Joyful Moments in Christ

The False Dichotomy

The idea that Christians must choose between faith and reason is a false dichotomy that needs to be addressed. Over the last few months, I have been exploring the first few chapters of Genesis and writing a series of posts on the need to see that science and the Bible can peacefully coexist without contradiction.

Read: Science and the Bible: An Introduction to the Creation Story

Why is it that some Christians are so willing to throw out reason, ignore evidence, use evidence that has been proven false, stick to evidence that has shaky claims, and try to force other Christians and non-Christians to do the same? In many cases, the premise is that we need to have “faith alone.” However, this often comes from a misapplication of in Ephesians 2:8-9 (WEB): “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.” This verse is talking about our salvation, not a blanket statement about all aspects of our lives. While God does want us to have faith, he also values wisdom and reason.

Sure, there are many examples in the Bible that ask people to rely on faith in God when logical reasoning tells them to rely on something else (e.g. look at the account of the fall of Jericho in Joshua 6), but when it comes to the first chapter of Genesis, is there really enough information in the text to throw out significant portions of modern scientific research and assume that God is trying to produce evidence that will trick scientists into believing something false?

Why do some Christians put so much emphasis on this one chapter of the Bible with the result of driving many people away from choosing Christianity? Why can’t we each have our own opinions and let the other alone? Just as I acknowledge that my combination of theistic evolutionary and old earth views about creation may be wrong, I would love to see young earth creationists also make this same acknowledgement.

Scripture Supporting Faith

Here are a few frequently cited verses that many Christians use to support the idea that faith is more important than reason, and that we don’t need to think scientifically about the world:

• 2 Corinthians 5:7 (WEB): “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
• Proverbs 3:5-6 (WEB): “Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
• Isaiah 55:8-9 (WEB): “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways,’ says Yahweh. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.’”
• 1 Corinthians 1:25 (WEB): “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
• Proverbs 14:12 (WEB): “There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”
• 1 Corinthians 2:6-7 (WEB): “We speak wisdom, however, among those who are full grown, yet a wisdom not of this world nor of the rulers of this world who are coming to nothing. But we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the wisdom that has been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds for our glory.”
• Jeremiah 17:5 (WEB): “Yahweh says: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man, relies on strength of flesh, and whose heart departs from Yahweh.’”

Scripture Supporting Reason

On the other hand, here are some verses that emphasize wisdom and reason:

• Proverbs 1:5 (WEB): “That the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel.”
• Proverbs 18:15 (WEB): “The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”
• Proverbs 2:6 (WEB): “For Yahweh gives wisdom. Out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.”
• James 1:5 (WEB): “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
• Matthew 10:16 (WEB): “Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”
• Proverbs 4:7 (WEB): “Wisdom is supreme. Get wisdom. Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding.”
• Proverbs 3:13-14 (WEB): “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gets understanding. For her good profit is better than getting silver, and her return is better than fine gold.”
• Luke 2:52 (WEB): “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”
• Colossians 3:16 (WEB): “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.”
• Matthew 7:24 (WEB): “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on a rock.”
• Ephesians 5:15-17 (WEB): “Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
• Proverbs 16:16 (WEB): “How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.”
• Proverbs 19:8 (WEB): “He who gets wisdom loves his own soul. He who keeps understanding shall find good.”

Two Sides of One Coin

As we compare verses on faith with verses on reason/wisdom, does this indicate that the Bible is contradicting itself? Since most Christians believe that there are no errors or contradictions in the Bible, I am convinced that these verses tell us that trying to choose between faith and reason is a false dichotomy.

Instead, my opinion is that these verses show two sides of the same coin. We need faith, but we also need wisdom and understanding. Faith without wisdom creates a bunch of mindless idiots that are easily led astray by false claims. Wisdom without faith creates a bunch of intellectuals devoid of spiritual and moral grounding. Neither are what a Christian should desire. It is only when we combine faith with wisdom that we get the full benefit of God’s plan and can experience the joy that he intends from the combination.

