that produced hospitals, universities, and, dare I say, peer review.
So let’s retire the cardboard cutouts and bring the real discussion to the table. Spoiler: the table is big enough for Bibles and Bunsen burners.
What the Bible Actually Claims (and Doesn’t)
Alright, let’s get biblical—but brace yourself: we’re diving deeper than fridge magnets and bumper stickers. Because before we can untangle the knot between Christianity and science, we’ve got to know what Scripture actually says (and just as importantly, what it doesn’t).
The Bible Isn’t Your High School Chemistry Textbook
First things first:
The Bible isn’t designed to answer every question you can ask scientifically. Genesis 1–3 isn’t a secret NASA briefing, nor does the Book of Job contain blueprints for building particle accelerators. If you’re flipping through Ecclesiastes looking for instructions on genetic engineering, let me gently suggest you reconsider your expectations.
The purpose of Scripture is clear:
- It reveals who God is.
- It reveals who we are.
- It reveals our desperate need for redemption.
When Scripture talks about the sun rising or setting, it’s not because the ancient Hebrews misunderstood astrophysics—it’s because God accommodates His revelation to our human perspective. Don’t read poetry like a physics manual, or you’ll miss the grandeur.
Let’s Talk Genre (It Matters, I Promise)
Just like you don’t read Shakespeare expecting stock market advice, you don’t read Psalms for geological data. The Bible contains history, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, and yes, even letters—each demanding a different interpretive lens.
Take Genesis. Is it historical? Yes. Literal? Depends on what you mean by literal. The creation account is historical, beautifully structured, and deeply theological. But it’s not written like a modern lab report:
- Days & Sequence: They matter—but their primary purpose isn’t chronometric precision; it’s covenantal storytelling. God is revealing His sovereignty, goodness, and intentionality—not ticking off a scientific checklist.
What the Bible Clearly Claims (Brace Yourself)
The Bible boldly makes claims that intersect significantly with the natural world:
- God Created Everything Out of Nothing (Ex Nihilo).
- Genesis 1:1; Hebrews 11:3
- Implication: the universe is contingent, purposeful, and orderly.
- Humanity Bears God’s Image (Imago Dei).
- Genesis 1:26–27
- Implication: every human has inherent dignity, worth, and responsibility to steward creation wisely.
- Sin Has Cosmic Consequences.
- Romans 8:20–23
- Implication: humanity’s moral rebellion isn’t confined to personal guilt—it fractures the cosmos, explaining both moral and natural evil.
- God Is Active and Sustaining Creation.
- Colossians 1:16–17; Hebrews 1:3
- Implication: The laws of nature aren’t self-sustaining accidents; they're divine ordinances. (The reason gravity works today? Because Jesus says so.)
What the Bible Doesn’t Necessarily Claim
Some things Christians argue about, Scripture is frankly quiet on:
- The exact age of the earth (You can make thoughtful cases for young-earth, old-earth, or a hybrid without compromising biblical integrity.)
- Microevolutionary processes (Most Christians agree God created adaptable life; details beyond that are largely secondary.)
What matters is this: the Bible’s silence on certain scientific details doesn’t imply ignorance or contradiction—just purposeful theological focus.
Common Misfires We Must Avoid
- “God-of-the-gaps” panic: If your faith is built solely on scientific unknowns (“we don’t know how this happened, so...God!”), your faith shrinks every time science advances. God doesn’t just fill gaps; He designed the whole thing.
- Reading modern assumptions back into ancient texts: Biblical writers weren’t primitive scientists failing to grasp facts. They were communicating eternal truths about God, humanity, and salvation.
A Healthy, Confident Approach
Real Christianity isn’t afraid of the microscope or the telescope. Why?
Because all truth is God’s truth.
The universe God created invites exploration precisely because He made it understandable. Christians should be the first ones excited about scientific discoveries—not nervously waiting to debunk them. Because the deeper we explore reality, the more clearly we see the fingerprints of its Creator.
So, What Now?
Let’s pause here. Before we tackle evolution, climate change, and the rest, recalibrate your expectations:
- Stop reading the Bible like a textbook.
- Start reading the universe like a love letter.
Because the same Author who inspired Scripture spoke galaxies into existence.
And spoiler alert: He’s not threatened by your toughest questions. He’s the One who gave you a mind to ask them.
