The Language of God

1. Science and Faith: Complementary Truths

Science's domain is to explore nature. God's domain is in the spiritual world, a realm not possible to explore with the tools and language of science.

Distinct Domains. Science and faith, often perceived as conflicting, actually operate in separate realms. Science investigates the natural world through observation and experimentation, while faith addresses spiritual questions about meaning, purpose, and morality. Recognizing these distinct domains allows for a harmonious coexistence.

Mutual Enrichment. Embracing both science and faith can enrich human experience. Science provides profound insights into the material world, while faith offers guidance in the spiritual realm. Combining these perspectives leads to a more complete understanding of existence.

• Science: Explores the "how" of the universe
• Faith: Explores the "why" of human existence

Integration, Not Compartmentalization. Rather than compartmentalizing science and faith, strive for integration. This involves finding ways for these perspectives to inform and enhance each other, leading to a more holistic worldview.

2. The Moral Law: A Universal Signpost to God

If there was a controlling power outside the universe, it could not show itself to us as one of the facts inside the universe...The only way in which we could expect it to show itself would be inside ourselves as an influence or a command trying to get us to behave in a certain way.

Innate Sense of Right and Wrong. The Moral Law, an inherent understanding of right and wrong, exists universally among humans. This law transcends cultural differences and evolutionary explanations, suggesting a divine origin.

Evidence of a Transcendent Standard. The Moral Law is not merely a cultural construct or evolutionary byproduct. It is a universal standard that humans consistently violate, indicating a higher authority.

• Examples: Condemnation of oppression, murder, treachery, and falsehood across cultures

A Glimpse of God. The Moral Law serves as a signpost to God, revealing His nature and demanding a serious consideration of its origin. It suggests a theistic God who desires a relationship with humanity.

3. The Big Bang: A Universe with a Divine Beginning

The Big Bang cries out for a divine explanation. It forces the conclusion that nature had a defined beginning. I cannot see how nature could have created itself. Only a supernatural force that is outside of space and time could have done that.

A Defined Beginning. The Big Bang theory, supported by extensive scientific evidence, indicates that the universe had a singular beginning. This challenges the idea of a steady-state universe and suggests a supernatural cause.

Limits of Science. The Big Bang demonstrates the limits of science, as it cannot explain what came before or who was responsible. This opens the door for theological interpretations.

• Robert Jastrow: "For the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream."

Harmony with Creation Narratives. The Big Bang aligns with faith traditions that describe the universe as created by God from nothingness (ex nihilo). It supports the idea of a divine act of creation.

4. Evolution: God's Elegant Mechanism for Life

There is grandeur in this view of life, with its several powers, having been originally breathed by the Creator into a few forms or into one; and that, whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being evolved.

Descent with Modification. Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection provides a compelling explanation for the diversity and complexity of life. It suggests that all species are descended from common ancestors.

Molecular Support. The study of genomes provides strong molecular support for evolution, demonstrating the relatedness of all species through DNA similarities. This includes shared genes, chromosome structures, and ancient repetitive elements.

• 96% DNA similarity between humans and chimpanzees

Harmony with Faith. Evolution, as a mechanism, does not negate the role of a Creator. It can be seen as God's elegant plan for creating life, allowing for both scientific understanding and spiritual awe.

5. The Human Genome: Evidence of Shared Ancestry

At the DNA level, we are all 99.9 percent identical. That similarity applies regardless of which two individuals from around the world you choose to compare. Thus, by DNA analysis, we humans are truly part of one family.

Genetic Unity. The human genome reveals a remarkable degree of similarity among all individuals, indicating a shared ancestry. This supports the idea that humans are part of one family.

Common Ancestry with Other Species. Comparing the human genome with those of other organisms reveals significant similarities, particularly in protein-coding genes. This provides further evidence for descent from a common ancestor.

• Similar gene order between human and mouse chromosomes
• Shared ancient repetitive elements in human and mouse genomes

Challenges to Special Creation. The presence of nonfunctional genes (pseudogenes) and shared genetic elements in different species challenges the idea of special creation. It suggests a common evolutionary history.

6. Genesis: Poetry, Not a Science Textbook

In matters that are so obscure and far beyond our vision, we find in Holy Scripture passages which can be interpreted in very different ways without prejudice to the faith we have received.

Multiple Interpretations. The creation story in Genesis 1 and 2 is a powerful and poetic narrative, but it can be interpreted in various ways. It is not necessarily intended as a literal, step-by-step account of the origins of the earth and humankind.

Augustine's Wisdom. Saint Augustine cautioned against turning biblical texts into precise scientific treatises. He recognized the risks of taking a rigid stance on one interpretation, especially in matters beyond our vision.

• "What kind of days these were, it is extremely difficult, or perhaps impossible for us to conceive."

Focus on God's Character. The primary intention of Genesis is to instruct readers about God's character, not to teach scientific facts. It uses poetic language and allegory to convey spiritual truths.

7. Theistic Evolution: Harmony Between Science and Faith

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.

God's Guiding Hand. Theistic evolution (BioLogos) proposes that God used evolution as the mechanism to create life, including humans. This view integrates scientific understanding with a belief in a Creator.

Key Premises of Theistic Evolution:

• The universe was created by God.
• The properties of the universe are precisely tuned for life.
• Evolution and natural selection led to biological diversity and complexity.
• Humans share a common ancestor with other living things.
• Humans are unique in their spiritual nature.

Reconciling Science and Belief. Theistic evolution allows for a satisfying harmony between science and belief. It acknowledges the power of science to investigate the natural world while affirming the existence of a Creator.

8. Bioethics: Navigating Moral Dilemmas with Wisdom

Knowledge itself has no intrinsic moral value; it is the way in which that knowledge is put to use that acquires an ethical dimension.

Ethical Considerations in Biotechnology. Advances in biotechnology and medicine raise complex ethical questions. Bioethics is the discipline that considers the morality of these applications.

Universal Ethical Principles:

• Respect for autonomy
• Justice
• Beneficence
• Nonmaleficence

Balancing Principles. Ethical dilemmas often arise when these principles conflict. Different individuals and cultures may prioritize these principles differently, leading to diverse perspectives.

9. Agape: The Essence of Unconditional Love

Because it is the nature of the scorpion to sting, why should I deny my own nature to save it?

Selfless Love. Agape, or selfless altruism, is a major challenge for evolutionists. It cannot be accounted for by the drive of individual selfish genes to perpetuate themselves.

Agape in Action. Examples of agape include Oskar Schindler's efforts to save Jews during World War II and Mother Teresa's selfless giving to the sick and dying of Calcutta. These acts of love transcend self-interest.

• Oskar Schindler: Risked his life to save over a thousand Jews
• Mother Teresa: Dedicated her life to serving the poor and sick

A Reflection of God's Nature. Agape reflects God's nature, demonstrating a love that seeks no recompense. It is an affront to materialism and naturalism, and it is the sweetest joy that one can experience.

10. The Journey of Seeking Truth: A Personal Calling

You came here for one reason. You came here for me.

Personal Encounters. The most meaningful experiences often arise from simple acts of kindness and personal connections. These encounters can reveal profound truths and a sense of purpose.

Harmony with God's Will. Aligning oneself with God's will involves seeking goodness and truth, both in the scientific and spiritual realms. This requires humility, compassion, and a willingness to serve others.

• The young Nigerian farmer's words: "You came here for me."

A Call to Action. Each individual is called to reach out to others and seek harmony between science and spirit. This involves embracing both reason and worship, and recognizing the interconnectedness of all things.

Last updated: March 19, 2025