(ETHOS Institute™ Engagement Series)
Many people think that science and the Christian faith are in conflict. This booklet shows that this is a misconception.
While there is no doubt that the scientific method is extremely useful, it cannot prove that only natural entities exist. Moreover, science requires deductive, inductive and causal reasonings, and these can be utilized by the Cosmological Argument to show that an actual infinite regress of cause-and-effect is impossible and that the uncaused Personal First Cause (= Creator) of the universe exists. Additionally, an intelligent Designer is the best explanation for why the unintelligent physical entities of our universe could have consistently behaved in an orderly manner describable by elegant and intricate mathematics. The Big Bang theory is consistent with these arguments and with the Bible, and it can be regarded as a description of the process by which God created the universe, for otherwise an accidental explosion would probably have resulted in disorder and debris, rather than the ordered systems (solar system, quantum system etc) that we see in our universe.
Hence, belief in God is not based on ignorance, but on reasons. The conclusion that the universe has a Creator does not hinder the scientists from discovering how the universe works and hence progressing in their understanding of the natural world. It is possible to reconcile areas in which science and Christianity are widely perceived to be in conflict, such as the age of the cosmos and evolution.
Far from conflicting with the Christian faith, a correct understanding of science can help people perceive the reality and greatness of God.
Click HERE to read a sample chapter from this book.
About the Author
Dr. Andrew Loke (PhD, Kings College) is Research Assistant Professor at The University of Hong Kong. A former medical doctor, he is the author of ‘A Kryptic Model of the Incarnation’ (Ashgate, 2014) and ‘Debating the Christian Faith’ (Tien-Dao, 2014). He has published articles in leading academic journals such as Religious Studies (Cambridge University Press) and Journal of Theological Studies (Oxford University Press). He has presented his research at international conferences, and is a frequent speaker in universities, seminaries and churches in Asia. He did his PhD in Theology at King’s College London under Professor Alister McGrath. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Medicine from National University of Singapore and his Masters in Philosophy from Biola University.
The printed publication is available at the Bible Resource Centre (7 Armenian Street, S179932) or via online purchase by clicking here (retail price: S$10). E-book is also available now (@S$5.35 w/GST) by clicking here.