6: How Christians Can Engage Science Claims Without Compromise
Science is a valuable tool for studying the present world, but it cannot speak authoritatively about unrepeatable past events such as origins. Operational science (repeatable experiments) and historical science (interpreting evidence about the past) must be distinguished. When interpretations of historical science contradict the clear teaching of Scripture, Scripture must take precedence because it is God’s inerrant Word. Common pressure points include radiometric dating, distant starlight, and genetic similarities. Each has assumptions (initial conditions, constant rates, closed systems) that are not directly testable for the distant past. Alternative models consistent with a young earth and global Flood exist and continue to be refined; the Christian is not required to accept deep-time conclusions simply because they are currently dominant in secular institutions. The history of science includes many once-consensus ideas later revised. The proper posture is neither fear nor hos...