Science and Scripture
Questions:
- Does modern science conflict or compliment what the Bible's text states?
- Are there unique points that draw science and Scripture together to define a harmony based on two different perspectives?
- In what way do science and Scripture reinforce a base [of information] that is descriptive of the whole of our life experience?
- Ultimately, aren't science (concerning nature) and Scripture (concerning purpose and divine will transcending nature) really of the same origin?
Short Answer:
Certain Scriptures—when speaking of scientific topics or closely aligned themes—do relate well to science. A solid case can be made for a biblical consistency with scientific information. In fact, the Scriptures themselves help in discerning whether our universe and earth are old or young. Some related points are illustrated here and more so in the clearly written discussions provided by the astronomer Dr. Hugh Ross (see Matter of Days below. We highly recommend a reading of this book!).
The main point here is the Bible's Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts are entirely consistent with the science we know, even today in the face of the most current evidence. This is not the case for other 'holy' writings. Making this an illustration in clear view for our readers, in simplest terms, is the purpose to what you'll read here.
Consider This:
As noted in other WindowView science articles, scientists of many varied disciplines have long held to naturalistic and materialistic views. This explains blind acceptance of certain dogmas. In such cases, many believe that the Bible is in no way relevant to scientific knowledge. So, the mainstream today embodies currents of atheism as well as streams of faith. Some personalities are well recognized for their atheistic position.
Bertrand Russell, philosopher, mathematician and author of, among other works, Why I am Not a Christian, was once asked how he would respond if upon dying he found himself in the presence of God and was asked why he hadn't believed in God's existence during his stay on earth. Russell's response was summed up in three words: Not enough evidence! Now I submit that most persons on hearing of this response would conclude that in Russell we have a careful thinker who won't let himself be swayed by bogus or equivocal evidence. In other words, most people nowadays would regard Russell's skepticism as sober and measured. Atheism is regarded as a reasonable position these days because God, if he exists, has been too lazy or secretive to furnish us with convincing proofs of his existence.
It's worth noting that this attitude is of recent vintage. In other epochs atheism has been considered perverse and unreasonable. Thus the apostle Paul could write, "What can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made. So they are without excuse" (Romans 1:19-20 NRSV).
Well then, what has God done to make his existence plain? If we look to nature, two things have stood out historically: the cosmos and living systems. Dembski (CH) Page 130
Visualizing All The Evidence
In light of Russell's comments cited above, to do as Dr. Dembski says takes an ability to 'see it.' Like an illusion, life holds information that is twofold. Do you see the saxophone player illustrated below? Like the material and natural world, the atheist sees the clear black image. That's all there is to 'seeing it.'
But Paul's statement (quoted above; Romans 1) implies more information is there for us to see. The white area around the black image also holds information. The black plus white images are equally part of the same life experience. Seeing God is to live in the atheist's world with the added insight and understanding. The woman's face (in white area on the right) is a beauty within a larger picture, this is the added imagery that illustrates how life may appear much like an illusion, but none the less there is information present ... to be seen ... if only we will look. The ultimate cause for our life is likewise there if we look.
The holistic view is black and white—science and Scripture together!
Sections on This Web Page
Visualizing
All The Evidence
Natural Revelation
The Scriptures
Are Reliable
Proper Identification of Species
and Places
Our Mind
is a Tool
Concerning Time and
Age
Creation - Age - Expanse of the Universe
Physics -
Laws - Energetics
Science and Apologetics
Natural Revelation
Life is not so illusive that we are without excuse! The evidence is indeed there—scientific and biblical intertwined—see examples below. Did Bertrand Russell not want to see it? We can use our intellect to lock in what we want to accept, in some cases even to the point of denial, but that does not negate the reality that coexists with our perceived life experience. We need to be the detective to get at the best information available to us!
... Scientific discovery is the work of a detective who with limited information reconstructs how the world is (if you're a realist about science) or formulates an empirically adequate account of how the world behaves (if you're an antirealist). ... I find it disingenuous for anyone to assume that if a Designer has attempted to reveal himself in the natural order, this revelation must be not only obvious but also ostentatious—not only is God supposed to sign each of his artifacts much as a painter signs a finished canvas, but God is supposed to use neon lights. Dembski (CH) Page 134
If not neon lights, then isn’t there some truth to our seeing the Designer's signature and then the lights go on! We’ve prepared the content of the WindowView in the light of connecting information to the revelation process. Once the light goes on for you, it becomes virtually impossible to switch it off. And then the Window’s view is completed for you. By seeing more than one perspective, you don’t lose the old view, but rather you’ve added to it!