A Brief History of Christians Doing Groundbreaking Science
Let’s kick this off by clearing the air: Christianity and science aren’t enemies. They’re more like the best buddy-cop movie ever made. Surprised? Stick around.
If your mental image of a Christian scientist is some meme-worthy dude insisting the earth is flat because he misread Isaiah, allow me to gently (but firmly) smash that stereotype. Throughout history, devout Christians haven't just engaged with science—they've pioneered it.
Johannes Kepler (1571–1630): Celestial Mechanics and Divine Thoughts
Ever heard of planetary motion laws? Thank Johannes Kepler, the brilliant astronomer who didn't just study the heavens—he worshiped the God who made them. Kepler famously described science as:
“Thinking God’s thoughts after Him.”
This wasn't poetic license; it was conviction. Kepler believed deeply in an orderly Creator, which motivated him to discover order in the cosmos. Far from hindering his science, faith fueled it.
Robert Boyle (1627–1691): The Father of Modern Chemistry
If you’ve taken a chemistry class, you've encountered Boyle's Law—the foundational principle describing gas pressure and volume. Boyle didn't separate his lab from his faith; instead, he saw science as a form of worship. He passionately argued that understanding nature leads us directly to the glory of its Creator.
He once wrote:
“From a knowledge of His work, we shall know Him.”
Boyle’s Christian beliefs weren't just peripheral—they were the very core of his scientific curiosity.
James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879): Physics, Faith, and Humility
Maxwell revolutionized physics with his equations on electromagnetism, laying groundwork for radio, television, and yes, the smartphone you're probably reading this on. This wasn't a scientist tiptoeing around Christianity to keep his credibility; he openly led daily Scripture readings with his research staff. Maxwell knew no tension between exploring the universe and worshiping the One who designed it.
His guiding Scripture?
"Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them." — Psalm 111:2
For Maxwell, science was literally delighting in God's handiwork.
Francis Collins (b. 1950): Mapping Human DNA and Following Christ
Meet the modern-day titan behind the Human Genome Project. Collins, once an atheist, encountered Jesus through thoughtful exploration and rigorous questioning. He authored The Language of God, arguing that DNA itself provides compelling evidence of a thoughtful Creator.
Collins insists that faith and science aren’t just compatible—they're beautifully complementary. He writes:
“Science is the way—a powerful way, indeed—to study the natural world. Science is not particularly effective... in making comments about the supernatural world. Both worlds, for me, are quite real.”
Why Don’t We Hear More About These Guys?
Great question. Honestly? Drama sells. Conflict draws clicks. It's more enticing to portray faith and reason as adversaries than allies. Media doesn't make money off nuance and harmony—outrage and sensationalism pay the bills.
A Quick Reality Check
For those who aren’t , llowing the God most high and putting faith in Christ, consider this:
- Modern scientific method didn't emerge in spite of Christianity, but because of it.
- The foundational assumption of science—order in the universe—is perfectly consistent with the biblical view of a rational, purposeful God.
If You’re Still Doubtful
Maybe you're thinking, "Sure, a few Christians did great science, but that doesn't prove Christianity is true."
Fair point. But it does prove one critical thing:
Christianity does not require intellectual suicide.
Quite the opposite. It provides a robust foundation for asking profound questions, expecting rational answers, and delighting in the beauty of the universe.
What’s the Big Deal, Really?
Here's the bottom line: The tension you've felt between Christianity and science isn't caused by authentic faith. It's caused by caricatures and cultural noise. Christianity historically birthed science, nurtured it, and continues to celebrate it.
Scripture says clearly:
"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... and in him all things hold together." — Colossians 1:16–17
This verse isn't an embarrassment to science; it's an invitation into deeper understanding. The universe is comprehensible precisely because it is held together by Christ, the Logos—the very logic and reason of God Himself.
So, Skeptic, What's Next?
Maybe your skepticism wasn't about evidence, but about experience. Maybe you've seen Christians misrepresent science or scientists mock Christians. Here's my gentle challenge:
Don’t judge the whole story by its worst characters. Dive deeper. Ask harder questions. Follow the evidence wherever it leads—even if it brings you face-to-face with the One who authored the universe and loved you enough to enter it Himself.
Because truth, real truth, doesn’t fear investigation. It welcomes it. And so does Jesus.
Hot-Button Issue: Evolution — Can You Really Believe Genesis in a World Obsessed with Darwin?
