Good Scientist And A Good Christian?
Brother Bob: I’m Brother Bob Pellien. Thank you for joining us on this podcast episode of That’s In The Bible.
Our question for today comes from Ivan Escobar from Los Angeles, California. Let’s hear what his question is all about.
Ivan: Just because I study science, does it make me a bad person?
Brother Bob: Ivan, the word science simply means knowledge. Obviously, one who pursues knowledge pursues the understanding of even scientific knowledge, science. No one would ever consider them, and no one ever should consider them bad. Certainly, the Bible, the Holy Scriptures, and therefore God, does not also consider anyone who studies science and scientific issues bad. In fact, if we turn to the Holy Scriptures, in the book of Daniel, chapter 1, verse 4. The word “science” is even mentioned here by the Prophet Daniel in a very positive light, thus giving evidence that knowledge, science per se, is in itself not a bad thing. Verse 4 reads this way:
Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
[Daniel 1:4 King James Version]
Brother Bob: The Bible makes mentions of science. The Bible makes mentions of knowledge and does not put knowledge nor the pursuit of knowledge or science in a bad light. There’s no evil or malice, per se, in science. In fact, if apostle Paul spoke of it in these terms in I Timothy, chapter 6, in verse 20. When is it however that science could be the pursuit of something that’s not good or not beneficial for a person? In I Timothy 6:20, it says:
O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge—
[I Timothy 6:20 New King James Version]
Brother Bob: It could be something, Ivan, that is not good or not beneficial and that is science or knowledge that is false. If one would pursue and embrace knowledge or science that is false, what could be the result or consequence of that? It was the same apostle who wrote to the Colossians in chapter 2, verse 8, the following:
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
[Colossians 2:8 New King James Version]
Brother Bob: They will cheat you, you’ll be deceived, you’ll be victimized by the presentation of false knowledge or false science. What therefore is something that is necessary information that is needed? Philippians chapter 1, verse 9:
I pray that your love will keep on growing more and more, together with true knowledge and perfect judgment.
[Philippians 1:9 Good News Translation]
Brother Bob: True science, true knowledge, Ivan, is something that is beneficial. It is very much, however, in contrast to what is false knowledge or false science. Science in itself can be good as long as its conclusions are true, correct, and accurate, and not in opposition with the truths of God contained in the Holy Scriptures. When science is true it always aligns itself with biblical teachings of God and does not run in contradiction. You are not bad if you embrace scientific truth because that will always be aligned with what’s contained in the Holy Bible.
Thanks for listening. I’m Brother Bob Pellien and we hope you join us next time on That’s in the Bible. Please feel free to email your questions to answers@incmedia.org. For more programming of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church of Christ, and to find a local congregation near you, please visit incmedia.org.
