SS Outline 7.5.2026

Week 18 – Science and Faith: Does Science Disprove Christianity?
Theme: Science and Christianity are not enemies. Science studies God’s creation, while Scripture reveals the Creator. The real conflict is not science vs faith but naturalism vs the Christian worldview.

1. Read Scripture: Genesis 1:1; Hebrews 11:3; Psalm 111:2

2. The False Conflict Between Science and Faith

• Many people assume:
  • Science explains everything.
  • Religion belongs to the past.
  • Scientific progress eliminates the need for God.
• This idea is called scientism, the belief that science is the only reliable source of truth.
• Problem: Science itself cannot prove scientism. That claim is philosophical, not scientific.

3. What Science Actually Does

• Science studies:
  • Observable patterns in nature.
  • Cause-and-effect relationships.
  • Repeatable experiments.
• Science answers how questions, such as:
  • How do stars form?
  • How does DNA replicate?
• Science does not answer ultimate questions, such as:
  • Why does the universe exist?
  • Why do moral obligations exist?
  • What is the meaning of life?
  • Those questions belong to philosophy and theology.

4. Christianity Historically Encouraged Science

• Many pioneers of science were Christians because they believed the world was created by a rational God. Examples include: Johannes Kepler, Isaac Newton, & Robert Boyle
• They believed that studying nature meant studying God’s handiwork.
• Ps 111:2 — “Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them.”

5. Evolution and Worldview Assumptions

• In many conversations, science debates quickly turn to evolution.
• Important distinctions:
  • Scientific observations
  • Philosophical interpretations
• Naturalistic evolution assumes:
  • No divine purpose.
  • No supernatural design.
• Christian theology affirms:
  • God created and sustains the universe.
  • Creation displays His wisdom and power.

6. The Christian View of Creation

• God created all things (Genesis 1:1).
• Creation reflects His glory (Psalm 19:1).
• Human beings uniquely bear God’s image.
• Science explores the mechanisms of creation
• Scripture explains the meaning of creation & sometimes the mechanisms.

7. Discussion & Application

• Why do many people assume science and Christianity are enemies?
• What is the difference between science and scientism?
• How can Christians affirm scientific discoveries without adopting naturalism?
• What opportunities do conversations about science give us to talk about God?

8. Take-Home Assignment

• Observe one news article or social media post discussing science.
• Ask yourself three questions:
  • Is this reporting scientific observation or philosophical interpretation?
  • What worldview assumptions are present?
  • How would a Christian worldview respond?