Summit Ministries

By Chuck Edwards

"O.K. class," Mr. Matson began. "We are now starting our unit on that subject which some of you dread. It's the "e" word."

Then he said slowly for emphasis, "Ev...o...lu...tion." He paused for dramatic effect, then continued, "Now I know that some of you in here are church-goers and don't like to hear that word. But it is part of our study of science and you need to understand it."

As you slowly sink further down into your seat, Mr. Matson looks straight at you as he says, "This is a science class. We are not here to discuss your personal religious beliefs. So leave your religion at the door when you walk into my class!"

Allen, the class "atheist", peers over at you with a smirk. He knows what you're thinking. Allen's been dogging you with comments like, "This is the 90's. You don't believe all those Bible myths about creation, do you? Scientists tell us that life evolved. So where's the need for your 'Creator'."

Think about it. Scientists say that life evolved. The only thing your science text discusses is evolution. If evolution is true, then it seems like there is not very much for God to do. And besides, science deals with things we observe and know to be true. God is just some personal belief in something that you can't see, right?

Actually, that's not completely true. In order to know why, you need to understand something about science and it's connection with religious ideas.

What is "Science"?

According to the National Academy of Sciences, the goal of science is to "seek naturalistic explanations for phenomena. . . within the framework of natural laws and principles...." (Science and Creationism: A View from the National Academy of Sciences, p. 26.)

But wait a minute, that statement itself is not based on scientific observations. Their definition assumes that all phenomena can be explained by purely natural laws without any supernatural influence. What the National Academy is describing is actually a religious idea - one called "naturalism".

Naturalism is "a doctrine that denies a supernatural explanation of the origin, development, or end of the universe and holds that scientific laws account for everything in nature." (The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 1974.) A doctrine is a basic belief that someone holds to be true. It serves as a religious foundation on which to build a view about the world.

Now, check this out: in the same booklet, the National Academy's authors go on to say that

No body of beliefs that has its origin in doctrinal material rather than scientific observation should be admissible as science in any science course.

Compare this statement with the definition of "naturalism." What do you observe? Naturalism is a "belief" based on "doctrinal material." Then according to the Academy's own words, "science" based on naturalism is doctrinal material that should not be admissible in any science course!

The Religious Foundation of Science

What's going on here? Well, first of all you need to understand that even in science everybody has to start with some basic assumptions that cannot be proven by the scientific method of observation and experimentation. Science cannot be separated from its religious basis. The only question remains on which religious foundation will your study of science be based?

The theory of "evolution" is based on naturalism. It assumes that nature has the ability within itself to develop into living systems without the aid of supernatural power or intelligence. But this idea cannot be proven through observation and experimentation. It is simply accepted by faith to be true.

On the other hand, the "creation" theory is based on the idea that there is an "Intelligent Designer" who created the universe and the first living plants and animals.

These are the only two options available to us when we try to answer the question, "How did life originate?" Both theories are equally religious.

Science Pursuit of the Truth

Traditionally, "science" has been the pursuit of what is true about our world. And when it comes to the issue of origins, you should realize that the religious view of the scientist plays a major role in how his observations are interpreted.

So the next time your science teacher tells you to leave your faith at the door when the subject of origins comes up, ask him very politely if he is willing to do the same. If not, maybe he should at least be open minded enough to present both "naturalism" and "Intelligent Design" as equally valid starting points.

And then, share with your unbelieving classmate how his evolutionary ideas are based on religious assumptions, too.
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