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It is no
secret that science and religion have been doing
intellectual battle for centuries. What these two forces
seem to have missed is the realization that both are in
the same boat of human experience; both are looking for
answers to how they got in that boat and where that boat
is headed.
Both camps should understand that their real enemy is
ignorance, not the other side. As the Apostle Paul
proclaimed in his letter to the Church at Corinth,
"...now we see through a glass darkly; ...now (we) know
in part (only)....."
Most religionists find adequate evidence to feel secure
in such beliefs as:
a. The complexity of both plant and animal life requires
an intelligent Planner.
b. There is a supernatural realm of existence that
cannot be explained by physical law only.
c. The Designer, Planner communicates with His creation
through such avenues as the holy written
Word, circumstances, and conscience.
On the
other hand, some of the questions that religionists
continue seeking FULL answers to are:
a. How has this Designer existed eternally?
b. Does He fit the human definition of "good?"
c. Why are there natural disasters causing pain and
suffering?
At the same time, most scientists find enough evidence
to proclaim their belief is such "facts" as:
a. A round earth.
b. A force called gravity, and
c. The universe having no "edge."
However, there are also numerous questions that the
scientific community has not answered to the
satisfaction of many; for example:
a. How could the complexity of life come about by
chance?
b. Why should one believe the proposition that micro
evolution is proof of macro evolution when such linkage
has not been demonstrated.
c. Why should one believe that order in the universe
arose from chaos?
Yes, science and religion are in the same boat of human
experience as they search for truth. Consequently, let
the debate between the two camps be set within a
framework of respect, humility, and civility.
Signed:
Fillmer Hevener, Ed. D.
Pastor, Guthrie Memorial Chapel
www.guthriememorial.org
224 Mohele Road
Farmville, Va. 23901.U.S.A., (434)393-6355)
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