Is Science Opposed to Christianity?

Keller points out the very modern claim that “you cannot be an intelligent scientific thinker and still hold to religious beliefs.” (Although this particular claim is very modern—Dawkins, 1986 and 2006, my mom heard just about the same thing in 1929 when she went to Coe College—“Anyone who is intelligent doesn’t believe the Bible.”) Of course the question is: is that right? The most common objection is against the reality of miracles. The answer has several levels. First, science admits that it is not equipped to test for miracles as it only deals with natural causes and effects. The next step is a long reach to claim that that proves there can’t be any miracles. What kind of logic is that? Just because I not know Portuguese doesn’t prove it doesn’t exist. The idea behind it all is the assumption that since there aren’t miracles, there can’t be a God who does miracles. So is Science opposed to Christianity? There are many on both sides of the discussion who say yes. It is commonly expressed like this: Evolution and Science don’t mix. Keller points out that there are however, many scientists who are Christians and who hold and teach some version of evolution as a process but do not accept evolution as an “All-encompassing Theory.” There are four different approaches to the problem: conflict, dialogue, integration, and interdependence. Each has its supporters and strengths and weaknesses. The point is that there are many ways to approach the question, with two major emphases. First, science itself is “unable to account for everything (many things?) about human existence to every thinkers’ satisfaction.” And the second is that the “majority of scientists consider themselves moderately or deeply religious.” There isn’t an uncrossable divide between science and Christianity. To those who have a hard time believing miracles, Keller points out that when Jesus rose from the dead, even some of his followers had a difficult time with it. After all dead people don’t just rise again from the dead. Miracles are hard to believe because they are counter to the natural order and our experience. And their purpose seems to move beyond capturing our minds to capturing our hearts. “Jesus’ miracles are not just a challenge to our minds, but a promise to our hearts that the world we want is coming.”