Trust Without Reservations

Why Christians Must Use Good Science August 22, 2016

Attribution: https://www.pexels.com/photo/phone-iphone-taking-photo-selfie-36675/

How many times have you known this to happen?

Johnny Gentile came to church with his friend today. His mother had died and he was looking for answers.

The preacher spoke about life and death and Johnny said, “Good. Good.”

Next the preacher spoke about Jesus’ blood and payment for sins and Johnny said, “Good. Good.”

Then the preacher spoke about how Jesus’ blood was inherited from God in heaven and that His body was inherited from Mary. He explained that Jesus had divine blood and that’s why his death was payment for our sins and Johnny said, “No. Bad science.”

Finally the preacher asked if there was anyone there who needed their sins forgiven but Johnny Gentile was gone.

For you see, Johnny had learned in his basic high school biology class about genetics. He knew that children inherit half of all their genetic traits from one parent and half from the other so the preacher’s explanation about Jesus didn’t ring true. Since the preacher’s scientific basis was wrong, Johnny Gentile figured that the rest of what that preacher said was wrong too and left.

The moral of the story is that Christians should use and practice good science rather than build a case for Christ on a faulty foundation. 1 Peter 3:15-17 (NIV) tells us that we should always be ready to give an account of our faith.

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Phillipians 4:8-9 (NIV) also tells us to cling to what is true.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Therefore, as followers of the God of truth let us speak only truth. If we are to fulfill the great commission and compel the lost to come to God, then the burden is on our shoulders to represent Christ appropriately.