What Science Cannot Do

Science has limitations.

Science cannot give us “should.”

We marvel at the good work of science (see our Truth in Two here).

But we are wary that science, like other disciplines, can be distorted by sin.

Watch our two minute video to find out how (full text below)

We are grateful for science and for the God who tells us the right way to use it.

Subscribe to “Truth in Two” videos from Comenius (here). Mark is President of The Comenius Institute (website). Dr. Eckel spends time with Christian young people in public university (1 minute video), hosts a weekly radio program with diverse groups of guests (1 minute video), and interprets culture from a Christian vantage point (1 minute video). Consider becoming a Comenius patron (here).

Picture Credit: Luke Renoe, Snappy Goat

FULL TEXT:

At the Comenius Institute we believe in the good work accomplished by scientists. Discoveries in medicine, surgery, or physical therapy are helping people everywhere to thrive. Scientists such as Bacon, Kepler, and Newton, who sparked the scientific revolution, believed that scientific delight is found in revealing more knowledge of God’s creation. Science can meaningfully contribute to God-given life. Wonder and gratitude ought to be our response to the way creation is made. As Solomon, himself a scientist, said, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, it is the glory of kings to uncover it.” **

But with all its good work, there is one thing science cannot do: it cannot tell us what “good” is. Don’t forget all the wonderful works of medicine scientists have discovered. But always remember science has been coopted by government approved eugenics where people groups have been eradicated. Why? Because some ethnic groups were deemed a threat by those in power. You see, science can tell us what “is” done but cannot give us what we “should” do. Science cannot tell us why people should treat others with dignity, why we should be kind, or why we should not murder. Science cannot explain the selflessness of a Mother Teresa, or the non-violent response to injustice by Dr. Martin Luther King. Science cannot enlighten us as to why foster parents should give of themselves to children not their own. Science cannot clarify why we should care for the elderly.

Scientists rest upon an outside source to know what “good” is, to know the answer to “What should I do?” At the Comenius Institute we believe science and all of life depend the standard – the “should” – God set in Leviticus 19: our love of neighbor comes from God’s love for us.

For Truth in Two, this is Dr. Mark Eckel, president of the Comenius Institute, personally seeking truth wherever it’s found.

** Proverbs 25:2; see 1 Kings 4:29-34