Science & Spirituality: Bridging the Gap
Book Recommendation: ‘Brain, Mind, Soul, and Spirit’ by Mack E. Crayton III, Ph.D
Can a scientist be spiritual? Many believe that the very nature of the wonders in the spirit realm cannot be tested - thereby should be rejected by science. However, I challenge this idea with the argument of humans’ possessing two sets of higher understanding. Science is defined as the study of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. Science can determine how humans have evolved over time, but it cannot answer why. The scientific method is designed to answer questions about the physical world; but it is not equipped to define the spiritual. That is because science learns about nature, but the Bible defines it.
The world around us demonstrates not only that there is a God, but a Creator who is personal with higher orders of intelligence and knowledge. The theories of science do not undermine faith, it supports it. The laws of physics demand an explanation of the origins of the Earth, and many scientists have tried to use their findings to explain the things they do not understand.
The ‘Fine tuning’ discovery describes the perfect size of our planet Earth. If any smaller or larger by the tiniest increment, our planet would not be able to sustain life. Scientists’ are amazed at how finely calibrated the universe had to be to ensure the efficiency of Earth. The DNA found in our cells are made up of four letters and directs your entire life. The mini computer system in your cells control everything about human development, and one mis-lettering can cause detrimental effects. You are truly one in a million!
Psalms 104 (go read it) describes in detail the provisional character of God and His feelings towards His creation. What does this mean for us? God created the entire universe to support the perfect conditions to sustain your life. All of this was created for you! You and I have infinite value in our Creator’s sight.
In the book Brain, Mind, Soul, and Spirit, Dr. Mack Crayton observes that “Science provides a mechanism that explains God’s word.” The source (God) and the process (science) cannot discount one another; they exist in harmony. God and science share the same space.
Isaiah 66:1-2 – ‘This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool… My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine.”’
