Science and the Bible.

                                  The Bible and Proven Scientific Facts

The Bible does not claim to be a textbook of scientific knowledge. Its writers, however, did make accurate comments on matters that should interest scientists today. Here are some examples.

                                                                      Age of the Earth and Universe

Scientists estimate that the earth is about 4 billion years old and that the universe was born some 13 to 14 billion years ago. The Bible sets no date for the creation of the universe. In no place does it affirm that the earth is only a few thousand years old. The very first verse in the Bible reads:

Genesis chapter 1 verse 1:-   In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth

That general statement allows scientists to determine the age of the physical world according to sound scientific principles without contradicting the Bible.

                                                                   The Earth and Human Habitation

Genesis chapter 1   uses the term  “day”  (a time period) to set out the stages in the preparation of the earth for life in all its diverse forms. The culminating event in this simple description was the appearance of humans. The Bible fixes no duration for the six creative  “days.”  Instead, it opens the door for modern scientists to study them and assign accurate time spans to them. We know that the creative  “days”  were a period of time much longer than 24-hour days.

                                                                       How the Earth is Suspended

The Bible describes the earth correctly as suspended  “upon nothing,”  But the question arises, how did Job know this well over 3500 years ago? Only someone with  superior knowledge (the Creator)  could have informed him!

 

Job chapter 26 verse 7:-   7 He stretches out the northern sky over empty space, Suspending the earth upon nothing;

There is no mention of our planet resting on the shoulders of a giant or on the backs of elephants that stand on a turtle, as some popular myths of ancient times had it. Rather, the Bible leaves the door open to scientific discovery. In time, Nicolaus Copernicus and Johannes Kepler described how the planets move around the sun driven by an invisible force. Isaac Newton later showed how gravitation governs the movement of all objects in space.

                                                                      Disease Control and Hygiene

The book of Leviticus contains the instructions given to the Israelites on how they were to avoid outbreaks of contagious diseases, including the practice of quarantine. And regarding sanitation, the law recorded at  Deuteronomy 23:12, 13  ordered the Israelites to care for their waste in a private place outside their encampments. They had to ‘cover their excrement’ in the ground. It is only in the last 200 years that scientists and doctors have seen the need to set such standards.

The Bible information that you just read was written down many centuries ago. How did those writers come up with such accurate information when even the most learned people of their time were ignorant of such things? The Bible’s Author answers:

Isaiah chapter 55 verse 9:-   9 As the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

                                                                      Science Has Its Limitations

In recent times, a number of books setting out the views of the so-called new atheists have come into circulation. These publications have caught the attention of many and have brought about no little discussion and debate. Regarding this, neuroscientist David Eagleman wrote: “Some readers walk away . . . with the impression that scientists think they have the big picture solved.” Then he added: “But good science is always open-minded, and the history of science is one of surprises.”

Down through the ages, talented scientists have indeed made surprising breakthroughs in their search for answers to puzzling questions about nature. Some, however, have also made serious errors in the process. Isaac Newton was one of the greatest scientists of all time. He showed how the force of gravitation binds the planets, stars, and galaxies into one universe. He invented calculus, a branch of mathematics used in computer design, space travel, and nuclear physics. However, Newton also pursued alchemy, a pseudoscience that used astrology and magical formulas in attempts to turn lead and other metals into gold.

                                                                             Not Always Right

Over 1,500 years before Newton, the Greek astronomer Ptolemy explored the heavens with his eyes alone. He tracked the planets across the night sky and was skilled as a mapmaker. But he believed that the earth was the center of everything. Astrophysicist Carl Sagan wrote of Ptolemy: “His Earth-centered universe held sway for 1,500 years, a reminder that intellectual capacity is no guarantee against being dead wrong.”

Today scientists face similar challenges in their pursuits. Will they ever find a complete explanation of the universe? While it is proper to acknowledge the progress science has made and the benefits it has brought us, it is also essential to bear in mind its limitations. Physicist Paul Davies observed: “The search for a closed logical scheme that provides a complete and self-consistent explanation for everything is doomed to failure.” Those words state an undeniable truth: Humans cannot completely understand the natural world. So when assertions are made about the potential of science to provide an explanation of everything that exists, it is only reasonable to take such assertions with reservations.

                                                                 The Bible is More Informative

The Bible speaks of the wonders of nature in these words:

Job chapter 26 verse 14:-  14 Look! These are just the fringes of [God’s] ways; only a faint whisper has been heard of him!

There remains a vast store of knowledge that is beyond human perception and understanding. the words of the apostle Paul, written nearly 2,000 years ago, still hold true:

Romans chapter 11 verse 33:-   33 O the depth of God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable his judgments are and beyond tracing out his ways are!