Are Science and Christianity in Conflict?
“Doesn’t science prove that the Bible is wrong? Like with evolution, the Big Bang, and creation — how can you believe both?”
“If science explains how the universe started and how life developed, then why do we even need God? Doesn’t believing the Bible mean ignoring real evidence? Can someone actually be smart and believe in science, but still trust the Bible at the same time?”
Science explains the how of creation; the Bible explains the why. Far from being enemies, science and faith work together to show God’s power and design.
The supposed war between science and faith is often based on misunderstandings. A biblical perspective sees them as answering different but complementary questions:
Different Questions: Science explains how the natural world works through observation and evidence. Faith answers why we exist, what our purpose is, and where morality comes from. Both are needed for a full picture of reality.
The Universe Had a Beginning: For centuries many scientists believed the universe was eternal. Today, the Big Bang theory points to a definite beginning — consistent with Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
Evidence of a Flood: The fossil record shows millions of creatures buried rapidly in layers of sediment across the world — consistent with the biblical description of a global flood. Widespread sedimentary rock layers also support rapid, catastrophic water activity.
Complexity of Life: DNA is an information system far more advanced than any human-made code. The interdependent systems in living organisms point not to chance, but to design — an intelligent Creator. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made” (Romans 1:20).
Interpretative Approaches: Some Christians read Genesis literally (six 24-hour days). Others see the creation account as describing the order and purpose of creation without requiring a rigid timeline. What unites them is the belief that God is the Creator.
Prominent Voices: Respected scientists who are also Christians — like Francis Collins (head of the Human Genome Project) and historically Isaac Newton, Johannes Kepler, and Blaise Pascal — show that science and faith are not only compatible but mutually enriching.
Conclusion: The more science discovers, the more it points back to a world of design, order, and purpose. Christianity doesn’t fear science — it celebrates it as the study of God’s creation. When rightly understood, science and faith work hand-in-hand, giving us both the mechanics of how the world works and the meaning behind why it exists.
The REAL Question
You can use science as a shield to keep God at arm’s length, but that doesn’t explain why the universe exists at all or why your life has meaning. Science can describe the “how,” but only God gives the “why.” The real issue isn’t whether science and Christianity can coexist — they can. The question is: will you keep limiting yourself to a universe of cold, impersonal laws, or will you open yourself to the One who wrote those laws and invites you to know Him?