Fallen and Flawed

Scientism [When You Shouldn't Trust a Scientist]

**Guest post by Rob Powell. Part of a series on truth.**

Science is awesome.

It provides us with marvelous party tricks, incredible fiction, and is the most predictable way to study and classify the world around us.

But other than a seven letter word, what exactly is science?

And more importantly, why for the last 300 years have some people thought it to be the sine non qua?

Defining Science

Stealing a page from Theodore Beale and PZ Myers let’s define science as such:

Scientage: the body of transparently obtained testable knowledge

Scientistry: what scientists learn to do at universities

Scientody: the method of exploring the world, observing, inferring, and testing with experimentation

Conversely here’s what science isn’t: an all encompassing worldview that can explain everything and should as such rule with an iron caliper over all other information.

That is scientism.

And oddly enough it fails just like it’s pals relativism and pluralism.

See, the proposition that one shouldn’t believe something unless it can be proven scientifically can’t itself be proven scientifically.

So where might dogmatic faith in these three forms of science lead us astray? It’s easiest to show the inherent bias of scientistry because all of us have had a professor with a chip on his or her shoulder.

Let’s take a look.

When Scientistry Fails

The Achiles heel of scientistry is that it’s carried out by fallen and flawed people. People who want fame. People who want to make politicians and drug makers happy so they can keep their grant money. People who are ideologues. People who will fudge or select for the data that proves their point…

And professors who will pass their grad student because they’re blonde and cute and have incriminating evidence against them.

Unfortunately confidence in the scientific method can’t lead to confidence in the scientist who claims to have used it.

The failure of scientistry leads to the fallibility of scientage.

The Collapse of Scientage

The scientific body of knowledge is supposed to be verifiable and transparent, but…is it always?

What if a paper submitted for publication refutes the chief editor’s research?

Science often turns a corner based on rogue ideas but what if it goes against the popular consensus? Will something novel get a hearing on it’s merits or be dismissed as pseudo science?

What if the data gets lost? What if there are a few idiot scientists all patting each other on the back approving each other’s work but nobody is guarding the hen house?

The failure of scientistry and scientage leave us only with scientody, which fortunately is very predictable. But the fact that scientody works at all is good evidence for a designer to the universe.

The Limits of Scientody

Christianity’s framework of an orderly and testable world led to science’s earliest successes.

Furthermore, scientody is good at answering the why and how questions of life. Unfortunately it’s completely silent as to the “so what?”

It will answer what happens if saline is injected into amniotic fluid but says nothing about whether that action is moral.

It lets you know what to expect if you create a supercritical mass of enriched uranium but could care less if you do that on Bikini Island or NYC.

It tells us predictable ways to build bridges–but not where those bridges should go.

What is the purpose of life? Is it better to give or receive?

Why are waffles so delicious?

The important questions of life that you ask your mom and best friend advice for cannot be put in a test tube.

Which brings us to another point. Science by definition has nothing to say about the supernatural.

Science Silent on the Supernatural

It would be scientismific! to demand scientific proof for God.  However, the truth is that if Jesus was raised on the third day there is no way to go back and repeat the experiment to verify.

We are going to have to use other means of investigation to find that truth.

But aren’t scientists really smart with their thick glasses, pocket protectors, and such?

Sure!

But just because you invented the internet doesn’t mean you’re right about climate change, ultimate reality or same sex marriage.

Here’s a hint of when science is heading toward questionable grounds: Emotion.

There’s no emotion available in scientody.

Why All the Hatred, Guys?

The vitriol displayed toward religion by the likes of Dawkins, Harris, and other militant atheists is just misguided scientistry. It betrays their biases.

Science doesn’t go from a useful tool to a world view without introducing bias, presuppositions, and error.

The farther you get from scientody into scientistry the more emotion rules. For example, physicists are using the LHC on the border of France and Switzerland to among other things find the Higgs Boson.

If they can’t find one it will undermine 100 years of particle physics thinking.

But why haven’t we seen any physicists writing lay books or giving snarky interviews on the Today show? Because the LHC might create a micro black hole that destroys the earth.

But if it fails to find a Higgs Boson it won’t point to God.

Joseph Stalin’s Spin on Religion

Now consider the theories of anthropogenic global warming and evolution by natural selection. In some circles just calling those things “theories” and not “facts” is fighting words!

But why all the acrimony?

If evolution via natural selection [not as a process where giraffes get longer necks but whereby every living thing came to be] is NOT true then the world must have a designer.

But where are the scientists painting cheetah’s day glow orange and seeing if they can still bring the thunder down on a gazelle and make baby cheetahs?

It may be a grand theory produced by scientistry but it’s not really subject to scientody.

