Does Science discredit Christianity?

No, there is no conflict between true science and the Bible, rather, they compliment each other. In general, science deals with the question of 'how' and 'when' .The Bible deals with the question of 'why' and 'who'. They both describe the works of God in different ways. In fact, without Christianity there would be no modern science.

Many if not most of the early scientists were Christians i.e. Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, Newton, Pascal ,Bacon, Pasteur, Kelvin, and Maxwell. It is also true that many scientists in the world today believe in God.

Charles Coulson in "A dance with deception" (See footnote 1.) writes "In recent years there has been a remarkable reversal among historians of Science. The more that they study the historical records, the clearer it becomes that science could never have developed were it not for Christianity."

He continues "for example, Loren Eiseley, a well known science writer says that many civilizations developed great technical expertise . . . . . but only one produced the experimental method we call science. That civilization was Europe at the end of the Middle Ages, a culture steeped in Christian faith. The reason why science developed within a Christian civilization, says Eisely . . . . . . experimental science began its discoveries in the faith? . . . . . that it was dealing with a rational universe controlled by a creator who did not act upon whim". Coulson continues "in fact the very idea that there are 'laws' in nature is not found in any other culture. Science historian A. R. Hall says the idea comes from "the Hebraic and Christian belief in a deity who was at once creator and law giver". And sociologist R.K. Merton in his famous thesis says "modern science owes its existence to the Christian notion of moral obligation. Since God made the world Christians taught it is not to be despised. Instead we are under obligation to study it and use it to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind" .

Coulson continues ''The interesting thing is that the scholars that I have just quoted are not Christians yet what they are expressing is a new consensus among historians that Christian faith actually propelled the development of modern science`. Coulson finishes by saying "without the Bible, science wouldn't even exist".

Miracles, Creation and Evolution.

1. Adapted from Dance with Deception,Copyright1993,Published by Word Publishing with permission of Prison Fellowship Ministries, P.O. Box 17500, Washington, DC,  20041-0500.