Scientific inquiry, and inquiry in general, strives as far as possible to remove ignorance about how the world is and works. On this point I shall assume there is no controversy. Now suppose for the moment that God is an efficient cause in the material world, and that this God has assembled certain articles of matter with complete precision control at the level of elementary particles. Then if the complexity and organization of such articles is sufficiently high, it may be possible to distinguish them reliably from articles produced through the regularities of nature, the effects of chance notwithstanding. But in this case any naturalistic explanation of such God-assembled articles simply be false, since naturalistic explanation will in this case attribute the wrong cause—natural law-like processes rather than God. If ours is a world where God exists and actually does things, naturalism, by blocking on a priori grounds explanations that appeal to God, will actually block the way of inquiry ... Dembski (CH) Page 133
What or who caused the universe? The matter (elementary particles) are the base to which only chance or chaos might have ruled. But order and highly specified complexity are evident in nature—this goes beyond chance occurrence. There is evidence, in certain 'articles' or material examples—this includes living beings, cell structures, and chemical pathways—to clearly rule out naturalistic explanations. The intelligence that brings the resultant order and specificity speaks to God's presence ... that must have been there from the start.
The Bible is not a science textbook, but its very first words do answer who caused the universe into being. Scientific data and the Bible both take us back to a beginning. Concerning the big bang and its implications:
But if the universe is the aftermath of an explosion, then sometime in the past there must have had a beginning. There must have been a moment at which the explosion began. If it had a beginning, then through the principle of cause and effect this beginning implies the existence of a Beginner. Ross (CH) Page 145
We seem to strike on naturalistic truths (science data) that reflect the handy work of a Designer (i.e., the 'Beginner'). Is this to touch the face of God or is it coincidence? What might science information do to help clarify matters. If science supports the Bible, or vice versa, then this lends support to a view that embraces the whole of our life experience. Science information then serves to defend an understanding rooted in the Scriptures. If so, we may also see how the ancient Scriptures foretell modern scientific findings! That's consistency.
The Scriptures Are Reliable
The Bible is a source that by its own accounting sets a precedent concerning truth. What is written is truth and trustworthy (both God and Bible), examples include:
19 God is not a man, that he should lie, Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Hath he said, and will he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and will he not make it good? (Numbers 23:19, ASV).
6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (Ps 12:6, KJV).
160 The sum of thy word is truth; And every one of thy righteous ordinances endureth for ever. (Ps 119:160, ASV).
Additional verses that complement those above include: Psalms 19:7-8, John 10:35, Hebrews 6:18, and 1 John 1:5. If you wish to read these additional verses you can visit the Bible texts here at WindowView in a separate browser window.
Thus, for consistency to hold, any reference to the natural world is expected to fit with science information (now or in the future).
The Bible indicates the record of nature is reliable.
Thus, what scientists explore and the data gathered from the universe describes, in detail, valid information:
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament showeth his handiwork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, And night unto night showeth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language; Their voice is not heard. 4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, (Ps 19:1-4 ASV).
Note that without speech evidences from the universe [heavens] are shown night unto night for observation even to the very earth upon which we stand. Do you have a telescope!
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hinder the truth in unrighteousness; 19 because that which is known of God is manifest in them; for God manifested it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse: (Ro 1:18-20, ASV).
Intelligent design, described elsewhere in the WindowView, is an example of exactly what is stated here. Design, and evidence in what is seen, is a testimony to the presence of the Designer, the unseen. So, the visible world actually speaks to something invisible and from there to a power and wisdom that we have no excuse but to recognize!
Agreeing in Proper Identification of Species and Places
Unlike the book of Mormon example cited below, the Bible's references to specific plants and animals are factual. Further, names of places and various structures mentioned in the Bible—to the extent of current archaeological exploration—have proven accurate. In fact, some Scriptures have been specifically used to assist in archaeological work in advance of making digs and locating physical evidence. Again, this in sharp contrast to how other writings fail to provide a correlation with current archaeological evidence and references in the corresponding non-biblical text.
Our Mind is a Tool—for seeking—for Investigations
Scientists and Bible scholars need to explore and discover. We need to be objective and to reason (think and discern). In the open marketplace of knowledge, one should engage the process of seeing where the data leads—to that which is right, correct, and good. Bias and dogma (sin or errant thinking) only get in the way:
4 Let us choose for us that which is right: Let us know among ourselves what is good. (Job 34:4, ASV).
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
(Is 1:18, KJV).
