Faith and science often seem contradictory, but they work harmoniously in our lives to enhance our understanding of the world.
Science: the understanding we have about the world based on observations and evidence we have acquired. Faith: the belief and trust we have in something or someone in the absence of empirical proof. These two concepts are often framed by society as contrasting and irreconcilable. However, as Dr. Jamie L. Jensen so eloquently expresses in her devotional, “Faith and Science: Symbiotic Pathways to Truth,” not only do these two truths of science and faith exist harmoniously in our minds, but they work together to help us better understand the world and our purpose in it.
One of the most poignant concerns Dr. Jensen addresses is that “it is dangerous to believe in God because His existence resolves uncertainty…or explains things that you cannot explain.” It is tempting to separate faith and science in this way and choose to recognize God only in concepts and details that cannot yet be explained scientifically. Dr. Jensen cautions that this way of thinking frequently leads to crises of faith when some scientific discoveries are made.
Photo by Debby Hudson
Instead, as Dr. Jensen notes, we cultivate and maintain faith in God by seeking out spiritual evidence through prayer and individual study and reflection. As we gather spiritual evidence, whether that be hearing his voice, feeling his presence, or recognizing him making himself known to us—all “nonscientific” but “real” evidence Dr. Jensen mentioned she has gathered—we can build a strong foundation of faith, and we will recognize that developing deeper scientific understanding does not undercut spiritual beliefs in any way. In fact, increased knowledge of the beauty and intricacies of science often expands our appreciation for God’s careful and intentional design of the world.
As God’s children, we are commanded to “seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:118). Applying ourselves to the study of both spiritual and secular matters is a critical part of our mortal journey. Faith provides hope and an understanding of our eternal purpose as God’s children, and science teaches us about interactions in nature and the miracle of human life. As we approach science with persistent faith, we will be filled with meekness, peace, and joy—all spiritual evidence (see Galatians 5:22–23) of an omnipotent God who helps us continue to grow in our understanding of these harmonious truths.
Read Dr. Jamie L. Jensen’s devotional “Faith and Science: Symbiotic Pathways to Truth” to learn more about the perspective of a dedicated scientist with deep religious faith.
Source: BYU Speeches
—Abby Christensen, Latter-day Saint Insights
FEATURE IMAGE BY NASA HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE
Find more insights
Learn more about how to become “bilingual” in science and religion by reading President Spencer W. Kimball’s devotional “The Second Century of Brigham Young University.”
Check out Robbyn Merrell’s Latter-day Saint Insights article “Hypothesis: Faith and Science are Symbiotic” for another perspective on science and faith.