God and Science: Can They Coexist Harmoniously?
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Connection Between God and Science
“Men became scientific because they expected law in nature, and they expected law in nature because they believed in a legislator.” — C.S. Lewis
Is it necessary to choose between belief in God and the principles of science? According to John Lennox, the notion that these two realms are in opposition stems from a misunderstanding of what explanation truly means.
To illustrate, consider the question: Why is the water boiling?
The scientific explanation is that the heat from the stove is transmitted through the copper kettle, which causes the water molecules to agitate and boil. Conversely, the agent explanation would be: The water is boiling because I want a cup of tea. Both perspectives are valid; they do not conflict but rather enrich our understanding.
Just as Henry Ford's innovations do not compete with the principles of automobile engineering, God’s role in explaining the universe does not contend with scientific inquiry. Instead, God can be revealed through the wonders of science.
The Greek god Zeus, often viewed as a deity of the gaps, represents a misunderstanding of science; as our comprehension of natural phenomena grew, the need for such gods diminished. However, there are different types of gaps—some that science fills, and others that it unveils.
Lennox highlights the gap regarding meaning. We can scientifically grasp how ink transfers onto paper and forms symbols, yet science falls short in explaining their significance. Understanding meaning requires a conscious mind; devoid of it, meaning cannot exist.
Section 1.1: The Mind Behind the Universe
Lennox emphasizes the value of knowledge in appreciating the brilliance behind various creations. He references Isaac Newton, who, after formulating the law of gravitation, didn’t discard the notion of God. In his seminal work, Principia Mathematica, he expressed a desire to encourage rational thinkers to consider the divine.
As Newton deepened his understanding of science, he increasingly perceived the presence of God in the universe. This perspective is not limited to his field; it resonates across various disciplines. The more one learns about art, for example, the greater appreciation one gains for the brilliance of renowned artists.
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Arnau P.