Introduction: Science versus Faith

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the scientific method as, "principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses." In addition, it gives the following four applicable definitions of science:

1. The state of knowing: knowledge as distinguished from ignorance or misunderstanding



2. a) A department of systematized knowledge as an object of study <the science of theology>
   b) Something (as a sport or technique) that may be studied or learned like systematized knowledge<have it down      to a science>



3. a) Knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truths or the operation of general laws      especially as obtained and tested through the scientific method
   b) Such knowledge or such a system of knowledge concerned with the physical world and its      phenomena: natural science



4. A system or method reconciling practical ends with scientific laws <cooking is both a science and an art>

The foundational principles of science have enabled humanity to understand the world around us. Through the systematic pursuit of knowledge, the collection of data, and subsequent testing of formulated hypotheses, we have established "definitive" conclusions about ourselves and what can be perceived. Hence, established scientific laws must either be proven inconsistent, using the scientific method or fully accepted. In other words, you have two options: beat them or join them. By definition, science as a whole is an approach to gaining understanding. It is systematic and objective so that the conclusions can be reproduced if the same steps are followed under similar conditions.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 2:14 KJV

Scientists who think that spiritual laws are inherently inaccurate are themselves, inaccurate. The Bible refers to them as carnal thinkers who will never understand spiritual things. No human mind on its own is able to perceive the things of God. Even though they may be experts at natural things, without Christ, they are unskilled in spiritual things. The greatest scientists on their own will never be able to bridge the gap between scientific and spiritual laws.

Therefore, it's easy to understand that just the mention of the word faith sends shivers down the spines of secular scientists. They consider Christianity foolish and don't see how it's possible for intelligent people to believe what's written in the Bible. What many of them really have are preconceived notions that instantly reject anything that contradicts what they believe. So proving the viability of faith to them on a purely academic level will be impossible regardless of the evidence provided.

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:15-16 KJV

The Bible says that he who is spiritual comprehends all things while he who is natural is not qualified to speak on spiritual things. The two systems, though they exist simultaneously, are not equal. Spiritual laws are inherently superior to natural laws because all that is natural came from that which is spiritual. I will prove this by Scripture later in the book. Since God is behind both systems, unless it's necessary for carrying out his purpose, they shouldn't inherently contradict. Here are a few instances when they did contradict and spiritual laws triumphed.

Jesus and the Apostle Peter broke the law of gravity when they walked on water in Matthew 14:25-29. Elijah broke natural laws when he stopped rain from falling using words in 1 Kings 17 and then started it again in 1 Kings 18. He also broke natural laws when he called fire out of heaven several times in 2 Kings 1:9-14. Philip broke physical laws when he disappeared from one location and appeared in another in Acts 8:39. Paul broke natural biological and chemical laws when he was bitten by a venomous snake and nothing happened to his body in Acts 28:3-6. Like Paul said in Romans 8:2, the spiritual law of life in Christ Jesus triumphed over the law of sin and death. Though discernible, natural laws were made obsolete in specific human lives.

If you approach it with an open mind and heart, Faith Science will be a blessing to your life. Above everything else, it will change the way you see the spirit realm. Since your perspective forms the basis of your interpretation of what's written in the Bible, you will have a renewed understanding of spiritual things. Combined with the knowledge you may already have, the systematic approach in this book will strengthen your faith. While others choose to remain limited, God can open your eyes to the infinite possibilities of your human existence.

He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
Proverbs 18:13 KJV

In order to understand the message of this book, it's important to completely read it first. Each chapter builds on the other like the strokes of a paintbrush in the hands of a skilled painter. In this book you will science through the eyes of faith and faith through scientific eyes. The journey begins with a look at scientific phenomena in the Bible. It's a great way to open your eyes to the reality of a lasting connection between Christian faith and science. It was never God's intention to create them mutually exclusive. The truth is that the deeper you get into scientific research; the evidence of God's existence only becomes stronger.

The discussion of scientific phenomena in the Bible is followed by the main message of the book. Basically, the same analytical procedure used to study the scientific information in the first few chapters of this book will be used to study faith. Nothing is better at establishing ideas like proper illustrations so a significant portion of the book is reserved for case studies. Jesus effectively used them throughout his time as a teacher on the earth. For instance, in Luke 10:30-37, he illustrated true neighborly compassion with the parable of the Good Samaritan, and then in Luke 15:11-32, he used the parable of the lost son to demonstrate God's unconditional love.

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. James 1:5-8 NLT

One of the biggest challenges of writing books on Christian faith is separating human opinion from the Word of the Lord. It's easy to go off on a tangent and start making things up in an effort to get a point across or satisfy a personal agenda. Consequently, I believe that every Christian writer should be inspired by God. Each idea presented, concept analyzed, or scripture referenced should first be considered in light of God's wisdom. So even though I wrote Faith Science, my wisdom alone would have never been enough. I merely accepted the challenge to share with you what he has shared with me.

Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth. But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.

2 Timothy 2:15-16 AMP

Most of my research came directly from the Scriptures. However, my analytical approach is a result of my educational background and professional experience in the applied sciences. When dealing with foundational scientific concepts, I tapped into principles established by Albert Einstein and Antoine Lavoisier. Some of the more current research I used came from the J. Craig Venter Institute, Human Genome Project, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FERMILAB) near Chicago, Illinois. My experience with the research team of the Cosmic Microwave Background Rotating Polarimeter Experiment (CMB Rope) at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, California, also impacted my approach to this book.

For my discussion on specific Scriptures, I took advantage of several Bible commentaries. I found the greatest benefit in The Teacher's Commentary, Adam Clarke's Commentary, Barnes' Notes, The Moody Timeline, and the notes in The Amplified Bible. Whenever there was confusion about the translation of a particular Scripture reference, I used the Interlinear Bible to clear it up. The Interlinear Bible uniquely presents the Scriptures in its original Greek and Hebrew format with direct English translations of each word or phrase. Ultimately, even though it took many intense hours of study to gather this information, the Holy Spirit who lives inside my heart was the final judge of what was written.

And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
1 Corinthians 2:4-8 NKJV

After publishing several books and writing hundreds of articles on a variety of Christian topics, the biggest lesson I've learned is to rely on God. Regardless of what we know, we never know enough to become the authority on how God operates. Hence, I've chosen to humble myself before him and seek his face. If you do the same, even the most challenging issues addressed in this book will make sense to you.