Transcript:

Hello, this is Pastor Don Willeman of Christ Redeemer Church. Welcome to the Kingdom Perspective.

The Bible suggests that one of the practical ways we can fulfill the biblical command to love our neighbor is through the practice of good science.

The word “science” comes from an old Latin term for knowledge. Biblically speaking, science is good and true because we live in an orderly universe, created by an unchanging God who governs His world in an orderly way. Thus, we can gain understanding by applying ourselves to the basic task of data collection and interpretation. Through our collective application of this scientific method, generation after generations, we grow in knowledge.

Now, there are certainly limits to scientific knowledge. Science is not the only type of knowledge we need, in order to live well together.

Nonetheless, it is a gift of God for the well-being of society. Science is not only a social phenomenon (something that happens in community), but also a social good (something that benefits community). We can love our neighbor not only by doing good science (as many in our medical/college community do), but also by following good science. For example, we can know better how to avoid spreading disease by applying ourselves to such knowledge.

A desire to help your neighbor is a very good thing, but zeal without knowledge (without science) is at best incomplete, and at worst very dangerous.

Something to think about from The Kingdom Perspective.

“Praise the Lord!
will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy;
they are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name!
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!”
~ Psalm 111:1-10 (ESV)