Science provides the knowledge required for technology and technology produces tools needed to improve the quality of life. Science isn’t mentioned in the Bible because it evolved in later years. Some people, therefore, may feel that science is not relevant to Christianity. However it is important to remember that science and technology have played vital roles in making the Bible the important book it is today. The effectiveness of the Bible depends on the ability of people to read and share what they have read and that has improved dramatically over the years due to advances in science and technology. In the first two thirds of the history of Christianity, only priests and monks had access and could read the Bible. Today it is readily available in many different versions and languages.
Clearly science and technology can be misused and harmful, but the recorded history of Christianity makes us aware of cases where quotations from the Bible have also been used to persecute people. Scientific research in most countries today is monitored and kept in check by committees that include non-scientists, many trained in Christian ethics. Christianity and science clearly need each other. Science and technology depend on the teamwork and direction taught by Christianity and Christianity depends on science and technology to develop the tools needed to relieve suffering. It is that relationship that is creating a wonderful new world. Since Christianity would be very limited in its ability to spread the gospel without science, shouldn’t science be thought of as part of the work of the Holy Spirit in the 21st century?
Robert C. Frank
Author of Christ’s Team