Scientific experiments are tests to see what is and what is not. Refining a research program as data are gathered and further testing allow us to see if the evidence supports the claims made or if there is more to discover:
21 prove all things; hold fast that which is good; (1Thes 5:21, ASV).
1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (1John 4:1, ASV).
The same concept in more scientific terms is something like rejecting bad data or misinformation in refining data sets that are reliable. Ill conceived scientific work and the claims that follow (like false prophets) need scrutiny and not blind acceptance.
Concerning Time and Age
Biblical time, ages past, a day as a thousand years:
Above we noted the record of nature is true. Astronomers have examined the expansion of the universe and observed stars and galaxies to reveal events in time, some suggest very long time frames. The earth also appears to reveal ages (time spans) of activity in the past. How do the Bible and God look at time?
8 But forget not this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. (2 Peter 3:8).
The illustration here reveals the Bible's flexibility representing long periods of time in other terms (day here means longer period of time). Dr. Hugh Ross, in 'Matter of Days,' makes a point of demonstrating how the Bible's six days of creation represent longer periods than each day being a literal 24 hour interval. Read further for citations that apply to this theme.)
Dr. Fruchtenbaum, from a theological perspective, informs us the use of the Hebrew word 'yom' in conjunction with an ordinal (a number) specifies each 'yom' as a literal 24-hour day. With great respect for Dr. Fruchtenbaum (of Ariel Ministries), we still find it interesting to read the detailed study by Dr. Ross—simply because 'yom' is a word that has more than one meaning in the Bible and Dr. Ross makes an account of this varied usage.
This verse also reminds us of Einstein's relativity in that our view and God's view may be relative to our vantage points. The Bible is an earth-based perspective. How time is expressed is important, but references to time need study to see, in relative terms, what's being expressed. While not a certainty, but also fun to consider, we've also hosted an article by Dr. Schroeder who writes about a calculation of creation days in terms of Einstein's relativity.
Biblical clocks relate to before time in the present world:
2 Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. (Ps 90:2).
The WindowView's timeline goes from Eternity past to Eternity future—everlasting to everlasting. Dr. Stephen Hawking suggests before the big bang there was 'imaginary time'—but this is an uncertain proposal and a materialist's view. Yet, there is a way to: 1) recognize science's question of what came before, 2) fold in the biblical references to what came before, and 3) to look forward to a time when the universe is changed as an eternal age opens in the future.
24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth, When there were no fountains abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills was I brought forth; 26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, Nor the beginning of the dust of the world. (Pr 8: 24-26).
Being existed before the material world was set in place. The Messiah's presence
is brought forth in this passage, from before the foundation of the earth.
4 One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever. (Ec 1:4).
The biblical clock ticks from generation to generation.
7 All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again. (Ec 1:7).
Nature is filled with cycles, all of which circle in time. Cycles of nutrients and water, as in global ecology, renew and replenish the earth and life itself. It occurs in unceasing loops over time. Through an expanse of time life's presence and activity leaves its mark as biological deposits and in transforming the environment to build soils, wear down rocks, laying down strata, building mountains, moving continents, and numerous other time related transformations.
10 Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us. (Ec 1:10).
Scientific evidence—when gathered efficiently and reliably—speaks of the same experience, same properties, over time.
Our generations pass through time and each new generation faces the same biblical hope, promise, and opportunity. Not all choose eternal life as an opportunity, but time is marked by numerous successive generations—to each come the same questions.
Creation - Age - Expanse of the Universe
The Creator (God of Israel) speaks through creation (nature):
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, (Ps 19:1-4).
7 But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: 8 Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. (Job 12: 7,8).
This is God seen through nature's revelation ... teaching and speaking. Are we listening?
1 The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. 2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. 3 Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. 4 He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. 5 Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. 6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah. (Ps 50:1-6).
6 The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory. (Ps 97:6).
Old age:
The earth, its mountains, and even the heavens are referred to, considered, and described as foundations, old, and long lasting.
6 He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: his ways are everlasting. (Hab 3:6).
5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: (2Peter 3:5).
Expansion of the Universe
All the verses below refer to a universe that is stretched or spread out (i.e. expanding).
5 Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: (Isaiah 42:5).
8 Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea. (Job 9:8).2 Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: (Psalm 104:2).
12 He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion. (Jeremiah 10:12).
1 The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. (Zechariah 12:1).
Without a lengthy explanation here, the spreading and stretching as described above is perfectly aligned with scientific cosmological details. The fact that Psalm 104 uses the term 'curtain' also references something about the configuration of the physical universe and how astronomers characterize the ever expanding cosmos.
