Lessons 2 and 3 grapple with the relationship between nature and the Bible. In the course of this part of the discussion about creation, we will need to ask important questions about the role of science and Bible study. Being part of the modern world, we cannot write off what science says (we benefit from it everyday) and we can certainly not write off what the Bible says. How do we relate the two in a redemptive fashion?
Relevant Biblical Passages:
- A creation hymn — Isa 40:12-31
- Sure word — 1 Pet 1:16-19; 3:3-7
KNOWING and BELIEVING
In the context of human study, investigation, understanding, what are the limitations? What is knowable? What is believable? Do these limitations affect only science or Scripture as well? Is it disappointing to discover our limitations or is it possible this dimension of humility may actually help in our discussions about science and the Bible? Might provide some space for better comparing the two?
Is there a difference between knowing and believing?
In terms of what actually happened at creation, how important a concern is this for biblical writers and why? How important to modern believers and why? Is there anyway to test what actually happened? How would one do this?
What are the primary concerns of the Bible writers when they address creation and God as creator? How might these inform our understanding of the Bible’s portrait of creation? How did Bible writers view their world in terms of structure and makeup?
What are the primary concerns of science as it addresses the issues surrounding origins of the world around us? What scientific disciplines are used in the search for earth origins? What are scientists up to anyway? Are they out there to undo the Bible and faith? Is that their purpose? Or, in most cases, is theirs an honest attempt to explore what is and what appears to be?
What models are there for discussing the relationship between science and religion? Are there more options than deciding simply between creation and evolution?
What Difference Does it Make?
If a person decided simply to throw out science, there would be no debate about this issue. If a person decided simply to throw out the Bible, there would be no debate. But if, as modern Christians who benefit from both science and the Bible, we have decided to examine both, there will inevitably be tensions. How do we best and most redemptively resolve them?
