by Pastor Michael Salemink
Does science conflict with Christian faith? Does Scripture contradict the data? Can science falsify Christianity? The Gospel relies on historical events, observable evidence, and commonly accessible facts. If science could demonstrate Jesus never suffered under Pontius Pilate, wouldn’t it effectively refute the Bible’s entire message? “And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14). An obstinate desire for human supremacy, even in denial of obvious and overwhelming proof to the contrary, this masquerading as “science,” advanced by “experts,” and eagerly accepted by the masses—this may constitute a rival religion to Christianity.
But science and our faith do not stand in opposition or competition. Indeed, science readily and regularly corroborates precisely what the Scriptures proclaim. Scripture is the source of truth, and science is the servant of it. Scripture defines the truth while science describes the same truth. Scripture reveals the compassionate Maker, and science marvels at the complexity of His creation. Scripture shows us the face of our Savior and the heart of our Heavenly Father. Science traces His almighty fingerprints. These ten scientific discoveries affirm our belief in the sanctity of human life:
- The universe had a beginning. In the 1920s, astronomer Edwin Hubble documented that other galaxies are moving away from our own. This indicates a single origin from which the galaxies exploded outward. Researchers further verified this in 1964 with the detection of cosmic microwave background radiation, a dimming invisible “glow” of the energy that occupies all outer space itself. And everything that has a beginning must have a cause greater than itself. Therefore, the universe testifies to a Creator!
- Efficiency implies design. Ongoing investigation of the heavens, the planet we inhabit, and the human body has found these systems to be remarkably complex (lots of parts) and efficient (works well). They also interact effectively with each other. And they exhibit these characteristics to extreme degrees at every scale from microscopic to astronomical. The more complex, efficient, and cooperative a system is, the more likely it has a designer who formed and coordinated each of its components for a specific purpose. The universe’s parts all point to an intelligent and omnipotent Designing Mind.
- Life comes from life and species reproduce after their kinds. Many experiments have disproven spontaneous generation (living organisms materializing out of inanimate substances), and every attempt at abiogenesis (balancing certain chemicals with certain energies to bring them to life) has failed. Our lives, all lives, as well as the very first lives, whether human or animal, reflect and embody the Living One who precedes and produces us. Only life can beget life, and so likewise every offspring of human beings is both living and human, even at the earliest stages of development in the womb.
- Jesus resurrected from death. Historical forensics concludes that Jesus died from crucifixion, He was buried in a known location, His supporters and opponents found His tomb empty the third day after, and dozens of distinct individuals witnessed Him alive again on multiple occasions. Testimonies other than the writings of His followers validate these details. Unbiased examination of the abundant information available verifies that the disciples’ account best explains this incident, as every other hypothesis disagrees with the commonly acknowledged realities.
- Archaeological findings confirm the biblical record. Investigators have uncovered thousands of sites, artifacts, and documents relating to Christian history since the middle of the nineteenth century. Every one has authenticated the Bible’s claims. In some cases, the unearthed articles substantiated places, persons, and cultural particulars that were unknown outside the Scriptures and of whose genuineness scholars had become skeptical.
- DNA identifies a human being. The isolation of chromosomes has established that age, appearance, and ability do not qualify an individual for membership in a species or disqualify an individual from it. Zygotes, embryos, and fetuses possess the same genetic makeup that classifies adults as human beings and distinguishes them from all other creatures.
- A new human life commences at the moment of fertilization. Ultrasounds and in vitro observations have ascertained the chemical and structural changes that take place as soon as sperm and eggs cells come into contact. The resulting zygote undergoes metabolism, respiration, multiplication, and response to stimuli which categorizes it as living. It also directs its own operations, recovers and repairs from damage, and develops toward a maturity which makes it an organism or being instead of a parasite or part of another.
- Human beings have exceptional properties. Continuing increase in biological knowledge only solidifies our understanding of humankind’s uniqueness. No other living thing exhibits consciousness, intelligence, emotion, communication, relationship, and morality that approaches the intricacy and intensity of ours.
- Female is distinct from and complementary to male. Neurologists keep unlocking further secrets of the human brain. Every advancement reinforces the differences between man and woman as well as their indispensable contributions to childbearing and childrearing. Male or female involves chemical and physiological idiosyncrasies in addition to anatomical ones.
- Abortion has serious physical and psychological aftereffects for mothers. Decades of studies around the world have chronicled how abortion procedures wreak havoc on bodies, consciences, hearts, and minds. Hemorrhaging, infection, infertility, increased risk for cancers, grief, PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder), promiscuity, substance abuse, and suicide occur more often than not after undergoing abortion. The Lord our God has made the bond between mother and baby both natural and sacred.