I am reading sort of a book about science – physics, specifically, although it is conveniently arranged as a series of short stories with science woven in throughout. Easier to digest, perhaps, for those who prefer fiction.
I am reading this book for a number of reasons: First, my girlfriend recommended it, and I trust her judgement. Secondly, I know that my understanding of science is pathetically lacking, and as a Christian, it seems to me prudent to familiarise myself a little more intimately with the way in which our Creator set things up on this pretty planet and beyond. Finally, I figure it’s high time I gain a little more insight into the craft that formed the basis of my late father’s profession and probably his way of thinking in general (he was a nuclear physicist with Atomic Energy Canada).
But as I begin reading this morning, I cannot help but wonder if the logicians are missing the point…
I am reading this book for a number of reasons: First, my girlfriend recommended it, and I trust her judgement. Secondly, I know that my understanding of science is pathetically lacking, and as a Christian, it seems to me prudent to familiarise myself a little more intimately with the way in which our Creator set things up on this pretty planet and beyond. Finally, I figure it’s high time I gain a little more insight into the craft that formed the basis of my late father’s profession and probably his way of thinking in general (he was a nuclear physicist with Atomic Energy Canada).
But as I begin reading this morning, I cannot help but wonder if the logicians are missing the point…
I am reminded of a passage from James, that speaks of faith without works being dead, and vice versa. You cannot pray and be a voracious reader of the Bible, and then sit idly by while the world is languishing around you. And you cannot be a doer of good deeds only, never considering Him who propels you and sustains you through even the most difficult challenges to help and learn and grow. A “complete” Christian requires both, as James points out.
Similarly, it seems to me that a rich, full life requires both an understanding of science and a “knowledge” of creation. Possessing a strong general knowledge, understanding the ins and outs of an argument, “getting” science without ever experiencing the perhaps explicable but nevertheless intensely powerful “knowledge” of Him who made you seems to me a fairly hollow existence.
As I seek to increase my own understanding of science, and delight in my new appreciation of how things work, I will do it in harmony with rather than isolation from Love. Because, despite my limited strength as a logician, I am at least aware of the importance not only of the question, “How does this work?”, but also ”Why does it work?”
Perhaps I am mistaken, but it seems to be not incongruent that God is the answer to both questions.
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