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On a daily basis, info@biologos.org receives a plethora of questions from people all over the world. We try our best to answer as many emails as possible. Check out this example of a question we recently received. You may have had a similar question yourself.

Question:

How is it possible to believe in God and the Bible with all of the scientific discoveries? I really need to know the relationship between science and the Bible. My faith has taken a knock, and I am searching for answers. Can you please assist me with this?

B. L.

Answer:
Dear B.L.,

Thanks for writing to us! It’s great to hear that you are asking questions and searching diligently for answers. BioLogos exists because we believe that it is important to endure these tough challenges within the context of a supportive community, many of whom have had similar experiences.

Before I begin suggesting reading materials, I want to highlight that the foundation of our Christian faith is something that happened in Jerusalem in the first century AD Jesus was hauled before Pontius Pilate, crucified, and died. Three days later, in the most improbable event in all of human history, Jesus physically rose from the dead.

I say this because in debates about science, philosophy, theology, and interpretations of Genesis, people tend to forget that the physical resurrection of Jesus is the single historical event that launched Christianity. At that time (approximately 33 AD) the New Testament wasn’t even written yet, so it wasn’t an issue of believing the Bible—there were actual eyewitnesses who could attest to the event!

When you recognize the resurrection of Jesus as the foundation and central feature of Christianity, it’s easier to examine other issues with less trepidation. There is a lot of debate surrounding the book of Genesis, but there are some great insights, too. John Walton’s book The Lost World of Genesis One is definitely worth reading. To get a taste of his perspective, check out our videos Understanding Genesis and Science, Scripture, and the Creation Narrative.

Some people believe that in order to be a devout Christian, you have to turn your back on science. This view, however, is a myth that was concocted in the 19th century and has spread into popular culture. To explore this issue, start with Ted Davis’s Forum Post An Obituary for the Warfare View of Science and Religion. To explore more deeply, read Mark Noll’s three-part series A. D. White’s “Warfare between Science and Theology”. For books, I recommend Francis Collins’s book The Language of God and also The Language of Science and Faith, which he coauthored with Karl Giberson.

Finally, some people believe that in order to accept modern science, you have to reject the authority of scripture. That is a great misnomer, too. Take a look at N. T. Wright’s six-part series Scripture and the Authority of God, and if you resonate with it, read his book Scripture and the Authority of God: How to Read the Bible Today.

I hope you’ll find some of these resources to be helpful. Don’t get too discouraged if the answers don’t come easily! By asking questions, you’re already on the right track. I’ll conclude with one more recommendation—a Forum post by Peter Enns called The Benefit of Doubt.

Blessings,
Tom Burnett
Associate Web Editor