Basic Math

Last updated on: July 9, 2014 at 7:00 am by Daniel Harrell

Basic Math 2014-05-07T18:31:57-04:00 Daniel Harrell

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Today’s guest post comes from Andrea Paulson, one of an excellent class of students from Bethel Seminary who recently studied the intersection between theology and science.

If there is one thing I am not, it is a scientist. For as long as I can remember, the sciences were so far beyond my idea of relevant that I saw no reason to engage. It was the science portion of the ACT that skewed my scores down. (Way down…). As I looked at colleges and majors, I intentionally chose based on the bare minimum science requirement. I made it through a bachelors and master’s degree with only one science, an elective. I tell you what, I carry that Astronomy course as a badge of honor; of all the bullets I dodged by never stepping in the Science building.
I humbly acknowledge that my disdain for science stems first from a complete ineptitude of mathematics and a stubborn assurance that I would never, ever in my entire life need the sciences. Doctors could tell me what I need to know for my health. I guess temperature is important, but really, when it’s cold, wear a coat, hot take it off. Water bubbles when it boils, and when it’s frozen, it makes a nice addition to a drink. Cheers! I was good at the observation part.

And yet, the observation part of the sciences is what gave (and still gives) me pause. Not the numbers stuff (that math again) but the way the natural sciences unfold and reveal such beauty about the world. The blazing colors of a painted sunset. The shifting of colors as the seasons melt from spring to summer and into the glory of fall. The movement of a storm front coming across the plains. The intricate development from early pregnancy to birth. The perfect cocktail of drugs that can cure a child of cancer, or extend the life of a patient with HIV. When I observe the world and how the sciences propose questions and provide answers, I am deeply appreciative of the work and passion of those in the sciences.

As disinterested as I am in learning about science, I am more disinterested in the debate between science and religion that plagues the Christian church. I shudder at the assertion by some that science and religion have to live in contrast. I’m sickened that being “right” trumps doing right. Within Christian communities we nearly come to blows, when we should be in the world, caring for the least of these, sharing the good news of great joy with the world. As a church, we are missing the point. It’s not about us, and our being right or making a point. It’s about God.

In their book Origins, Haarsma and Haarsma write:

“When we look at the natural world through the eyes of faith, we see evidence of God’s wisdom, creativity, and glory.”

I choose to look at the world and see evidence of this wise, creative God who is so far beyond our comprehension that we can’t answer the how. I choose not to try and limit a limitless God. I choose to read the entirety of Scripture, to be reminded of the perfect relationship between Father, Son and Spirit and how this God wants to work in and through me, to bring him glory in our world. I don’t need to know all the answers, the whenever, however, whatever. For the Christian our purpose is to live for God’s glory, to give him all glory. And so, by faith, I choose to keep it simple:

“In the beginning, God…”

Daniel Harrell

Previous Post

July 7, 2014

The Ironic Relativism of Evangelical Fundamentalism

Next Post

July 16, 2014 Harmonizing Science & Theology

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Alex Blondeau Authors Daniel Harrell Daniel Siedell Dawn Duncan Harrell Kyle Roberts Uncategorized Wyndy Corbin

Select a Month November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who was Saul's son?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Samuel David Jonathan Absalom