Science & Scripture: Friends forever

Religion

June 15, 2012

Science & Scripture: Friends forever

By Stan Layton, Pastor/First Presbyterian of Picayune The Picayune Item Picayune Item Fri Jun 15, 2012, 12:51 PM CDT

PICAYUNE — In 1610, using his newly invented telescope, Galileo Galilei discovered four moons revolving around Jupiter and reasoned that the planets, earth included, must revolve around the sun.

Galileo’s greatest opposition came not from the scientific community but from the church. The church had long held that the earth was the center of the universe and for either a theologian or a scientist to suggest otherwise was to commit rank heresy. In February 1616, a special tribunal published an edict ordering Galileo to abandon his opinions or face imprisonment. He declared submission to the decree and stayed out of the public eye until 1632 when he published his first major astronomy book, which explained his heliocentric view of the universe (The One Year Christian History by E. Michael and Sharon Rusten, 346-7).

Given modern science appears to have proven Galileo right (at least partially so) and the church wrong, are we to conclude that science and the Bible contradict one another? Hardly. There may be apparent tension between the Bible and science, but there are no ultimate contradictions. Though God does reveal his glory more brilliantly in the scriptures (inasmuch as they reveal his marvelous work of redemption), he reveals his glory no less truly in the created world.

Attempting to resolve apparent tension between the Bible and science, some well-intentioned Christians have reminded us that “the Bible is not a science book.” The problem with this response is that it betrays the doctrine of divine inspiration. While the Bible is not a science book, God is nevertheless the author of all scripture (2 Tim. 3:16-7) and he does not make mistakes. While his purpose for the scriptures is not primarily to communicate scientific facts, he is still the author of all the scientific details in the Bible. Thus, when he speaks concerning scientific details, he speaks truly in all such details.

So what are we to do with those apparent discrepancies between scripture and science? We look at ourselves. While God does not err, we often do. We may err in our interpretation of scripture or we may err in our scientific conclusions.

And what can draw from this? First, Christians should be passionate students of science because creation reveals the glory of God. Second, we should be humble and correctable concerning both our theological and scientific conclusions. That said, we should not quickly dispose of “traditional” and universally held interpretations of scripture in favor of the latest conclusions of modern science. Many of the most widely and tenaciously held conclusions of modern science are still relatively new. Scientists themselves may be discarding them not long after we embrace them. There is much wisdom in the old proverb: “He who follows the spirit of this age may find himself a widower in the next.” In matters where the Bible and the scientists appear to disagree, we must ultimately be convinced by God in his Word. Or as the inspired proverb states, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; …” — Proverbs 1:7a ESV

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Religion

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By Terry Mattingl/Syndicated columnist

The most recent Jewish Community Study of New York held few surprises for those who have followed the sobering Jewish trends of recent decades

April 5, 2013
Movies on Canal begins March 9
The Church at Picayune is hosting a free community event called “Movies on Canal”, on the second Saturday of each month, beginning Saturday March 9, 2012.
A family friendly movie will be projected onto the side of the building at 120 West Canal St in Picayune. Bring a lawn chair and the entire family and enjoy fun-jumps, pop-corn, food, and lots of entertainment at Movies On Canal.

March 8, 2013
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By Terry Mattingly/Syndicated columnist

In the spring of 2009, Pope Benedict XVI stopped in Aquila, Italy, to pray at the shrine of St. Celestine V.
The pope left his pallium — a wool garment that resembles a yoke, symbolizing bonds between a shepherd and his flock — on this medieval pope’s tomb. Then, 15 months later, he visited a cathedral outside Rome to pray before the relics, once again, of St. Celestine V.

February 22, 2013
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Not even his closest associates had advance word of the news, a bombshell that he dropped during a routine morning meeting of Vatican cardinals. With no clear favorites to succeed him, another surprise likely awaits when the cardinals elect Benedict’s successor next month.
“Without doubt this is a historic moment,” said Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn, a protege and former theology student of Benedict’s who is considered a papal contender. “Right now, 1.2 billion Catholics the world over are holding their breath.”

February 12, 2013
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By Gwen Williams/AKA MS Chocolate/Guest Columnist

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February 8, 2013
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February 8, 2013
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Through life, no matter where we are, we face times that leave us with just a handful of understanding and a trunk full of confusion. Circumstances leave us standing in the road, not sure which way to turn.
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February 1, 2013
Last call, ya’ll!
This is The final call for articles and photos for
this year’s Pearl River County Today “Progress” edition. all churches and religious organizations can email their articles and photos to…
picayuneitem@bellsouth.net.

January 25, 2013
Getting to know the enemy is vital
By Steve Ellison, Interim Pastor/First Baptist Horatio, Ark.

The past few weeks have been difficult for me. I saw enough tears to last me a lifetime (and shed a few of my own). My father has been very ill recently. I was not his primary care giver but I was heavily involved. I experienced things I never wanted to experience.

January 25, 2013
Why be included in Pearl River County Today edition?
What would you say to others about your church or regligious organization?

Do you want to increase participation in your activities, or services?
If you had a free venue you could use to present your information not only to local citizens but to visitors, would you use it?

January 18, 2013
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