The Bible is God’s revealed Truth. It explains man’s purpose and man’s destiny; it explains our alienation from God and our restoration to His full fellowship through Christ Jesus. But God is the one and the same author of the book of nature, which was created through his wisdom (Proverbs 8:22-32). Any apparent conflict between the reading of these two “books” means that either the interpreters of the Bible, or the interpreters of the book of nature, or BOTH have erred in understanding.

There is plenty of fault on both sides – at least from the very personal perspective of this author – who accepted Christ in 1971; conducted missionary work in Africa and Japan; served internationally and locally as a minister; while simultaneously maintaining a membership in the American Association for the Advancement of Science, engaging in an active career of scientific research at Argonne National Laboratory, the National Research Council, and the National Science Foundation, as well as receiving recognition for contributing to the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for the IPCC climate science. Thus, I understand both positions (2 Corinthians 11:16-18).

The scientific community is a competitive community in which active critical thinkers prevail. Above all, this community is skeptical to hear from outsiders challenging its beliefs. Similarly, our own Christian community is skeptical to listen to an outsider lecture on religion.

Science has shaken and even destroyed the faith of many. To recommend the pious and well-meaning, but ultimately flawed books by “defenders” of the Bible who attack science serves only to multiply error. For example, some teach man and dinosaurs walked together! Nonsense.

However, God emphasizes faith. Hebrews 11:6, “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” 

How does a person rebuild his faith? First, consider the evidence of great intelligence and power manifested in the physical universe. Mathematically, the precision and complexity of the universe and life could not have occurred by chance. Psalm 14:1, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ ” Books by author Hugh Ross, both a Christian and a scientist, have much to commend them. But, can reading a Christian-based book harmonizing science and the Bible restore shattered faith? No.

The devil has always tempted men to deny the existence of God. “Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe,” 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NLT). However, ultimately, science cannot determine a first cause. It may be wise to shelve your turmoil for a while. Study the scriptures with those whom you respect, then pray, watch for answered prayers, and humbly ask God for help to buttress your mind and heart. Only God can cure the soul.

Additional Resources:

(PDF) How to Study the Bible and Have it Make Sense

Christian Questions Podcast How to Study the Bible