Physics - Laws - Energetics
Physical laws are fixed (e.g. Gravity, 2nd law of thermodynamics, electromagnetism)
Without consistent properties, constants, and descriptive laws, science would be without foundation and the universe would be chaotic. The Bible long ago stated physical laws are set in place. They are the platform for nature's reliable functions. Scientific investigation, resting upon fixed laws, becomes a window for material knowledge and natural revelation.
25 Thus saith the LORD; If my covenant be not with day and night, and if I have not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth; (Jer 33:25).
These conditional statements read in context are actually affirmative. Thus God set in place all ordinances uniformly throughout the entire universe.
Second Law of Thermodynamics:
In general terms this is a physical law that states everything in the universe is going toward randomness. The energy in stars is dispersed over time, the hot spots in the universe will eventually decay and grow cold. At some point the tendency to create new burning stars will cease and the entire universe will eventually go to a state of darkness. This is a law that indicates a constant direction in time. We live in a temporal one way universe. The consequences of this law are inescapable.
19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. (Ro 8:19-22).
The second law of thermodynamics provides a condition that life must work against to maintain form and function. Work expended to gather energy to stay alive, to fuel the building of body and maintaining same, and the constitution that sustains the physical being even as aging sets in can all be viewed as travail, decay, and the extended effort that leads to the groaning mentioned above. In the absence of this law, we might picture life ongoing, effortless, and eternal.
Decay, as noted by the Scriptures, is the entropy of which the chemist or physicist speaks. Decay goes hand in hand with work, for energy is built up to express work and as work is performed energy flows, much like the light and heat that is radiated as a star burns (which is its form of work in real time).
Diet — what humanity has eaten and can eat:
Early on the Bible relates that humans lived long life spans and Scripture references to dietary intake are vegetarian:
29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. 30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. (Genesis 1:29-30).
Later on, due to circumstances described in the biblical text, human life spans were shortened. While vegetarian diets are of benefit to longevity, shortened life spans minimize health risks associated with meat consumption. A more diverse diet was permissible:
2 And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. 3 Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. (Genesis 9:2-3).
Meat added to our modern diet is further complicated (adds risk) due to the additives farmers use in animal production. Even before the use of antibiotics or other pharmaceuticals, animals are organisms higher in the food chain and they concentrate harmful substances from the environment. The concentration effect builds from the lower to upper portion of the food chain. Higher fat and lower levels of certain nutrients supplied by plants also represent a key difference between a meat diet as opposed to an entirely vegetarian diet.
Nutrition today is a science. Even so, the science of nutrition is well represented within the wisdom imparted by the Bible.
Rest, a day of rest is a Shabbat (sabbath day):
9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. (Ex 20:9-11).
2 Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: ... (Ex 35:2).
Very similar to Ex 20:9-11 is another passage found in Deut 5:12-15.
4 But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.
(Lev 25:4).
Man and nature need a shabbat rest. Interestingly, while not practiced widely today, fields worked for agriculture do need a sabbath. Soil is alive with microbial life. If given a rest, that life stays in balance and the soil is "healthy." So, this is a rest where the ground and local ecology, including beneficial insects and other organisms have a chance to reestablish themselves. Soil fertility can rebound in a fallow field and if not given a rest the field is certain to decline, soil erodes, and productivity withers.
A new creation comes:
21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. (Ro 8: 21-23).
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Rev 21:4).
There is a new creation that relates to a completely made new experience that transcends the 3 dimensional experience we know today. We'll reference this out of context for there is a bit more to the story than what the three following verses indicate. For now, there is something new yet to come.
For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. (Isaiah 65:17, ASV)
22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. (Isaiah 66:22, ASV)
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. (2 Peter 3:13)
The Millennial Kingdom appears to be a similar 3 dimensional world and universe, but with characteristics that are unlike the present earth and heavens. To distinguish the present world from the 'renewed earth' (also called in Scripture a new heaven and new earth, from that of the new heavens and new earth that are not the 3 dimensional experience of today or the Millennial age, we refer you to the writings of Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum. The distinction noted here is addressed in non-scientific, but wholly scriptural terms, in his book "Footsteps of the Messiah," see the Second Edition)
Science and Apologetics
An apologetic is a defense of a particular position and here specifically is information supporting sound reason and a solid understanding of the Scriptures.
The entire text above is an apologetic that defends the biblical position in light of sound science. There are no strange or errant statements in the Bible to contradict the empirical evidence we have. Yet, the Bible does bridge the natural to supernatural; which is something science does not do directly (only by inference as in intelligent design evidence).
