Re: Separation of science and religion

Jan de Koning (dekoning@idirect.com)
Tue, 18 Nov 1997 15:11:45 -0500

As a Calvinist Christian I believe, that all of our life is guided by the
religion (or some say theology) we have. That means, that one may have a
naturalistic religion: God has nothing to do with the running of nature.
Or, one may say, that God always works in nature. That is that everything
in nature, even evolution is directed by God. One of the things I miss in
the discussions of the relationship of God and creation is the fact that we
read in Scripture that all of creation is suffering and waiting for the
revelation of the children of God. Creation was condemned because of teh
sin of man. We may try to give any exegesis to these words, but it is
obvious, that these words deal with the natural creation. Yet, in all
duscussions I miss this important given.

It does mean too, that our seraching in science is directed by our faith.
That faith ought to be grounded in the bible. However, I hasten to add,
that because of God's continuing work in creation, evolution is guided by
God. Still every day now.

Many people have tried to explain to me the difference between macro- and
micro- evolution. I cannot see a basic difference. Besides, who decides,
that a certain animal is a dog and not a wolf? Breeding-possibilities?
Can they not gradually change?

Most important for me is, though, that nothing is excluded from God's rule.
Not even the so-called "natural processes." And then we are back again
to: How do we read the bible? As a textbook, or as a rule of faith? Do we
distinguish between the different types of writing in the Bible? Etc., but
some months ago I posted on these things, and some of you do not agree with
me, I know.

Jan de Koning
Willowdale, Ont.