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This month, we're doing a special focus on science and religion, and I have what I think are going to be several interesting articles planned and a brand new live class hopefully coming out later this month. To kick off the month, I've pulled this fascinating article from the archives. Enjoy!



This weekend I had an opportunity to preach in one of the area churches near where I live and I decided to talk about a topic that has interested me for years. You see, when I was in graduate school I did a fair bit of research into the history of science--in fact, at one point I had decided to get my PhD in this somewhat specialized field. What drew me was the fascinating interplay between science and society, and how that impacted Christianity.

It wasn't just those theories that seem to directly contradict the Bible, like evolution. That has been debunked by believers for decades, and is increasingly coming under attack by non-believers as an indefensible hypothesis. More on that another time.

What caught my attention instead, was how scientific theories tended to shape culture in ways that were completely unwarranted: that were neither logical nor scientific. Few seemed to notice the pattern, and yet thousands, millions actually, have been drawn away from the Gospel over the centuries by these subtle influences.

So I decided to expose them. In my sermon, I gave four examples:

Isaac Newton

Isaac Newton was a 17th century mathematician and physicist who developed a remarkably simple formula to describe gravity that was able to successfully account for a wide range of astronomical and terrestrial phenomenon. His book, the Principia Mathematica was such a masterpiece, many historians consider it the starting point of modern science.

But it had an unintended consequence, Newton never expected. It led to a kind of hyper rationalism in his day, that led many to conclude science could solve all the problems of humanity. The entire universe was perceived as mathematical--like a giant complex clock, constructed by a master clockmaker. It led to a period known today as the Enlightenment. And the effort to solve all problems through human reason became know as social humanism.

The problem is, not everything can be reduced to mathematics, and not every problem can be solved by science. Technology is powerful indeed, but it certainly hasn't solved all our problems today. There is still poverty, addiction, depression, injustice and more.

The point is, taking what Newton did with gravity and superimposing it upon society at large, didn't really work. Mathematics may describe gravity exceptionally well, but that's hardly a guarantee every problem can be boiled down to numbers.

Charles Darwin

The 1800's was marked by another massively impactful scientific theory. A young biologist by the name of Charles Darwin speculated that the various species we know today came into existence through a process he called evolution. The inevitable survival of the fittest would cause certain traits in the gene pool to be passed down to the next generation. And over time, this process would result in entirely new features. Or so his theory went.

We know today, this theory is not supported by the basic laws of genetics. Each organism inherits a mixture of traits from their parents, and over time some traits can become more prominent. But no new traits are introduced. It's like drawing a hand from a deck of cards. You can draw a different hand each time, but you will never draw a card that's not already in the deck.

Regardless, what was primarily a biological theory soon had a huge impact on society. Social Darwinism was the belief the marketplace should be allowed to interact with no interference, allowing the survival of the fittest to rise to prosperity, and allowing the rest to die out. It promoted an unfettered capitalism.

It was a powerful driver for the industrial revolution, but it encouraged a harsh cut-throat economic jungle that resulted in dark times for the common worker. It left little room for compassion, altruism, or social services. And it took a major economic depression to correct some of those excesses.

Again, the point that strikes me is how a theory about biology came to influence views on economics, though logically there is little connection between the two disciplines. It was an irrational but powerful influence. Somehow science bled over into culture.

Albert Einstein

Perhaps the most influential scientist of the next century was Albert Einstein. He developed what has come to be known as the theory of relativity. It largely consisted of some innovative ideas about how light works in our universe.

Some of the implications were that the speed at which an object moves is not absolute, but relative to the speed and position of the viewer. Time and space were no longer fixed but expanded and shrunk based on various factors like speed and mass. There was no absolute framework for measurement. Everything was dependent on perspective.

While Einstein was only attempting to explain various physical phenomenon, it wasn't long before his ideas percolated over into culture once again. This time, in the area of morality and ethics. The idea of an absolute right and wrong became replaced with the belief everything was situational, dependent on circumstances and perspective. And it led to decades of massive social upheaval.

Absolute truth was replaced with moral relativism, the idea right and wrong hinged on personal perspective and opinion only. Few questioned whether a physics theory about the speed of light should have the impact on ethics it did. The connection was illogical. But once again, the science strangely and imperceptibly permeated the thinking of multitudes.

Neils Bohr

If I were to identify the scientific theory that seems to be shaping our day, I'd have to go with the collective work of Neils Bohr and various other scientists who laid the foundation for modern quantum physics.

