I love science. I first conclude the existence of God because I simply cannot believe what I’d have to believe to believe there wasn’t one. I certainly don’t believe my belief in God is any more “ridiculous” than believing aliens seeded the earth with life. At least it accounts for the origin itself. I believe anywhere one looks in this creation the seemingly unbelievable occurs—from the very atoms that comprise us to the macro universe we help comprise. The reality is that whatever one believes about origins, it will be “unbelievable”. We have infinitely fewer “answers” than we do questions, so no one should be acting all that smart—either in science OR religion. We don’t need to hide behind supposed “facts” contrived from reams of raw data in order to share our beliefs. Nor, do we need to hide behind reams of pages of highly-speculative human theology, much of which is basically made up. If the common person knew how much of the raw scientific data was collected and the inexactness of so much of it, there’d be a lot less “faith” in scientism going on for sure. As well, if the same public could grasp how much theology is made up, lots of churches would soon be pretty empty.  Although again in each domain there are plenty who are there asserting agendas rather than seeking truth, so they'd remain in their positions of self-service.

Beliefs are honest even if they're wrong. Misuse of data and information is dishonest whether it’s perpetrated by scientists or by church councils and leaders. Yeah, Christianity has at least equally atrocious examples of cover-ups, dishonesty and squelching honest thought and research. I once heard John Clayton, an Indiana science teacher and founder of the “Does God Exist” ministry, say, “The argument has never been between science and religion but between scientists and preachers.” (I’m quoting from memory so don’t hold him to the exact wording, but I also didn’t want to take credit for his insightful words. And, he may have been quoting someone else for all I remember.) The truth is the truth is the truth no matter who believes what about whatever. Absolute honesty, which I believe does not truly exist in our fallen world except in God himself, is about seeking the truth as it really is without being skewed by our own bias. Men are incapable of absolute anything I suppose, including honesty. And yes, sadly that includes this author as well as whomever your favorite preacher or scientist is.

So, don’t go doubting every scientist because of the exposure of possible academic and/or political dishonesty. But, also realize that self-appointed scientific priests who serve a self-serving world at the altars of academia aren’t all they’re purported to be. Much is hidden in labs and offices and meetings rooms and behind impressive robes (lab coats) and hoods (awarded with advanced degrees) and credentials. Basically, that they’re humans and not any different than the rest of us. And, while their scientific methods and research yield incredible insights and advances that often amaze us and bless us, remember what James the brother of Jesus said, “out of the same mouths come praise and cursing” (James 3:10). The same women and men who pen wonders discovered about our incredible universe (praise) are also capable of corruption and dishonesty (cursing).

My final admonition comes from the ancient Jewish king, and I believe inspired author, Solomon, “Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding” (Proverb 23:23). Because you’ll end up buying what you’re in the market for—either the truth, or what you want to believe. And, your long-term return on investment is down the road. Don’t risk finding yourself intellectually and spiritually bankrupt later because of poor intellectual and spiritual  “investments” today that involve blindly buying untruths.