Why is the sky blue? Why is water wet? Why is fire hot? Why can’t I see the air? Why do flowers smell?
Questions a curious little child asks, to which an adult might reply, “because,” since the true explanation would not be comprehended. Another answer, the one my mother used, was simply, “God made it that way.”
Okay, okay. Now don’t smirk. God did make it that way. Surely, we have the scientific explanation for almost everything nowadays, and they are the correct explanations in the physical world. But I go a step further.
Science and Religion don’t mix. That is true. But I am not talking religion. I am talking belief in the existence of a creator, a divinity. That belief is not religion; it is simple faith.
Religion puts limits and restrictions on faith. It takes a belief in the Almighty and attaches man made rules of worship and lifestyle. Religion also tries to explain and define God to the believer and that is why there have been so many errors in defining the universe, heaven, the earth and just about everything else down through the ages. That is why God has used science so that we can discover more of the truth of existence.
God and science are not at odds, nor do the two have conflict. What is true is that when science makes a discovery, religion must adapt its dogma whereas the believer with simple faith merely is awed at God’s omnipotence.
Discovering that the earth is not the center of the universe, that there are galaxies beyond the clouds and God’s throne is not in the stratosphere, has been a matter for religionists to deal with. This is why physical things are used to confound the high and mighty. God has a wonderful sense of humor, and the more all-knowing we think we are, the more He shows we ain’t, by discoveries made through science. Science actually gives us a much clearer and truthful picture of who God is.
If we enter into the spiritual kingdom, we must do so in faith. As little children, trusting our heavenly Father to guide us and explain things. But, just like our parents when we were young, God will not explain everything at once because we would not fully understand. We must discover the Truth ourselves over time. And, little by little, He reveals more of himself to us … if we seek.
So enter God’s world with childlike wonder. When science explains how flowers get their variety of colors, it does not make them less beautiful. Because science explains the variety of fish in the sea, it does not reduce their attraction. When science explains how vast and expansive the universe is, it merely confirms that God is far greater (and creation more wondrous) that what we formerly knew or believed about Him.
When science holds up the periodic table of elements, it shows me how things are put together. I do not say there is no God. I say, now I understand how God works even more clearly. Science does not disprove the existence of God. Science confirms it and ultimately will prove it. The rocks themselves will bear witness. When scripture tells us to “Seek and ye shall find,” that is more a scientific mandate than a religious rule.
Religion will have to work long and hard to stay afloat as more and more of God’s true nature comes to light. Jesus once said that the time had come when those who believe in God will not worship in buildings but in spirit and truth. Religion is trying to keep us in the buildings. We need to take a walk outside.