So why is science so mad at and scared of Christianity? Consider what Joseph Stalin had to say: “The Party cannot be neutral toward Religion because Religion is something opposite to Science.”

Unfortunately, I just don’t see the grand battle that Joe did.

Heck, if anybody ought to be mad around here it should be Pluto (Chin up little buddy, you’re still a planet to me).

Final Thoughts

Adam’s first job was to classify all the living creatures. And the author of Ecclesiastes had a handle on the water cycle  but still thanked God for the rain.

An orderly and predictable world is a necessity for science. As long as science does what it does well (and the same must be said for religion, too) I see no conflict at all.

It’s when these boundaries are crossed and science is seen as the only arbiter of truth that conflict arises.

Science can be a useful tool in subduing the earth. When it goes from being a tool to a worldview it steps in to territory it’s not designed or equipped to handle.

In the end, when people turn to scientism it’s usually an attempt to justify one’s own belief, which is pride and needs to be repented of.

Tags: Science, Scientisim, Scientist

The Millennium: Can We Safely Neglect this Doctrine?

I have to admit: Before I cracked open the books, I didn’t give the doctrine of Jesus’ thousand year reign a second thought.

Shoot–I hadn’t even given it a first thought.

But am I any less of a Christian?

And could I continue as a healthy, functioning Christian without this doctrine?

In other words, can Christians safely neglect the doctrine of the millennium?

Before we answer that question, let’s explore three different positions on this particular doctrine: amillennialism, postmillennialism and premillennialism.

Amillennialism

According to this position, we are in the millennium. At Christ’s death, God reduced Satan’s power so the gospel could be effectively preached in this age.

This position declares that Christ’s one thousand year reign [a figurative number by the way] is a heavenly–and not an earthly–kingdom.

That means Revelation 20 is being fulfilled as we speak. It also means that there WILL NOT be a future kingdom.

This is it.

This reign will continue until Christ’s return when unbelievers will be raised to judgment and believers to eternal bliss.

Postmillennialism

This view holds that Christ’s return will occur AFTER the millennium.

In the meantime, this view sees the power of the gospel gradually growing over a very long time [the millennium, again, is a figurative thousand years] so that the world becomes more and more Christ-like…culminating in his second return.

As you can guess, this doctrine becomes very popular during times of pervasive peace and prosperity when we see strong influences of Christianity dominating our society.

Premillennialism

This view sees Christ’s return BEFORE the millennium–but AFTER the tribulation. In other words, Christ’s return inaugurates his thousand year earthly reign.

At the beginning of this time Christ will cast Satan into the bottomless pit and believers will be raised from the dead.

At the end of this period Christ will release Satan from his prison who then attempts one last time to defeat Christ but is in turn summarily defeated.

Once Satan is defeated, final judgment will ensue–unbelievers to hell, believers to heaven.

Warning: Be Careful with This Doctrine

Listen: As with any prophetic, future doctrine interpreting the exact meaning of the millennium is both complex and difficult.

Our conclusions will be less certain than with other doctrines…

And although I think a strong case can be made for one position over the others [I'll explain in a minute what that is], I also think it is VERY IMPORTANT to extend a large measure of grace when discussing this topic.

Putting aside questions of positions for a minute, what are we supposed to do with this doctrine? What’s at stake if we neglect it? Can we achieve personal applications from it?

To help us think through this I’ve adapted a few questions from Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology. When you get a minute, answer these questions in the comments section. My answers are indented.

Questions to Ask Yourself about the Millennium

Do you have any conviction about Christ’s return: Whether it is amillennial, postmillennial or premillennial?

Yes. I affirm it is premillennial. I believe the stronger scriptural case lies with premillennialism. Furthermore, I believe the other positions create problems they can’t solve like amillennialisms slip into two returns for Christ .

How does your present view of the millennium affect your Christian life?

This is hard. Because it is in the distant future. But I would have to say it compels me to make my salvation sure, stimulate the faith of other believers and evangelize unbelievers despite my fears.

What do you think it will be like to live in a glorified body with Christ as King over the world? What sort of emotions and attitudes might you experience?

To the first question, weird. I don’t think I could confidently talk about such a state. I have zero reference point–expect for Christ’s resurrected body. So it may be the same, except without sin, disease or death. As far as emotions, I can only say it will probably be a deep sense of gratitude.

Lastly, do you really look forward to such a kingdom?

I confess: Not until I brushed up on the topic. I do now, though. In fact, I have a growing desire to learn more, because if you think about it contemplating such a kingdom and our place in it can only cause a far-reaching hope that sinks into every corner of our lives–changing us in ways Christ intended.

