The ongoing conflict between science and religion regarding the origin of life and the universe has engendered deep concern and profound tensions. The scientific approach, driven by empirical evidence and rational inquiry, often challenges and even contradicts the theological narratives upheld by religious traditions. This clash of worldviews has created a sense of unease, as the fundamental questions about our existence remain unresolved, leaving many individuals torn between the pursuit of scientific knowledge and the preservation of their deeply held religious convictions.
I was raised to believe the Christian narrative and was taught to be afraid of or skeptical of any explanation of the origin of life and the universe that relied on scientific evidence. Such explanations only existed to destroy my faith.
The Christian narrative: Between 6K – 10K years ago, a human-like being created the universe, the Earth, and all living things through “the power of his word.”
The Christian narrative’s compelling evidence: *None.
* The evidence I was provided was a) the Bible says so and the church leaders say so, and b) how else could you account for the complexity of life and the universe? Neither of which are logically compelling.
Throughout my twenties, I had opened myself up to understanding the evidence in support of the opposing view. And, while it was apparent that the religious and scientific narratives had not arrived at some reconciliation, I waved off any need to doubt or question my beliefs by telling myself that “surely there is a way to reconcile these two views, we simply haven’t arrived at it yet.” I relieved any pressure to resolve these discrepancies by inventing what now seems an embarrassingly silly excuse about how God set all things in motion and then put all things in a giant pressure cooker to create fossils and sow cause for doubt among us – so that we could learn to exercise faith in him, of course.
The scientific narrative: Life on Earth emerged through natural processes such as abiogenesis, and the universe originated from a rapid expansion from a highly dense and hot state approximately 13.8 billion years ago.
The scientific narrative’s compelling evidence:
- Paleontologists study the fossil record, which provides evidence of the evolution of species.
- Genetic and DNA evidence shows our relatedness to other animal species.
- Comparative anatomy (from anatomy, morphology, biology) demonstrates a gradual evolution of life from other forms.
- Geological evidence shows that Earth has evolved from a hot planet to the cool blue/green pearl it is today.
- Anthropological evidence shows us how human cultures have developed beliefs, myths, and rituals around the origin of life that are, at the end of the day, myths and not reliable history lessons.
- Astronomical observations provide evidence that stars and planets are moving further away from each other; hence, long ago, they were densely packed together, forming the basis for the big bang theory.
It wasn’t until my mid-thirties that a switch was flipped, almost spontaneously, in my head regarding the debate. The significance of this disagreement between science and religion suddenly felt real to me: if, indeed, we are able to lay out a narrative that the universe, our solar system, our planet, and all of life have developed gradually and we are able to lay out a preponderance of evidence to demonstrate that they did so without evidence of the intervention of some divine force – then that could really mean that God is a socially constructed story and not a historically accurate figure.
And so began the long task of deconstructing my faith-based worldview and reconstructing a new worldview.
I am occasionally still in awe that so many individuals continue to believe the Christian narrative, the way I did for so many years of my life. As the evidence in favor of the scientific cosmology narrative is overwhelming today, why do we not feel so motivated to inspect our worldview for flaws and be open to a clearer view of reality?
The Christian creation myth attempts to explain the intricate complexity of life and the universe by attributing their origins to a divine act of creation. It presents a belief that the vast array of intricate biological systems, diverse ecosystems, and intricate celestial bodies are the result of a deliberate design by a higher power. Through this perspective, believers find an explanation for the intricacies and interconnections observed in the natural world, offering a lens through which to understand the complexity of existence.
We have an innate desire for knowledge, certainty, and understanding. We naturally seek for closure and resolution. Unanswered or unanswerable questions challenge our sense of control and security, leaving us with a sense of uncertainty and ambiguity. This discomfort stems from our cognitive need to seek explanations and fill gaps in our understanding of the world. So it is innately important for us to have some understanding of our origins.
The Christian creation myth offers a profound sense of purpose and meaning by presenting a narrative in which humans are purposefully created by a divine being. It suggests that human life has inherent value and significance, as individuals are believed to be made in the image of God. This narrative provides a framework for believers to find purpose in their lives, fostering a sense of belonging, moral guidance, and a connection to something greater than themselves.
The Christian narrative provides comfort to individuals facing their own mortality by offering the promise of an afterlife and the hope of eternal salvation. Believers find solace in the belief that death is not the end but a transition to a heavenly existence, where they can be reunited with loved ones and experience eternal peace. This narrative provides reassurance and a sense of purpose in the face of mortality, offering a source of comfort and consolation during times of grief and uncertainty. Similarly, to those who believe, the faith-based view can sometimes bring relief to those mourning the loss of a loved one by providing the belief in an afterlife and the hope of being reunited with their departed loved one in eternity.
Having a faith-based worldview can provide individuals with moral guidance by offering a set of religious teachings, commandments, or ethical principles that outline right and wrong behaviors. These guidelines help shape one’s moral compass, providing a framework for making ethical decisions and navigating complex moral dilemmas. Additionally, faith communities often provide a supportive environment where individuals can engage in discussions, receive guidance from religious leaders, and find communal reinforcement for upholding moral values.
Finally, being part of a religious organization can provide individuals with a sense of community and belonging by offering a network of like-minded individuals who share common beliefs, values, and practices. Through regular religious gatherings, rituals, and events, individuals can forge meaningful connections, establish supportive relationships, and find a sense of belonging within a community that shares their spiritual journey. To disagree with the cosmological claims of the organization, especially in the LDS faith, can jeopardize one’s standing and acceptance in the community.
Neil deGrasse Tyson, as a prominent science communicator, often emphasizes the complementary nature of science and religion. While he acknowledges that science provides a reliable method for understanding the natural world and uncovering empirical truths, he also recognizes that religion can offer personal meaning, moral guidance, and a sense of purpose to individuals. “Science tells us what the world is made of while religion should help guide the way we act in the world” – Tyson