What is Science?

I think that much of the controversy and conflict today around faith and science stems from the lack of a clear definition of what “science” actually is;  Not the individual disciplines, but science itself; and the difference between what the goal of the process of science should be, and what in reality is often the actual goal.

For the sake of this discussion science is defined as both…

a body of knowledge and the process by which that knowledge is obtained.

Further, the process is one of discovery, observation, interpretation and experimentation.  It is a discipline.  “Disc”, a root shared in such actions as discernment as well as discovery and discipline, speaks of the process of removing or dissecting layer by layer to rightly divide the object, which in many cases can be the data that is collected in the process. While some of the disciplines that add to the body of knowledge called, in its entirety, “science” may require more of one particular step in the overall process, the most complete understanding is obtained through experimentation. 

It is important to realize that “science” doesn’t do anything.  Scientists do.  People who follow the process whereby data is added to the body; and then, after that data has been interpreted; information is born, and when that information is applied to a specific situation; knowledge arises.  The body of knowledge itself simply is.  It does not imply nor involve any action apart from those practicing the discipline of intentional observation and experimentation.

In order to be added to the body of knowledge: that which is known to be true; the subject or theory must be observed, tested and reproduced.  Without the “closed loop” of this process, findings or hypotheses reside in the realm of theory.  Theory, a name implying uncertainty of truth, albeit – admittedly a possibility-, requires a different set of rules to be applied in any way that can then further substantiate its credibility.  But often theory runs within the circle of the minds of a few, who then, demonstrating such passion and insight, drive it to the point where, though it cannot be absolutely proven, it can stand upon such evidence for, and absence of evidence against, that further experimentation or hypotheses can be born.  Consider the Theory of Relativity.  That it can be demonstrated in both observation and experimentation that gravity has a direct effect on light and time is so impossible to fathom.  And yet, that very observation supports the theory that time is relative, or at least relative to one factor that we have identified.

It is also important to realize that, were there nothing to study, nothing to which the discipline and process could be applied then no knowledge would arise.  There need not be any conflict between science and faith nor any exclusivity either.  Science requires a subject of observation and study for scientist to engage.  Faith, on the other hand, is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  

It is also important to know that science, both the body of knowledge and the process, is restricted to that which can be observed and tested.  When the bible mentioned “science so called” it is referring to this phenomena of classifying in the body of knowledge (that which is known) things that have not been demonstrated to be known.

Why do we take so much time trying to rightly define science?  Science is a study.  And we are told to study.  We are told to look to the things that are made to understand the maker.  Science, the body of knowledge and the process of obtaining it, should point us TO the creator, not AWAY from Him.

The world would have us separate the realm of the observed from the source of it.  We cannot find in any thing the answer to that thing.  We must look outside of it.   When the world looks to the world for the answer to the WHY of the world… they are spinning there wheels.  When they discount the existence of the “Answer” outside of the observation, they miss the point.  While the observed can point to the source, it is not itself the source. 

Yet, when people discuss science as though it was an entity capable of thought and action, though they swear there is no god, have they not then confessed one?  Have they not then named their god “Science?” 

Theology is a science.  It is a study of the things of God.  It is a discipline.  It does nothing.  While we can learn (a first person action) from theology, theology does not teach us.  It is not a being.  It is a collection of knowledge that theologians have gathered.  It does not give us anything, but we can take from it. 

All sciences are the same.  We must engage what we have discovered and put it to use.  (Learning is the act of retaining and putting to use that which has been discovered.)  We, us, people, learn.  An apple doesn’t “teach” me how it tastes.  And so science doesn’t do anything.

Scientists are those who study through a disciplined approach.  Let us all be scientists in the study of the Word.  Pay close attention to all He has created and all He has said, so that we will be effective.

SDG