Why is it that, in the mind of scientists, science and Christianity is irreconcilable?

Question

I am faced with a paradox and, as a student of the sciences, I strongly dislike paradoxes. My religion is Christianity and I am also a scientist. I recently started having conversations with others in the field of science and find that they are immediately averse to my faith operating under the false assumption that my science is flawed as they are under the assumption that the christian faith in incompatible with science. This troubles me greatly, but I will not choose between my faith and science. There is such an incredible amount of science in the bible from the flaming bush seen by Moses to the great plagues of Egypt to the concept of creation to the walls of Jericho falling down and more. So my question is this: Why, in the minds of scientists and christians both, is science and christianity irreconcilable and what can be done as a scientist and a christian to reconcile the two and still be respected as a scientist?

Answer 1

Ask god how to use your love for science for his glory...he will reveal the way to you!

I know what you mean about struggling with people that see science (and even rational thought) as being totally incompatible with Christianity. I always got in to trouble in science classes (especially in college and especially in anthropology, biology, and philosophy of science classes!) because I refused to accept theories that weren't consistent in my mind. Stand firm in your faith and follow the example of Albert Einstein who viewed faith as an essential part of science! Read http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1607298,00.html

Answer 2

Scientists and Christians do no agree on most things that science can offer an explanation to. Their work is to delve into the nature, the complexities of a given occurrence or being, to find an explanation for it no matter how long it takes. They disagree that the universe was created by God, that man was created by God. Most scientists are atheists. However, scientists and Christians can work perfectly well together as long as both don't openly discuss their different beliefs and end up arguing about these things. Respect is the key word. Both parties should not force the other to accept what he believes in.

Answer 3

Actually, to correct earlier statements, it was Aristotle (not a Christian by far) who figured out that the world was round, not Christians. I'm not sure exactly where the "flat Earth" theory came from, but Medieval Christians never bought that (at least the Church never did, who knows what the idiot peasantry though). So far all the Bible verses people are presenting portray the Earth as a "circle" not as a "sphere." Don't know about the circles you guys have, but circles I encounter always seem pretty flat. The Egyptians and the Mesopotamians believed in a flat Earth, and so did the ancient Hebrews. This does not suggest that Christians did (I already said they didn't), but it shows that the Bible did not suggest a round,spherical Earth. To answer the question: No, Christianity never wins debates with scientists armed with facts and observations.

Answer 4

I am not studying a physical science, but I am working toward my PhD in Psychology, and I am also a Christian. It is also frowned upon by people in my field of study, because supposedly this is the sign of a weak psyche.

However, I believe since psychology is (by definition) the study of the soul, that I will be more qualified than my non-Christian counterparts to help those in need.

I think that many scientists come into their area of study with the preconceived notion that God is non-existent, and then look for "evidence" to support this belief. People ask for proof that God exists, I believe the proof is all around us. The Bible states that the wisdom of man is foolishness. And I think that scientist often think their evidence supports their theory that God doesn't exists when in reality it does no such thing.

I think you will be respected by other scientist if you do good work. They may still think your belief are silly, but they will respect you for the work you do. If they don't, that's their problem.

I'd rather have God's approval anyway. Wouldn't you?

Answer 5

Those scientists who are not godly, science is irreconciliable with Christianity; though science is actually a minute wisdom of a punny man where science can not even determine the value of zero and also any constant divided by infinity are simple problems yet unsolvable by their science. But to those scientists who are godly they see creations everywhere. The community of scientists is likened to any organization where there are pro and cons as well as rogue ones or extremists for that matter.

Answer 6

Hello! Raptor.
Science can only use what God has created.
Science has done wonders in the field of medicine.
What you need to realize is human viewpoint cannot understand divine viewpoint.
There have been scientists who have set out to try and disprove Christianity and end up being saved because you can only go so far and you have to come back to a creator..
I cannot remember the name of the professor but he was a christian and a scientist who gave a great lecture on the facts of the flood.
Maybe someone reading this can give you his name.
Take care!

Answer 7

It's because they can't see the logic of God. And to them if you believe in something that's not logical then how can you call your self a scientist? I don't know much about science, but I do know that it's based on logic and solid proof. I also believe as you do that there is science in the bible. Who cares what they think anyway. As long as you know what is right then that's all that matters. God knows where your heart lies and that's most important. So try to remember that the next time you get frustrated with your co-workers. :)

Answer 8

It's clearly not true of all Christians and all scientists.
It's going to depend a lot on your view of the history of the world and how God interacted with it.

There are difficulties.
Even though it is the official position of the Catholic church to accept an ancient earth and evolution, the more I understand about the contingent, wasteful, nature of evolution, the less I can see a reconciliation between such processes and a powerful and loving deity.

Classically, as Darwin expressed it:
"I cannot persuade myself that a beneficent and omnipotent God would have designedly created parasitic wasps with the express intention of their feeding within the living bodies of Caterpillars."

It will depend to an extent on how you view Genesis as to how you reconcile God making human childbirth very painful for women with scientific views of how this arose.

Those who insist on God, a direct creation and "The fall", on one side, and those who insist on natural process without a supernatural deity on the other, have less of a struggle with this, obviously.

But many try to hold both.
I'd seriously suggest that thought about the Genesis 3 curse may point up what it is that at least appears irreconcilable.

Answer 9

It's considered fashionable today only because the ignorance of certain types of people have become "tolerated" and incorporated into the collective psyche. Link to any site about Dr Gerald Schroeder and his book, "The Science of God" or, better yet, just buy it. He's a Geophysicist and recently came to understand and appreciate God as the Creator, and his book is absolutely awesome. His explanation of things biblical and scientific drarwfs Dawkins entirely. As a scientist, I'm certain you'll appreciate this book. And never compromise your faith because fellow colleagues act like
drones who can't escape the herd mentality that their chosen ignorance exerts on their "minds" daily.

Answer 10

It's not just possible, it's a lot more common than you think! I suppose it does depend on what kind of Christian you are, though. If you're a creationist, for example, genealogists will think you're an idiot, as will most medical doctors, geologists, biologists...evolution is pretty much proven, to them.

Personally, I like the idea that God created the first life and guided its evolution into the beautiful varieties of species we have today.

I think the main thing scientists get hung up on is creationism. Hope that helps!