"God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground” (Genesis 1:28).
What is the Christian’s role in the scientific enterprise? How do we as Christians live in a culture that has been shaped and influenced by the impact of scientific accomplishments?
Lest we slip into critical attitudes toward science, we must remember that science began with a mandate God gave in creation. God commanded Adam and Eve to have dominion over the earth. There is a sense in which man was created to conquer the universe in which he lives. The scientific enterprise is a part of that task.
At the same time, certain restrictions and constraints are placed upon man in creation. We are called not only to be productive, but to dress, till, and keep (guard or protect) the earth, and to replenish it. In the initial mandate for the scientific enterprise, there were governing sanctions. The scientific enterprise is to be under the authority of God and restrained by the law of God. Implicit in the mandate is the prohibition against the exploitation of natural resources, the raping of the world over which we have been given dominion.
For centuries there were broad areas of cooperation between the church and the scientific community. They worked hand in hand. The vocation of the scientist was seen as a calling from God Himself. Sadly, a break has developed between science and faith in recent years, due to the secularization of science.
Christian science is, in the fullest sense, the responsible, sober, careful, humble investigation of truth using both induction and deduction, yet assuming always that scientific and religious truth go hand in hand. Our age cries for talented scientists who see science as a true vocation and response to the mandate of God Himself.
During the next week, take the opportunity to marvel at the wonders of God’s created universe. Whether nondescript flower or awesome thunderstorm, allow each experience to speak to you of God’s creativity, harmony and complexity as mirrored through nature. During these times, recognize God’s artistry and praise Him for it.