Let’s talk about the big one—the one that gets students squirming in biology class and Christians tongue-tied in staff meetings: evolution.
And not just, "I think birds adapt their beaks" evolution. I’m talking about the grand, sweeping claim that everything came from nothing by nothing for no reason—that pond scum turned into philosophers through an unbroken chain of random mutations and natural selection.
Let’s make it plain: Biblical Christianity doesn’t need Darwin to make sense of the world. In fact, it contradicts him at every meaningful turn.
But What About Microevolution?
Yes, we see variation within species. No serious Christian denies this. Wolves, dingoes, huskies—they’re all dogs, just with different coats. This is what’s often called microevolution, and it’s nothing more than the amazing flexibility God built into His creation.
But that’s a far cry from saying a single-celled amoeba turned into your cousin Kyle. That’s macroevolution, and it requires more blind faith than believing Jesus walked on water.
Because here’s the dirty little secret: Darwinian evolution isn’t just biology—it’s a worldview. One that insists we’re accidents. That death and struggle are the engines of progress. That meaning is what you make it. And that God—if He exists at all—kept His hands off the whole thing.
What the Bible Actually Says (and It Says It Loudly)
Let’s be clear: Genesis is not a parable. It’s not hypothetical poetry. It’s not a vaguely spiritual myth for Sunday School storytelling. It is historical narrative with theological punch:
- "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." — Genesis 1:1
- "Then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life." — Genesis 2:7
- "So God created man in His own image... male and female He created them." — Genesis 1:27
This isn’t symbolic language about ancient hominids gradually discovering self-awareness. This is a direct, personal act of divine creation.
The New Testament agrees. Jesus Himself affirmed a literal Adam and Eve (Matthew 19:4). Paul builds the entire Gospel on Adam’s fall and Christ’s redemptive reversal (Romans 5:12–19; 1 Corinthians 15:22).
So if you toss Adam as myth, you’re pulling the pin on the Gospel.
Why Christians Can’t Accept Darwinism
Here’s what Darwinian evolution demands that you believe:
- Humans are just highly evolved animals.
- Death existed for millions of years before sin entered the world.
- Nature, red in tooth and claw, is how we got here—and God was either absent or complicit.
That’s not biblical. That’s not Christian. That’s not compatible.
Scripture is clear:
- Sin came first, then death. (Romans 5:12)
- Creation was originally "very good." (Genesis 1:31)
- Man was created in God's image, not as a cosmic accident. (Genesis 1:26–28)
So... Do Christians Hate Science?
Not at all. But science isn’t some neutral, omniscient robot handing out objective truth. It’s a method—and it’s wielded by people with worldviews. Some worship the Creator; some worship the creature.
Christians embrace science that seeks to understand the world God made. But we reject any theory that tries to replace God with randomness, and personhood with particles.
For the Unbeliever Reading This
Maybe you’ve been told that evolution is a proven fact. It’s not. It’s a theory with massive assumptions, enormous gaps, and a loud PR team. Maybe you’ve been told that Christians are scared of science. We’re not. We just refuse to kneel at the altar of Darwin when God has already spoken.
The real question isn’t how long it took God to make the world. The real question is: Do you know the One who made you?
You are not an accident. You are not cosmic dust with delusions of purpose. You are image-bearing clay, loved by a Creator who entered His own creation to redeem what sin broke.
That’s not mythology. That’s not anti-science. That’s the Gospel.
Let’s keep going—climate change is next on the docket, and yes, we’re going there too.
Hot-Button Issue: Climate Change — Gospel or Green Panic?
Let’s take a breath. Literally. Go ahead and inhale that crisp, post-industrial-revolution air while we wade into another cultural minefield: climate change.
You’ve probably heard both extremes:
- “It’s a hoax created by tree-hugging Marxists to control your thermostat.”
- “The planet has 10 years to live unless you compost your shoelaces and eat crickets for breakfast.”
In between those extremes is a Christian trying to figure out if planting a tree is godly or woke. So let’s sort it out.
First, Let’s Get Our Theology Straight
The Bible has a lot to say about creation. Not just how it started, but what we’re supposed to do with it.
"The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein." — Psalm 24:1
"The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it." — Genesis 2:15
We’re not renters trashing a hotel room we’ll never visit again. We’re stewards, caretakers, gardeners. God gave Adam and Eve dominion—not domination. That word “keep” in Genesis 2:15 literally means to guard it. That’s priestly language.
