This site uses cookies to provide you with more responsive and personalized service and to collect certain information about your use of the site.  You can change your cookie settings through your browser.  If you continue without changing your settings, you agree to our use of cookies.  See our Privacy Policy for more information.

Wisdom from About - The Book of Proverbs - a sunrise through purple clouds with a road through a field of wildflowers. Wisdom from About - The Book of Proverbs - a sunrise through purple clouds with a road through a field of wildflowers.

Questions and Answers | God and Science

My grandson is a Jesus-skeptic but loves to have discussions with me about my beliefs. In our last conversation, I suggested that God and science weren't in opposition. but he remains unconvinced. He did agree to study the issue. I recently re-read The Case for Christ. Would you recommend this book or other resources?

The notion that Christianity and the empirical sciences are opposed is a well-worn assertion, and it is also untrue. While many people are trained to conduct scientific research, most are unable to provide a complete and unambiguous definition of “science.”

This is not a criticism of scientists. To do science is a scientific task. To define science is a philosophical task. And a notoriously difficult one at that. In any case, there is no definitive, universally recognized definition of “science.”

There are, no doubt, many scientific methods by which we gain information and knowledge and know truths about the natural world, but there is not one sole entity called “science.” That is why the claim that “Christianity and science are opposed” is rather a vague assertion.

I encourage you to share Lee Strobel’s excellent book, The Case for Christ, with your grandson. As you know, Strobel outlines the historical case for the resurrection of Jesus through interviews with leading Bible scholars, historians, and philosophers.

Regarding the relationship between the Christian faith and empirical study: he may appreciate Strobel’s follow-up book, The Case for a Creator, which outlines the case for the creation and design of the universe through interviews with scientists and philosophers.

A curious and open-minded individual like your grandson will find further references from the people Strobel’s interviews, including William Lane Craig, Robin Collins, and J. P. Moreland. These experts have written books on the topic from a Christian perspective. May the Lord help you and may He be glorified in your future conversations with your grandson.

BY Sanjay Merchant

Sanjay Merchant is Professor of Theology at Moody Bible Institute and a teaching pastor at Northshore Christian Church in Everett, Washington. He earned his Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate University School of Religion, and Master’s degrees from Biola University. He enjoys helping his students wrestle with hard questions of the faith, teaching courses on philosophy, theology, and apologetics. Sanjay and his wife, Erin, have four children and reside in Roselle, Illinois.

Find Questions and Answers by Month