Series: Defending Your Faith – Science
The Gift of Science and the God Who Makes It Possible
Learning from God’s Two Books
The people who came before us still shape the way we think today. One of those influential figures was the English scientist Francis Bacon (1561-1626). Bacon believed that God has given us two great “books” through which we can learn about Him: His special revelation, the Bible, and His general revelation, creation itself. He described scientific investigation as studying the “book” of God’s works.
Because of his tremendous influence on the development of modern science, Bacon is often called the “Father of the Scientific Method.” The method he helped establish is built around three key activities: observation, hypothesizing, and experimentation. For nearly four centuries, these principles have guided scientific inquiry.
As Christians, we should recognize that the careful study of God’s creation is not contrary to faith. In fact, creation continually points us back to its Creator.
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands.” (Psalm 19:1)
The same God who gave us His Word also gave us a world that displays His wisdom, power, and glory.
Two Ways of Thinking: Deduction and Induction
There are two primary forms of reasoning that people use every day: deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning.
Deductive Reasoning: Starting with Truth
Deductive reasoning begins with a general truth and then applies that truth to specific situations.
Its pattern looks like this:
- A conclusion is established before examining a particular case.
- Reasoning moves from the general to the specific.
- It works from cause to effect.
- It produces necessary conclusions. In other words, if the premises are true and the reasoning is valid, the conclusion must be true.
This form of reasoning is especially important in theology. When God reveals truth in Scripture, believers can reason from those revealed truths to particular circumstances and applications.
For example, if Scripture teaches that God is holy, then we can rightly conclude that He cannot approve of sin.
Inductive Reasoning: Learning from Observation
Inductive reasoning moves in the opposite direction.
Its pattern looks like this:
- Conclusions are drawn after examining evidence.
- Reasoning moves from specific observations to broader conclusions.
- It works from observed effects back toward possible causes.
- It produces probable conclusions rather than necessary ones.
This is the approach commonly used in scientific investigation. Scientists observe what happens, search for patterns, and develop explanations that best fit the evidence.
Unlike deductive conclusions, which can be certain when based on true premises, inductive conclusions remain open to revision as new information becomes available.
How the Scientific Method Works
The scientific method generally follows three major steps.
Observation
First, the scientist gathers information through careful observation.
Like a detective examining a crime scene, the scientist pays close attention to details. He studies patterns, records data, and seeks to understand what is happening in the world around him.
This careful observation reflects the biblical call to consider God’s works.
“The works of the LORD are great, studied by all who delight in them.” (Psalm 111:2)
Hypothesis
Next, the scientist forms a hypothesis.
A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for what has been observed. It is an educated guess about the cause behind an effect.
At this stage, the scientist is essentially saying, “I think this may explain what I’m seeing.”
Experimentation
Finally, the scientist tests the hypothesis.
Experiments are designed to determine whether the proposed explanation accurately predicts what will happen under certain conditions.
If the predictions prove correct, confidence in the hypothesis grows. If they fail, the hypothesis must be modified or rejected.
Observation, hypothesis, and experimentation work together as scientists seek the best explanation for the evidence before them.
Why Christians Should Approach Science with Humility
Because scientific theories are based on inductive reasoning, they are always provisional. Even well-established theories may be revised, refined, or replaced as new evidence emerges.
For that reason, Christians should avoid jumping too quickly onto every scientific “bandwagon,” even when a particular theory appears to support a biblical doctrine. What is celebrated as scientific certainty today may be challenged tomorrow.
This does not mean Christians should reject science. Rather, it means we should remember the difference between God’s infallible Word and humanity’s ever-improving understanding of the natural world.
Scripture stands forever.
“The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God remains forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)
God’s truth never changes, even when scientific theories do.
At the same time, genuine scientific discoveries can be valuable because they help us better understand the created order. Christians need neither fear scientific investigation nor place ultimate trust in it. Our confidence rests in God’s revelation while appreciating the insights science can provide.
The God Who Makes Science Possible
The scientific method works because the universe is orderly, understandable, and governed by consistent relationships between causes and effects.
But where did that order come from?
The Bible teaches that it comes from God Himself.
The universe is not the product of chaos. It is the creation of an intelligent, wise, and sovereign Designer.
“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16)
Copyright © 2006–2026 by Miguel J. Gonzalez Th.D.
Dr. Miguel J. Gonzalez is the Founder and President of Reasons for Faith International Ministries. He served as a pastor for ten years in Charlotte, NC and has taught in churches and conferences throughout the United States. He currently hosts the Time in the Word and Truth To Live By podcasts and writes at KnowingChristianity.blogspot.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.