Be aware, other 'holy writings'—compared to the Bible—reveal an inconsistency with science fact. While not wishing to extend disparaging remarks toward anyone (for that is not the heart of the matter), but simply to base an examination on factual statements, we use an outside source that examines the the Book of Mormon as one of many other 'holy' writings that prove to be scientifically inaccurate. We DO NOT recommend putting one's faith in errant writings.
Still other examples, equally important in making the same point, include pantheism (e.g. Hinduism, Buddhism or related New Age movements). These fail, as highlighted below. (An audio and text account of a scientist's comparative look at a broad range of different writings leading to the conclusion stated here, including writings not mentioned here, is provided by a link to an outside web source; see below)
Consider a common rationalization. Some people say there are many ways to experience God and many roads lead to Him. Ironically, science information itself provides a reduced field of options and at the same time lends evidence in support of the Bible. Let's take a peek at an example from the writings of Dr. Hugh Ross:
Most Eastern religions, old and new, are founded on the belief that the universe oscillates or "reincarnates." In fact, the popularity of these belief systems soared as the popularity of the oscillating universe model grew, especially when it was recognized that the Hindu number for the length of the oscillation period (specifically, the 4.32 billion years) came relatively close to the 20- to 30-billion-year period proposed by astronomers working on the model. Some reasoned that for the ancient Hindus to get that close to the "right" number, Hinduism must hold vital truths. Ross (CH) Page 151
Science nor Scripture stand on coincidence alone. It is in fact the continuity between the natural and supernatural that builds the harmony between science and Scripture. This in turn builds a testimony, serves as clear witness, to what is truth and not chance nor coincidence. Beyond a number that may coincide with the age of earth and the cosmos, there is astronomy's evidence that describes the nature to the universe's initiation. Various models have been put forth. Several of these, referred to next, appear to support faiths that think in terms of a universe that goes on forever. Pantheism has roots in a belief that the universe always was and always will be.
Now that the hesitation, steady state and isolation models for the universe have evaporated in the face of a new measurements, so too has any scientific basis for the cosmology of Eastern religions. The proofs against the oscillating universe model destroys this scientific foundation of Hinduism, Buddhism and their New Age derivatives. The proofs against the eternal existence of the cosmos translate into the impossibility of pantheism and all of its daughter faiths insofar as they include the notion of an eternal past. Ross (CH) Page 152
For individuals who think of life only in material and naturalistic terms, the notion that the Bible works within and beyond the natural, material, existence is merely too illusive and is believed unworkable. The following information describes a series of biblical references that are in fact scientific and also in line with the material realm. This should be no surprise to anyone who understands that all we experience is from an intelligent source, by a Creator. If this is one and the same as the God of the Bible, then there should be a consistent linkage between the realms of science and Scripture.
To be sure, the passages listed above are all selected from within a larger context and further reading will accomplish a great deal to put each citation into proper perspective. Also, many of the themes listed here are discussed in greater detail in Dr. Hugh Ross's book "Matter of Days."
Quotations from "The Creation Hypothesis" (CH) edited by J. P. Moreland are used by permission of InterVarsity Press, P.O. Box 1400, Downers Grove, IL 60515. www.ivpress.com All rights reserved. No portion of this material may be used without permission from InterVarsity Press.
Hear or read Dr. Ross as he provides a personal account of how he saw the differences in all the world's many 'holy' writings to then come to the conclusion that only the Bible is in fact scientifically compatible.
In our estimation, A Matter of Days (first published 2004 updated 2015) is one of the best writings by Dr. Hugh Ross. While touching on controversial issues, this is science and Scripture meeting point to point. The effort to reveal an accurate accounting from both sides makes a compelling case for an old earth, but even more so a case for biblical accuracy in the face of the most current scientific evidence. Click on the book cover (on left) to order this volume directly from the author.
1 ¶ Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.
2 The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel.
3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
4 He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.
5 Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.
6 The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.
7 Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:
8 Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.
9 He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.
10 He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.
11 The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.
12 ¶ Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion.
13 For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee.
14 He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat.
15 He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly.
16 He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.
17 He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?
18 He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow.
19 He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel.
20 He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD. (Psalm 147,ASV)
Writer / Editor: Dr. T. Peterson, Director, WindowView.org
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The WindowView drops many of the typical presumptions to take another look. What does scientific data tell us if we start without assumptions? And ... how contiguous is science information if examined along with scriptural perspectives provided by the Bible? The Bible is the only religious or holy book we know of that is in fact consistent with science. While not a textbook, the Scriptures are either contradictory or complementary to scientific perspectives. Have you looked at these perspectives? To see 'Science and Scripture in Harmony' is to reveal life, reality, and your future.