So no, you don’t have to worship the planet. But if you trash it, you’re acting like an unfaithful servant.
Yes, Creation Is Groaning
Paul wasn’t a climate scientist, but he nailed the big picture:
"For the creation was subjected to futility... in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption... For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now." — Romans 8:20–22
Creation isn’t just groaning because of carbon emissions—it’s groaning because of sin. The fall didn’t just break people. It fractured everything. Hurricanes, wildfires, pollution, disease—this isn’t how it was meant to be.
So yes, the world is broken. But it’s not hopeless.
Common Grace Science, Real Data, and Real Discernment
Let’s be adults here. Real scientists—many of whom are Christians—have observed real environmental patterns. Ice is melting. Temperatures are shifting. Weather is more chaotic. Are all the models perfect? No. Are all predictions reliable? Definitely not. But is there enough data to take creation care seriously? Absolutely.
What Christians shouldn’t do is:
- Treat creation care as a heresy.
- Mock every green effort as liberal hysteria.
- Ignore real problems just because pagans are panicking about them.
Discernment doesn’t mean denying everything your political enemy affirms. It means testing everything by the truth of God’s Word.
Creation Care Isn’t the Gospel—But It’s a Gospel Implication
No, recycling won’t save your soul. But how you treat creation does reveal what you believe about your Creator.
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." — 1 Corinthians 10:31
That includes how you build, buy, farm, fuel, and dispose.
But let’s be clear: creation care is not the mission of the church. Preaching the Gospel is. If your church spends more time talking about carbon than Christ, you’re off mission.
Yet if your theology encourages reckless consumption in the name of freedom, you’re off mission too.
Balance: preach the Gospel and steward creation. Not because the world is our god, but because God made the world.
The Christian View of the Future: Not Burn It Down, but Make It New
Some Christians act like the world is going to burn anyway, so why bother? But Scripture paints a different picture:
"For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth..." — Isaiah 65:17
"...the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God." — Romans 8:21
The end goal isn’t escape. It’s redemption. New creation. Restoration. God isn’t abandoning earth—He’s redeeming it. And He’s training us for that work now.
So treat the planet like something Christ intends to fix, not like a rental car you're joyriding into a tree.
So, Christian, What Should You Actually Do?
- Reject extremes. Don’t worship the earth or abuse it.
- Live responsibly. Plant trees, limit waste, teach your kids to care.
- Stay focused. Don’t let climate activism replace Gospel urgency.
- Model balance. Show a watching world what it means to worship the Creator and care for His creation.
Maybe you thought Christianity gave people a permission slip to trash the planet. You’ve seen Christians ignore pollution, mock green tech, and scoff at science. I get it.
But real Christianity doesn’t mock what God made. It honors it. Real Christians aren’t perfect, but we serve a perfect King who made a perfect world and plans to renew it. And He invites us—not just to recycle—but to repent.
Because the biggest environmental hazard isn’t carbon. It’s sin. And only Christ can clean that up.
Why this “Conflict” Persists
You’ve heard it before:
“You either believe in science or you believe in God. Pick a side.”
It’s the intellectual version of the high school cafeteria—science at one table, faith at the other, and heaven help you if you try to sit with both. But here’s the truth:
The conflict between Christianity and science is a modern myth—propped up by loud voices, lazy thinking, and a culture addicted to drama.
Let’s expose the main culprits keeping this myth alive:
1. Loud Fringe Voices: Flat-Earthers, Meme Pastors, and Literal Banana Arguments
If you think all Christians believe the earth is 6,000 years old, hate telescopes, and think gravity is a liberal conspiracy... you’ve been listening to the wrong people. Loud, fringe fundamentalists often dominate headlines and YouTube clips, not because they’re right—but because they’re entertaining.
You know who gets ignored? Faithful, gospel-centered scientists, doctors, researchers, and theologians who love Jesus and love the periodic table. But they don’t go viral because calm doesn’t trend.
“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.” — Proverbs 26:4
Don’t confuse the fools with the faithful.
2. Media Click-Bait: “Pastor Says Hurricanes Are God’s Judgment on Starbucks”
The media isn’t exactly known for careful nuance when it comes to religion. Wild-eyed preachers yelling about judgment, frogs, and blood moons are far more clickable than a thoughtful pastor quoting Psalm 19 and marveling at solar flares.
