Faith and science are usually at two ends of a spectrum. Science is about the rules of a system, what the best explanation for data is, and seeking the answers for why things operate as they do. On the other hand, faith wonders whether or not there is meaning or purpose to life, what “ought” to be done, why there is something rather than nothing, who God is and what God is like, and how we relate to God and others. The Numa model is described as faith and science opposing one another and would conclude that science and faith do not intersect.
Yet, there are scientists for whom God is personal, and their awe enhances their faith. Shannon Stahl, a Professor of Chemistry from the University of Madison-Wisconsin, describes an experience of the transcendent that he occasionally has in his work. In her book, God in the Lab, Ruth Bancewicz has a conversation with Stahl as he reflects on writing major grant proposals:
“It’s as if I see the world differently. I see how the ideas fit together in a way that I never did before, and I think, ‘Oh it’s so obvious’, because all of a sudden i just makes sense. I don’t deal with equations so much but it’s as if, all of a sudden, I have an equation that describes everything.”
Stahl is a Christian, and this is his spiritual experience.
I truly believe God wants to see us working together as a part of a whole. Science and faith totally intersect! The two do not have to be separate, but in fact, they are best when they work together. When my perspective on intelligence is vastly different than John’s, we have arguments. Yet, we come together to work through our disagreements. To love one another is to put John’s interests above my own.
There are multiple views of the faith and science dilemma. John is very intelligent, and he is very good at system analysis. Our friends and family applaud his efforts and his ability to solve problems at a high level. I’ll be honest, I’d love those compliments. In response, John will say, “Nicole it is not about having intelligence about worldly things, but it is more about who we are in Christ – and that is something I see in you.”
Philippians 2:4
And look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own.
– Ruth Bancewicz
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