What about you? How would you answer these questions? Leave your answers in the comments.

And naturally your answers will depend on what position you hold, but don’t be afraid to share if we don’t agree. I’d still love to hear from you. I want to grow together.

Tags: Christ, Jesus, Millennium, Reign

Death Lessons: What You Can Learn When Someone Dies

Seventy years from now more than likely you will be dead.

Don’t worry: So will I.

Some of us will die earlier than others [before we reach fifty].

Some will live longer [well after we turn ninety].

See, as humans, we all share this in common–death.

But we also share something else: When we are dead all of the things in our head–our thoughts, dreams, ideas, feelings–will be gone from this earth…

Lost forever to this world. And the people we leave behind.

Why the Morbid Mood?

Yesterday I learned about the death of a distant uncle. A man who I hadn’t seen in twenty years, but for good reasons meant a lot to me.

During a brief time of vulnerability, he took me, my mother and sister into his fold. But during that brief time he taught me how to work hard, hunt and think.

He even gave me a beautiful rifle.

Unfortunately, after a short period of time we parted ways and I never spoke to him again.

I regret that.

And so this morning I found myself a bit tired, wistful and nostalgic. A wee bit indifferent to the world but profoundly interested in hugging my children and embracing my wife.

It’s a classic introvert defense to news heavy on the death of people close to you.

Furthermore, streaming through my thoughts this whole time is an acute sense of our mortality–and the selfishness of living in one’s own head…an introvert’s favorite place to be.

12 Lessons We Can Learn from the Death of a Loved One

So in order to combat that, here are some reflections–commands, really–on how to indulge in the little time we have left in this world–whether you are an extrovert or introvert–and make the most of the time you have with your people.

It applies to us all. Enjoy.

Talk. Nurture deep conversations with meaningful people like your spouse, children, best friends and neighbors. Do this relentlessly.

Journal. Record your thoughts, feelings and ideas. Document tough questions. Sketch out your answers. The point: Be liberal so people can learn something about you when you die.

Pray. Nurture a deep, never-ending conversation with God. Pour out your soul to Him. Ask him for help. Plead with him to teach you how to be more like Christ.

Confess. Shed secret sin by rehearsing the gospel daily, pleading with God for forgiveness and asking an exclusive set of godly men and woman to hold you accountable.

Blog. Share your thoughts, feelings and ideas with a wider audience. Or keep it private and simply share it with family you are geographically separated from.

Contemplate. Think about your past. Evaluate your present. Plan your future. And once you contemplate, share it with others–in a conversation, on a blog or in your journal.

Write. Lubricate lines of communication with a regular letter or email. For times when you can’t pick up the phone or sit down in front of someone. Do this daily.

Slow Down. Resist invitations to do more. Simplify. Enjoy life. Enjoy your spouse. Your friends. Your children. Your home. Your car. The path through the woods. The lake. The clouds. The cross of Christ.

Create. Take those thoughts and ideas and give them life. Write songs. Sculpt statues. Paint portraits. Design cartoons. Build houses.

Play. Go sledding or fishing. Rock climbing or wind surfing. Teach your son to throw a ball. Twirl with your daughter in the den. Uncork a bottle of wine with your wife and watch her trounce you in a game of Scrabble.

Obey. Do when the Holy Spirit nudges. Don’t hesitate. Call that friend. Skip work and run away with your children to the beach. Visit that dying uncle. Share the gospel with a shop clerk.

Love. Grieve with the suffering. Laugh with the jubilant. Talk with the lonely. Listen to the gregarious. Give to the earthquake-shattered. Evangelize the hostile.

As you can probably tell, when I say indulge, I’m speaking about pouring yourself out for others. Giving away EVERYTHING in you to those you love AND to those you don’t love…

To those you know–and to those you don’t know. What you want is to say at the end of your life you held nothing back.

See, it’s worth forcing ourselves outside of our shelters [skulls, homes, churches, nations] and subduing the earth in Christ and for Christ.

Not only is it a biblical mandate, but it also provides for a rich, meaningful life. One that is perilously short.

Don’t waste it.

Tags: Death, Give, Life, Love

10 Classic Fallen + Flawed Posts on Christian Blogging

While some of you have been reading Fallen and Flawed since the beginning [December 2008], many of you are new.

So, to help you understand what this blog is all about, I created a beginner’s guide…

Think of it as a historical primer on the purpose behind this blog.

More importantly, see it as a guide to help you plan, launch and grow your own Christian blog.

My hope is I can help at least one person do just that. Let me know what you think.

Here they are:

Why You Must Endure My Half-Baked Ideas What are the payoffs to working through your doubts about Christianity? One is you won’t base your faith on half-baked ideas. There are more.