Christians who faithfully engage with science aren’t splashy. They’re too busy doing their work to be chasing headlines. But the media keeps grabbing the worst examples to paint the whole Church as anti-science zealots.
Sound familiar?
“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.” — 2 Timothy 4:3
We’ve made fools into spokesmen. That’s not a science problem—it’s a discernment problem.
3. Secular Gatekeeping: “If You Mention God, You’re Not Doing Real Science”
Now let’s flip the coin. The scientific establishment hasn’t exactly been playing fair either. For many in academic and research institutions, bringing up God is considered intellectually embarrassing—or worse, disqualifying.
Why? Because modern secularism assumes naturalism—that nature is all there is, and there’s no room for anything outside the material world. It’s not science; it’s a worldview smuggled into the lab coat.
And if you don’t bow the knee to the High Priests of Naturalism? You’ll be labeled “biased,” “anti-intellectual,” or just “one of those people.”
But this gatekeeping ignores the foundations of the very scientific method—it was Christians who built the labs, founded the universities, and pursued science precisely because they believed creation was rational, ordered, and knowablebecause it was designed by a rational God.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” — Proverbs 1:7
If your worldview bans the possibility of divine action from the start, you’re not being scientific. You’re being dogmatic.
What This Means for the Church
Let’s not get pulled into the false choice. Christians don’t need to retreat into fundamentalist bunkers or bow to secular academic thrones. We need to be what we’ve always been:
- Lovers of truth.
- Students of both Scripture and creation.
- Humble enough to admit what we don’t know.
- Bold enough to declare what God has revealed.
The myth of conflict persists because both sides keep shouting past each other. But the Gospel calls us to a better way—truth in love, clarity with conviction, and confidence in the God who made both stars and cells.
So no, you don’t have to pick between Moses and microscopes. The myth is tired. Let’s retire it.
A Better Model – “Two Books” Theology
Let’s leave behind the tired battlefield of “science vs. faith” and walk into something far more beautiful—and biblical: the Two Books model. No, this isn’t some weird new canon. It’s a theological framework rooted in Scripture and championed by generations of thoughtful Christians who understood that truth has more than one ink.
God has given us two books:
Book One: Scripture – Special Revelation
This is God speaking directly—clearly, redemptively, and infallibly.
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." — 2 Timothy 3:16
Scripture tells us who God is, who we are, what’s wrong with the world, and how Christ has come to make it right. It is sufficient for salvation, authoritative in all it teaches, and the ultimate lens through which we interpret everything else.
Book Two: Creation – General Revelation
This is God speaking through what He has made. Not with paragraphs, but with beauty, order, and design.
"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge." — Psalm 19:1–2
"For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made." — Romans 1:20
Creation doesn’t preach the Gospel—but it does scream, “There is a God, and you are not Him.”
What Happens When They Seem to Disagree?
Here’s where it gets tricky—and where a lot of Christians (and skeptics) lose their minds. Sometimes, what we observe in the world seems to contradict what Scripture says. But let’s slow down and think like theologians:
- God is the Author of both books.
- He doesn’t contradict Himself.
- So when there’s apparent conflict, the problem isn’t God—it’s our interpretation.
Maybe the scientist is misreading the data. Or maybe we’re misreading the Bible. Or maybe we’re trying to make one book answer a question that properly belongs to the other.
Real Example: The Earth Moves
In the 17th century, many Christians thought the Bible taught geocentrism (earth at the center). Why? Because of poetic language in Psalms (“the world is established; it shall never be moved,” Psalm 93:1).
Enter Galileo, with his telescope and nerve. Chaos ensued. Was he attacking the Bible? No. He was challenging an interpretation of it.
Today, virtually no one reads Psalm 93 and concludes astronomy must bow to medieval cosmology. We learned to let Scripture speak in its genre and creation speak through its data.
Applying the Model Today
So when we hear scientific theories about the age of the earth, genetics, or climate patterns, we don’t panic. We go back to both books:
- What does the Bible actually say?
- What does the evidence actually show?
- What assumptions are driving those interpretations?
Then we ask God for wisdom. Because truth will always harmonize when read rightly.
"The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple." — Psalm 119:130
The Two Books in Harmony
Scripture is the tune. Creation is the harmony. The music is richer when both are in sync.
This isn’t compromise. This is conviction with humility. A Reformed faith is a thinking faith—grounded in the authority of the Word, but also joyful in discovering God’s fingerprints in galaxies, genomes, and gravity.
