Can Science Explain It All?

A Christian Perspective on Science and Faith

In today’s academic world, the tension between science and faith often takes centre stage. Many students wonder if belief in God is compatible with the scientific discoveries that shape our understanding of the universe. For some, science seems to have replaced faith, offering explanations for phenomena once attributed to God. But does science truly explain everything? And can the pursuit of knowledge coexist with belief in a Creator?

Can Science Explain Everything?

Science is an incredible tool for understanding the natural world. It helps us uncover the mechanisms behind everything from gravity to genetics. However, science has its limits. By its very nature, it focuses on observable phenomena and natural processes, answering “how” things work. But it cannot address the deeper “why” questions.

Why does the universe exist? Why do humans long for meaning and purpose? These are questions of philosophy, ethics, and theology—areas where science cannot tread. If we expect science to explain everything, we risk overlooking the richness of human experience and the deeper truths that lie beyond empirical data.

Faith and Reason: Allies, Not Opponents

Contrary to popular belief, Christianity does not conflict with reason. In fact, it affirms that the universe is rational and orderly because it was created by a rational God. This belief has historically inspired scientific inquiry. Early scientists like Isaac Newton and Johannes Kepler were Christians who saw their work as a way to “think God’s thoughts after Him.”

From a Christian perspective, human reason is a gift from God, enabling us to explore His creation. Far from being enemies, faith and science are allies, each addressing different aspects of reality. Science explores the “how” of the universe, while faith delves into the “why.”

What About Miracles?

One common objection to Christianity is its belief in miracles, which are often dismissed as violations of natural laws. However, miracles are not contradictions of science but signs of God’s activity in the world.

For example, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to Christian faith. While it defies natural explanation, it does not invalidate natural laws. Instead, it points to the God who created those laws and has the power to act within them. Recognizing this distinction allows us to appreciate both the regularities of nature and the extraordinary acts of God.

The Moral Foundation of Science

Science depends on values like honesty, integrity, and a commitment to truth. But where do these values come from? Science cannot create them; they are rooted in a moral framework. Christianity provides this foundation, affirming that truth and goodness originate from God.

Without this moral anchor, the practice of science risks becoming unmoored. Ethical dilemmas in research, from cloning to artificial intelligence, underscore the need for principles that transcend human opinion. Christianity offers a consistent basis for navigating these challenges, grounded in the character of a just and loving Creator.

The Problem with Scientism

Some argue that science is the only valid way of knowing, a view known as scientism. However, this perspective is self-defeating. The claim that “science explains everything” is not itself a scientific statement; it is a philosophical assumption.

Even science relies on unprovable beliefs, such as the intelligibility of the universe and the reliability of human reason. Christianity provides a coherent explanation for these assumptions, pointing to a rational Creator who designed the cosmos and endowed humans with the capacity to understand it.

Why Belief in God Matters

Belief in God is not an obstacle to science—it is its foundation. Without God, the intelligibility of the universe and the trustworthiness of human reason become inexplicable. Science is predicated on the assumption that the universe operates according to consistent laws, an assumption that aligns with the Christian view of a Creator who established order and purpose in creation.

C.S. Lewis captured this well when he wrote, “Men became scientific because they expected law in nature, and they expected law in nature because they believed in a lawgiver.” The Christian worldview not only makes sense of science but also gives it meaning, connecting the pursuit of knowledge to the greater purpose of glorifying God.

An Invitation to Explore

If you’re a university student wrestling with these questions, you’re not alone. The relationship between science and faith is complex, but it’s also profoundly enriching. Rather than seeing them as opponents, consider how they might complement each other.

We invite you to explore the possibility that faith in God provides the ultimate foundation for understanding the universe, our purpose, and the meaning of life. The same God who created the stars and galaxies invites you into a relationship with Him—a journey of discovery that goes beyond the limits of science and into the depths of eternity.