This week our church in Rouse Hill hosted a creation science event over two nights. Dr George Matzko (Bob Jones University) presented arguments for a young earth and raised challenging questions for evolutionists, using the field of thermodynamics. The meetings were well-attended and included interesting Q&A sessions.

Afterward, I chatted with several Christians who were keen to learn more concerning how the claims of the Bible and of science can be compatible. I think most Australians would simply assume that the Bible and science cannot truly agree, or else consider the Bible to be irrelevant to science. So there is considerable pressure on Christians in schools, workplaces and from the media on this issue. A few thoughts:

• Scientifically-minded Christians can provide a valuable ministry in assisting the church to see ways in which “the heavens declare the glory of God.” Since scientific theories and concepts are subject to revision, Christians also need up-to-date arguments which can honestly present opponents’ viewpoints and reasonably refute them.
• At the same time, God declared the church, not science, as a pillar and buttress of the truth. So while creationist ministries can be helpful, the church is designed and primarily responsible to support the truth of God’s word. Science is a valuable tool toward that end, but science cannot replace the testimony of a Spirit-led, Christ-centred body of believers who speak the word and love one another.
• Richard Dawkins, author of The God Delusion, denounces the “lamentable ignorance” of young earth proponents and attempts to disparage the Bible in the light of science. How should Christians respond to people like Dawkins? We must thoughtfully, graciously, and boldly proclaim Christ to them. Jesus is “folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called…Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (I Corinthians 1:23-24)

EXTRA: Dr Francis Collins directs the Human Genome Project and professes to be Christian. He supports theistic evolution, but his testimony is interesting: “Why this scientist believes in God”