So read both books. Not to pit them against each other, but to see how the Author’s voice echoes through every page and every particle.
Practical Tips for the Christian in the Lab (or the Pew)
So now that we’ve slain some myths, re-centered on Scripture, and recovered a theology of creation that doesn’t melt when exposed to a microscope—how do you live this stuff out?
Whether you're pipetting genes in a lab, teaching 8th-grade biology, or just trying not to nod off during a science segment on NPR, here are some practical, pastoral, and yes—occasionally snarky—ways to engage science as a Christian who actually believes the Bible.
1. Read Real Journals, Not Just Blogs
If your entire view of science comes from Twitter threads and angry YouTube apologists, take a deep breath and expand your sources. Read peer-reviewed journals. Listen to what actual scientists are discovering—not just what the latest culture-war commentator thinks about it.
God’s world is complex. It deserves more than memes and monocles.
2. Ask Better Questions
When you hear a new claim—"Scientists say the universe is older than we thought," or "A new fossil discovery changes everything"—pause before clutching your pearls.
Instead ask:
- What exactly is the claim?
- What assumptions are baked in?
- Does this touch doctrine, or is it just descriptive?
- Is this challenging the Bible, or my interpretation of it?
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.” — Proverbs 14:15
3. Keep Wonder Alive
Stop treating science like it’s a threat to theology. It’s not. Every black hole, strand of DNA, or thunderstorm is another page in the story of a glorious Creator.
If you’re a scientist: let your work become worship. If you’re not: praise God that He made a universe rich enough to explore.
"Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them." — Psalm 111:2
Let your curiosity fuel your doxology.
4. Stay Humble
This one’s for the armchair apologist and the guy with a physics PhD.
Truth isn’t afraid of questions, but truth also isn’t arrogant. The Christian scientist must stay tethered to Scripture. The theologian must not fear discovery. Both must kneel before the One who knows everything perfectly.
The fear of the Lord—not a degree—is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).
5. Teach Your Kids That Science Belongs to God
Don’t let the culture catechize your children into believing science and faith are enemies. Show them that chemistry belongs to Christ, physics bows to the Father, and biology was born in the mind of God.
Raise up curious, courageous kids who ask hard questions—and know their answers are safe in the arms of Scripture.
6. Refuse the Extremes
You don’t have to choose between:
- Thoughtless literalism and careless liberalism
- Anti-intellectual fideism and soulless scientism
- Screaming into echo chambers or shrinking back in fear
You can be a Christian who:
- Takes the Bible seriously
- Takes science thoughtfully
- And never forgets that Jesus Christ is Lord over both
We need fewer hot-takes and more heat-checked humility. Whether you’re running experiments or raising toddlers, the call is the same: glorify God with your mind. Love Him with all your strength. Stand on Scripture and look through the telescope with eyes wide open.
Because the Christian faith isn’t anti-science. It’s anti-pride.
And the God who upholds every atom is big enough for your questions—and your worship.
Ready to land this thing? Let’s talk Gospel and galaxies next.
When the Cosmos Meets the Cross
So we’ve toured the myths, battled the clichés, unpacked biblical truth, and recovered a theology big enough to handle telescopes, atoms, and theological tensions. But now we need to land this thing right where it matters most:
The Gospel.
Because no matter how many stars we name or how deep we drill into DNA, the core of Christianity isn’t about scientific theories. It’s about a historical event that shook the universe:
"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures." — 1 Corinthians 15:3–4
Christianity is rooted in real space-time events: a cross, an empty tomb, and eyewitnesses who didn’t just have a spiritual experience—they saw the risen Christ with their eyes and touched Him with their hands.
This isn’t fairy tale faith. This is verifiable history that invites examination.
Intellect and Faith Kiss at the Cross
If you’re a skeptic who loves reason, good. Christianity doesn’t fear evidence—it’s built on it.
- Jesus really died (Roman soldiers don’t mess up crucifixions).
- Jesus was really buried (in a known tomb, owned by a real man).
- Jesus really rose again (appearing to over 500 people, many of whom were still alive when Paul wrote that fact down).
You don’t have to suspend your mind to follow Christ. You have to surrender your pride.
The same Logos—the Word—who created quarks and galaxies became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). The intelligence behind the universe took on skin, walked among sinners, and bore the wrath of God on a Roman cross.
