The Bible’s View of Nature and Science

There are some who consider that Christian story is all about faith in contrast to science which is about evidence. This distinction is false. Both the Christian faith and science are based on evidence and both require steps of faith based on that evidence. The Bible contains repeated reminders that the evidence from the world should point us to its creator. It is particularly striking that when the cosmos and biology are alluded to there is so often a reference to the Word of God as being just as reliable evidence. Both are therefore important for our understanding.

Let us look at some of the passages that deal with science.

Psalm 19

In this psalm David describes how the world around us and the word of God must both lead us to a humble recognition of the authority of God. It reads,

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,

5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. 11 By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.

14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight,
O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Verses 1 to 6 are saying that the world around us shouts out loud and clear that God, the creator clearly merits our wonder and praise. In verses 7 to 13 David recognises that the Word of God is extraordinary in its riches and effects. They warn us what displeases our Creator and teach us that obeying His wishes brings great benefits. This book keeps people from sin, from thinking and behaving in a way that displeases God. Everything involves this God. He is the rock on which our existence, purpose and values depend as well as the Redeemer who is able to forgive us when we fail him. What better reasons are there to praise God for?

Proverbs 8

This chapter argues that there is clearly a mind behind our existence. This mind is called ‘wisdom’.

27 I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep, 28when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep, 29 when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth. 30 Then I was the craftsman at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, 31 rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.
32 “Now then, my sons, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.

33 Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. 34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. 35 For whoever finds me finds life and receives favour from the LORD . 36 But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.”

Proverbs 8:27-36

Again the twin books of God’s revelation are described, natural science and the word of God. According to verses 27 to 31, God’s mind can clearly be seen in his creation. For this reason it would be stupid of us not to take note of what God teaches in his word. This is the argument in verses 32 to 37.

Job 38-40:4

A much longer discussion on the relationship between God and his creation is given here. It emphasises the insignificance of man compared to his God.

4 "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? 6 On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone- 7 while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? 8 "Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, 9 when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, 10 when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place, 11 when I said, 'This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt'? Job 38:4-11

The chapter continues with many similar examples from the physical world demonstrating that there is a great mind with much power controlling this world. The specialist subjects that the writer says point to a God who is interested in us include,

Cosmology

Oceanography

Geology

Climatology

Astronomy

Meteorology

The last three verses of Job 38 and all of chapter 39 looks at the animal kingdom with sections on mammals, birds and insects. After describing the power and knowledge that is obvious in God’s creation, he makes the concluding deduction,

“Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!” Job 40:2

The effect on Job is the same effect God wants us all to have.

“Then Job answered the Lord: ‘I am unworthy – how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth.’ “ Job 40:4

Romans 1:18-22

In the New Testament Paul makes the same point.

“. . . what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.” Romans 1:18-22

This widespread attitude angers God. The verse that precedes the above reads,

“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them.” Romans 1:18

This is not something to be trifled with; our response to God has eternal consequences.

My book ‘Science and God: enemies or Allies’ discusses in detail how good science and good theology go hand in hand.

Bernard V Palmer