Sunday, June 26, 2011

Religion Vs. Science?



Yep, that's my family. :) My dad's pointing.
   As the son of a science teacher, I was not a stranger to being lectured on the science behind...well, everything.  What would normally be average everyday things, like hikes through the deserts of southern Utah for example, became discourses on the flora, fauna, and geography that surrounded us, as my father would share his experiences and wisdom gained over many years of being a junior high teacher.  I learned much from these outings, and though sometimes they would feel (more than) a bit like school, I always appreciated my dad and all that I had to learn from him.  I learned how incredible and beautiful science can be!

 Now, in today's world there seems to have developed a pretty dynamic conflict between science and religion.  They just can't get along!  People on the science side scoff at the idea of religion, calling it a "crutch" for the weakminded, for those who need to be told what to do in all things.  People on the religion side, however, see science as an incomplete, inconsistant, and hollow explanation of just how this marvelous life, and all the universe's wondrous creations, came to be.
 Personally, I think this argument is ridiculous!  Science is a wonderful thing, and it doesn't disprove there is a God.  If anything, as I learn more of physics, biology, meteorology, astronomy, etc etc, my faith and understanding in my Father in Heaven grows. He created all things.  He doesn't do things by magic, but in order. I know that just as well as I know that all this order didn't just come from nothing.
 Science is simply man figuring out how God operates in this universe.

 Of course, there are many arguments for both sides, and I'm not here to field either of them.  Again, as you can tell, I love science!  However, I love my religion as well.  I don't believe these two wonderful things have to, or are even meant to, conflict.  "All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator."


 Even the greatest scientist can't give you all the answers.  We've certainly learned and progressed much as mankind; things like evolution, the Big Bang theory, and the theory of relativity have come through much study, experimenting, and pondering.  But all things come to a point that science just can't explain.  What begat the first spark of life in the primordial soup?  Where did all the matter of the universe initially come from in order for the big bang to even occur?  No matter how far we dig, it seems we only unearth more questions instead of finding answers.


  Of course, that doesn't mean we should just give up! God wants us to learn!  He wants us to figure all of this out, so that we too can understand and create as He does, someday.  He tells us "it is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance."  The scientist will be pleased to know that we can't simply rely on others to guide us and direct us in this life; God commands us to "experiment" upon His words, and works, and learn how the universe functions, and we are to be "agents unto [ourselves]". The faithful will be pleased to know that, even so, we cannot be saved by our intelligence alone, and when those that "are learned...hearken not to the counsel of God,...their wisdom is foolishness, and it profiteth them not.  But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsel of God."

 I don't know all the answers.  But I have faith that, if I trust in my Father, and am a little patient, that I can know them.  We all need to focus a little less on who's wrong and who's right, and focus a little more on what's wrong and what's right. We are all doing our best, generally, to live good lives, be good people, and figure things out for ourselves.  Let's be more understanding and open minded, there's no need to argue. Truth is everywhere; we just have to have open hearts when we receive it. All of us.

 I believe in God.  I believe He is the Divine Father of us all.  I believe He created all things. 

 He is the ultimate scientist.

2 comments:

  1. It's amazing how God uses the elements that already exist for His creations. How exciting is it that we get to continually learn and grow. Forever! We get to become master scientist's too!

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  2. I just want to tell you how awesomely epic your blog is. It's AMAZING!!!! I love reading it and it enlightens me everytime. Thank you SO much!!! You're awesome Elder!!

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