Science and Faith

Definition and Meaning

Science and faith is a topic concerning how science, which explains nature through observation and experiment, relates to faith, which rests on belief in revelation (God's making himself known). It is also called "science and religion." The American scholar Ian Barbour classified the relationship between the two into four types, and his typology is widely used.

• Conflict: the two are seen as clashing with each other.
• Independence: the two are seen as addressing different questions.
• Dialogue: the two are seen as able to learn from each other.
• Integration: an attempt is made to bring the two together into a single understanding.

Even within Christianity, the position taken varies among individuals and denominations.

Biblical and Historical Background

The Bible regards nature as the work of God. Psalm 19:1 states, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork," and Romans 1:20 teaches that God's "eternal power and Godhead" are "clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made." Article 2 of the Belgic Confession, a confession of the Reformed tradition, names two means by which God is known: the created world and Scripture. This is commonly described as the "two books" metaphor. In Presbyterian and Reformed circles, scientific activity is sometimes understood as a fruit of common grace (the grace God extends to all people).

Historically, the Galileo affair of 1633, the emergence of Darwin's theory of evolution in the nineteenth century, and the Scopes trial of 1925 in the United States are often cited as emblematic of conflict between the two. Some scholars, however, hold that the Christian doctrine of creation contributed to the rise of modern science. In their assessment, the history of science and faith cannot be explained in terms of conflict alone.

In the Korean Church

In the Korean church, this topic is addressed mainly as a question of creation and evolution.

Creation science has been widely promoted through church seminars, retreats, and similar events, led chiefly by the Korea Association of Creation Research, which was reportedly founded in 1981. Creation science is highly influential among conservative church members who emphasize biblical inerrancy. Its proponents generally read the creation account in Genesis as literal history and often support young-earth creationism, which holds that the earth is several thousand to roughly ten thousand years old.

Some theologians and scientists who are Christians present alternative views, such as old-earth creationism, theistic evolution, and intelligent design. They criticize creation science on the grounds that, because it is at odds with the scientific consensus, it may actually become a stumbling block to evangelism and faith. Proponents of creation science counter that these views undermine the authority of Scripture.

The confessions of various denominations commonly affirm that God created the world. However, most denominations reportedly have not adopted a single official position on the manner of creation or the age of the earth. Even within the same denomination, interpretations differ among seminaries and individuals.