Have You Read the Book Behind This Blog? It’s still shocking to me how much a few wrong turns could change my life. Read the story behind this blog. And the book that started it.

I Am Orin Scrivello, Sadistic Blogger When someone blasted me on a blog post with foul language, it triggered a rather sadistic thought.

5 Reasons Why I Waited a Year to Launch This Blog This might sound strange to you, but I waited over 365 days before launching this blog. Why did I wait so long? The answer may surprise you.

Are Public Rebukes Okay? My Advice Do the rules for church discipline apply to the impersonal, disembodied world of blogging? My answer might surprise you.

The 5 A.M. Secret: How to Balance Blog and Family How do I manage to balance job, family, friends and blog? Simple. I use the 5 A.M. secret.

Why Reformed Bloggers Wear Me Out We need more Christians bloggers who will converse and confront atheist bloggers. Here are 4 ways to do that.

Tim Keller’s Guide to Vibrant Blogging Hard to believe that a 58-year old pastor in NYC could teach you anything about blogging. But he can.

Why I Blog [It's the New M.A., Dummy] Did you know you can earn a Masters degree by blogging? Okay, you can’t really. But you can come real close. Find out how.

My Unorthodox Copyright Policy [or, Why It's Okay to Steal This Blog] The content on this blog is yours. It’s yours to use however you please. But there’s a catch.

Note: Bookmark this post so you can take your time working through this list. There’s a lot of content here. And you probably won’t be able to read it all in one day.

Also, subscribe to Fallen and Flawed if you haven’t already. That way you can get all the latests posts.

Tags: Blogging, Blogs, Writing

At Last! Dead Puritans Learn How to Blog

Just the other day I caught wind of a very curious blog.

It was Octavius Winslow’s. Yeah, the 19th century Puritan pastor.

The guy’s blogging.

Okay. Okay. HE’S not really blogging.

Someone else is blogging for him.

Someone else is amassing his body of work, sharing chunks of his sermons and exploring the life of this overlooked Reformed preacher.

Granted, this is nothing new.

Blogs devoted to bringing attention to near-forgotten pillars of the Puritan-cum-Calvinist persuasion have been cropping up for the past couple of years.

But this shouldn’t surprise us either. We are in the age of new Calvinism and its patrons are simply doing their duty.

7 Blogs about Dead Puritans, Reformers

The MO for these blogs is simple: collect into one place the works of largely forgotten Reformed theologians and preachers.

It’s not an easy task. Some of these guys works are out of print–and inaccessible. So a big hardy thanks to the men who run these blogs.

Enjoy the list.

Stephen Charnock Charnock didn’t live long enough to see his best work–The Existence and Attributes of God–published. Then again, I doubt he cared. He was a preaching machine with one mandate: Meticulously define God. I’d say he did it.

Octavius Winslow I didn’t know who this cat was until I stumbled upon his blog. According to Matthew Blair [who, by the way, is also a dog groomer and ex-atheist!], he was a prolific Puritan writer and preacher who wonderfully described the Christian life as a pilgrimage. Nice pick me up for those dark days.

J. C. Ryle Vigorous preacher and father of five children, John Charles Ryle pastored a church in England for over 38 years. He’s best loved for his uncompromising evangelical doctrine and expository preaching of the Gospels. Erik Kowalker steers this Puritan’s hand.

John Owens This 17th Century Puritan heavyweight stands in the shadow of Jonathan Edwards. But many agree–he’s Edwards’ peer. Owens manhandled the English countryside with stirring declarations of the supremacy of Christ and is best known for The Mortification of Sin. Justin Taylor mans this blog.

Herman Bavinck While not a Puritan, he’s a Reformed theologian of the first rank. He’s also German and dead. Good enough for this list. Tony Reinke takes up the cause for this stout theologian who produced some tremendous volumes–like Reformed Dogmatics and the Doctrine of God.

Charles Spurgeon This man hardly needs an introduction. And while he’s not a Puritan–his roots are. Phil Johnson stuffs this website with Spurgeon sermons, devotions books–and even authentic writings by the Prince of Preachers.

Jonathan Edwards Not a blog, but a website run by Yale University. A website that will make you drool if you’re an Edwards fan. Yale’s claim to fame here–a definitive collection of Edwards’ works. “Prolific” is an understatement.

Okay: Who did I miss? What Puritan, Pilgrim or near-forgotten Reformer have I overlooked? Please share. I want to expand this list. Help me fill in the blanks.

And by the way, where are the Puritan women? Got any ideas? I’d like to add them to the list, too. I appreciate your help.

Tags: Blogs, Calvin, Pilgrims, Puritans