That’s not anti-intellectual. That’s supernatural logic.
Ultimate Harmony: Creator and Redeemer
Christians don’t believe in a God who merely set the universe in motion and stepped back. We believe in a God who upholds it by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3) and entered it to redeem it.
- The God who flung stars into space also hung on a tree.
- The One who engineered the human genome also sweat blood in Gethsemane.
- The Creator of gravity was pinned to a cross, and then conquered death.
Science can describe creation. But only Scripture can explain why it’s broken and how it will be made new.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
For the Skeptic: Follow the Evidence
So here’s the ask—not to shut off your brain, but to follow the evidence all the way to the tomb. Not the sealed one. The empty one.
Because at the end of the scientific method, at the bottom of your telescope, and in the echo of every curious question is this whisper:
“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” — John 1:4
He made you. He knows you. He came to save you.
So stop pretending you’re just cosmic dust with consciousness. You’re more than neurons firing. You’re an image-bearer.
And the One who authored the stars is calling you—not to a theory, but to Himself.
Believe. Repent. Be made new.
Suggested Resources – For the Thinker, the Seeker, and the Skeptic
If your curiosity has been sparked, if your skepticism has been challenged, or if your faith just needed some intellectual reinforcement—here are some resources to keep the journey going.
These aren’t fluff. They’re theologically grounded, intellectually honest, and deeply helpful.
1. "Science and the Mind of the Maker" by Melissa Cain Travis
Why it’s here: Travis does an incredible job connecting the dots between the intelligibility of the universe and the logic of a Creator. It’s a gracious but intellectually rigorous case for why science points us to God—not away from Him.
Perfect for: Christians in STEM fields or anyone who wants to see how design and reason reflect the mind of God.
2. "Where the Conflict Really Lies" by Alvin Plantinga
Why it’s here: Plantinga is one of the greatest Christian philosophers alive, and in this book, he dismantles the idea that science and faith are inherently at war. He shows that the real conflict is between naturalism and science, not Christianity and science.
Perfect for: Thoughtful readers who want philosophical depth without losing their minds in academic jargon.
3. "The Language of God" by Francis Collins
Why it’s here: While Collins leans toward theistic evolution (which this article doesn’t endorse), his testimony as a former atheist-turned-Christian scientist is powerful. He models what it means to hold deep convictions about both faith and research.
Perfect for: Skeptics who think Christianity is anti-science, or believers working in scientific fields who need courage and clarity.
(Use discernment here: not all his conclusions align with a Scriptural understanding of creation, but his core argument for the rationality of belief in God is worth hearing.)
4. "The Lost World of Genesis One" by John Walton
Why it’s here: Walton provides a literary and ancient Near Eastern context for reading Genesis 1, which can help Christians avoid modern misreadings of an ancient text. While not all of his positions should be adopted uncritically, his work reminds us that Scripture was written for us—but not originally to us.
Perfect for: Bible readers who want to take Genesis seriously without forcing it into a modern scientific mold.
5. Answers in Genesis and the Creation Ministries International websites
Why it’s here: These ministries offer a robust defense of a biblical (and Reformed-consistent) view of creation without compromising on the authority of Scripture. They tackle everything from Noah’s Ark to genetics with biblical conviction and scientific engagement.
Perfect for: Anyone looking for a straightforward, Bible-first approach to creation science.
6. "Reforming Apologetics" by J.V. Fesko
Why it’s here: This book grounds apologetics firmly in the Reformed tradition. Fesko pushes back on classical apologetic methods and offers a biblical, covenantal approach to engaging skeptics. It’s not specifically about science, but it gives the philosophical framework needed to handle these debates biblically.
Perfect for: Reformed thinkers who want to sharpen their worldview and method.
7. "Delighting in the Trinity" by Michael Reeves
Why it’s here: Because you need theology that isn’t just defensive—it should be delightful. This book will remind you that behind every atom and equation is a God of joy, relationship, and overflowing love.
Perfect for: Anyone who forgot that theology isn’t just true—it’s beautiful.
These books aren’t gospel, but they’ll help you see how the gospel transforms how we engage science, doubt, and the world God made. Use them as tools, not crutches—and above all, let Scripture remain your final authority.
Because the same God who breathed stars into space also breathed life into His Word.
And He’s still speaking—through the pages of Scripture, through the order of creation, and through the Savior who holds it all together.
Thanks for reading.