Applying Faith and Reason

So, how do we approach the issue of modern science with both faith and reason? Reason tells us that God created certain scientific principles. Faith tells us that we may not fully understand everything yet, but that there are no contradictions in the Bible. Let’s try to have some humility as both Christian and non-Christian scientists make some pretty amazing discoveries. God gave us minds to reason and evaluate evidence, so let’s put this to full use as we try to understand not just the endpoint of creation, but the process of creation.

As described in a few of my articles, it is my opinion – you can have your own opinion, and there are plenty of Christians whom I respect that have an opposite view as mine – that God condensed a very difficult scientific topic, creation, into a 1-2 page literary summary intended for people with very limited scientific understanding.

To explain the process of creation properly, it would take a minimum of hundreds of thousands of pages. Just consider how long your electric toothbrush manual is. How many more pages are needed to describe the process of creation? Now consider the first chapter of Genesis. Is it realistic that we should be able to find all of the scientific answers we need about the process of creation from a page or two? Instead of a detailed description of the process of creation, I believe that this very short account is a literary description of the endpoint of creation and gives some big ideas that are important for living our lives (e.g. the Sabbath rest).

Read: Science and the Bible: Exploring Literary Devices in Genesis

As Christians approach the issue of the process of creation with differing opinions, let’s figure out how to converse without divisiveness. This is not a salvation issue, but many people seem to make it one! I have been told at least a handful of times that I am putting my salvation at peril by believing in evolutionary principles. Since I am fairly strong in my faith and quite opinionated, it is easy to shake this off, but I worry for all of the people who are considering the claims of Christianity. Are these types of statements a reason why we cannot convince more people to become Christians?

Consider the idea that God values wisdom and knowledge, and that he gave people minds to discover and explore scientific topics. Should we easily dismiss the discoveries that these minds are making? Should we belittle people who believe in them? It is my belief that God wants us to understand both his character and his creation. Let’s not hinder this and hide behind words of “faith alone.” God can defend himself! If he wants scientists to find data that disproves evolution and an old earth, he will lead them there, but until then let’s stop trying to fabricate supporting evidence and stop trying to convince people that actual evidence isn’t real. These types of behaviors detract from the Christian message and make it very difficult for scientifically minded people to become Christians. Let’s bring joy into the discovery of scientific principles!

Read: Science and the Bible: Made in the Image of God

Reflection Questions

Consider the following reflection questions:

1. Do you find yourself leaning more towards faith, reason, or a balance of both? How has your upbringing or personal experiences influenced this perspective?
2. Take a moment to reflect on the Bible verses mentioned in the post. Do you see a tension between faith and reason in these verses, or do you find them complementary? Why?
3. How do you approach the relationship between science and religion? Do you believe they can coexist without contradiction, or do you see them as conflicting worldviews?
4. Have you ever encountered situations where individuals prioritize faith over reason to an extent that it becomes problematic? How did you respond, and what was the outcome?
5. How do you interpret the first chapter of Genesis in the context of modern scientific research? Do you think it’s possible to reconcile the two perspectives?
6. Reflect on the blog’s suggestion to approach conversations about faith and reason without divisiveness. How might this attitude positively impact discussions on topics like creation and evolution?
7. Consider the idea that certain beliefs are presented as salvation issues. Do you think this approach hinders the ability to convince people to embrace Christianity? Why or why not?
8. Reflect on the notion that God values wisdom and knowledge. How does this perspective influence your view on scientific discoveries? Do you think dismissing scientific findings contradicts God’s intention?
9. In your interactions with others, especially those with differing opinions, how can you contribute to conversations without causing divisiveness? What role can humility play in such discussions?
10. How can individuals encourage both faith and reason in their lives and communities? In what ways can Christians promote a balance between the two without compromising their beliefs?

Respond

Consider sharing your insights and experiences in the comments below!

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English Standard Version (ESV): Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

World English Bible (WEB): Scripture quotations marked (WEB) are taken from the World English Bible® public domain.