Science and religion often appear conflicted and utterly opposed to one another. But how does science actually line up with the Bible and true Christianity? Why do the two philosophies seem at odds so frequently? Some of the tension can be traced back to a time when Catholicism was the monolithic and solitary voice for religion in the West.

The stories of how new scientific discoveries, such as heliocentrism (the fact that the earth rotates around the sun, and not the reverse), were oppressed by the Catholic Church have perpetuated and helped fuel the modern conflict, even though many of the most important scientists were Christians. Further, many Christians fail to accurately understand scientific theories and concepts, and due to the disputes and mutual skepticism assume the worst.

Likewise, many modern scientists – and mainstream Christians – lack a proper understanding of the teachings of God’s Word.  True, biblical Christianity does not conflict with an accurate and honest understanding of science. Many so-called “conflicts” exist, and while it would require hundreds of pages to do each issue justice, I will attempt to give a 30,000-foot view of two of the most hotly-debated topics.

It Started with a Bang

The Big Bang theory states that the entire Universe had a beginning, and started as a single infinitesimal point. From that point, the Universe has expanded at an exponential rate, and continues to do so today.

As Christians, we know that God created the Universe, and that it therefore had a beginning (Genesis 1:1, Colossians 1:16). We also know that “the increase of [God’s] government and peace” will have “no end” (Isaiah 9:6-7). As a result, the Big Bang theory fits markedly well with God’s Plan of creation.

“Survival of the Fittest”

Evolution is an enormous theory with a myriad of aspects and details, from the undeniable and self-evident to the totally absurd and unverified. Suppose a bird hunts a kind of beetle in a particular grassland, and this species of beetle can genetically have a red, green, or brown exoskeleton. Clearly, the bird will have no trouble picking out the red-shelled specimens, while the green and brown continue to thrive. This part of evolutionary theory, known as natural selection, microevolution, or “survival of the fittest”, speaks to changes within a particular species, or “kind” of animal; no new species was created (Genesis 1:24-25).

However, science has never provided evidence for macroevolution: changes which result in the occurrence of new species. They are impossible due to their complexity. In our example, the beetles would have to become so genetically distinct so as to be unable to reproduce together. This portion of evolution is unable to be harmonized with the Bible, whereas natural selection is. For more information, please consider reading Evolution or Creation – Does It Really Matter What You Believe?

Certainly, many current controversies exist, and remain as-of-yet unresolved. Vaccines are seen by the masses as a medical necessity and twentieth century blessing, but some Christians abstain from them concerned with potential health hazards and a preference for trust in God. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been created and used by scientists attempting to improve the food supply in one way or another. Certain Christians and other groups claim that this practice crosses a line in tampering with God’s creation and damages our health.

Lastly, scientific advancements with regard to birth control have changed the way the modern world views the traditional family, and while some Christian couples say this is a great help with planning a family, others see it as subverting God’s purpose for the family unit and dismiss contraception altogether (even the definition of birth control is itself a hotly debated topic).

We are taught to “work out [our] own salvation” before God, and it is only with His guidance that we can be individually grounded as we consider these personal issues (Philippians 2:12-13). He reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 to “prove all things” and to “hold fast to that which is good” (KJV). Always consider God’s Word and what He has in store for you; with Him, you can discern any controversy.