Quantum physics (also called Quantum Mechanics) is that really strange world of subatomic physics, where normal physical laws seem to break down. Google described it this way:

Quantum mechanics is the body of scientific laws that describe the wacky behavior of photons, electrons and the other particles that make up the universe.

Here are a couple examples to show how wacky it can be. Quantum entanglement is the strange phenomenon where two particles become linked in some way, so that any change in one particle results in an instantaneous change in the other--even if they are separated by vast distances. Yet no one can really explain just how they are connected.

Another strange phenomenon is called superposition, where particles can be shown to have two opposite states at the same time (top and down, positive and negative, clockwise and counterclockwise), and they only "collapse" down to one state or the other when observed. Again, no one quite knows what is happening.

Strange as they are, these points have been verified in countless experiments, and they are leading to all kinds of major technological developments in communication, cryptography, and computing to name just a few areas.

In many ways, this parallels what is happening in the world of politics today. We're seeing an endless barrage of strange, almost wacky headlines. Well established rules of civil discourse are breaking down. Our world is strangely entangled such that events in every distant corner of the globe instantly shows up in our newsfeed. Political parties are completely superimposed, having fully separate worldviews, all at the same time, but as soon as a person steps into one worldview or the other, everything collapses down so completely they see nothing but that which reinforces their own perspective.

The parallels between contemporary politics and quantum physics is pretty striking. And it's leading to bizarre headlines, a fully entangled globe, and severely myopic perspectives. The erosion of empathy and understanding, leading to the bitter anger and vitriol we see so all too often today, can be traced back directly to a breakdown in people's grip on reality.

But the connection between quantum physics and politics is no more rational, than the connection between the speed of light and moral relativism, biology and economics, gravity and social humanism. It's just one more example of how important scientific theories shape society. They seep into our thinking without us even realizing it. They affect our thinking subconsciously.

Implications

Now the problem is not really the science. Generally speaking, bad scientific theories only need one repeatable experiment to contradict them and they quickly fall into disrepute. Apart from evolution, which hangs on only because the alternative (creation) is inadmissible in the minds of many secular thinkers, each of these theories has led to powerful technological breakthroughs and developments.

The cultural influence of these theories, however, has proven much more problematic. And that's where we should be paying more attention!

Here's the pattern I note: In each of these cases, the scientific theories were hijacked, and used to lead society away from God! Newton's mathematical description of gravity resulted in a widespread shift from a personal God, to an absent, impersonal God. Darwin's theory about the origin of species led to a shift away from a creator God. Einstein's theory of relativity, led society away from an absolute God, and an absolute standard of right and wrong. And now the work of Neils Bohr and the rest are leading us away from a real world God of love, and communication.

It's a powerful, big picture, progression. And it seems clear to me, the enemy is behind it. He's used every major scientific theory to steadily lead people further and further away from God!

And it's a huge challenge for us as believers, because reaching people requires us to understand their thinking. And society in general is being swept farther and farther away from the Gospel by these massive currents. It's time we learn to identify these patterns and seek new ways to reach a lost and dying world.

Perhaps this is what Paul referred to in his warning to Timothy:

I Timothy 6:20-2120 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith.

We need a personal God. Nothing else will satisfy the soul. We need a creator God. Our hearts must be fashioned anew. We need an absolute God. Our inner moral compass is broken. And we need a loving, communicating God that reaches through to us. For there's noting in man that reaches out to Him.

This is the God we need to introduce to a world that has largely lost sight of Him...


Comments

What do you think of the strange connection between science and society? Can you see the enemy's had at work? What can we do as believers to help call people back to a true knowledge of God?

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Posted by Dan Vis on 09/13/22 - Coach
Yes, that's what I thought of too Valerie, the class on The BOX. It's really all the same sin problem, just different words, different manifestations.

That's a good takeaway Barbara, that we need to beware all the "propaganda" floating around and learn to think for ourselves. These are dangerous times. And the lesson from Noah is that virtually everyone is going to be deceived. If we think we are smart enough to escape the manipulation of societal forces, we taking a great risk. I Corinthians 10:12Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
Posted by Barbara E. LaRose on 09/13/22
I believe because people do not study the Bible anymore to see how Bible explains everything where we came, why were here, where sin came from, etc. Really people do not study for themselves and it’s easy for them to let others do their thinking for them. Propaganda on tv shows, news, etc. I’m guilty of that myself sometimes. We need to find out the issues floating around for ourselves. We should have knowledge about these things so we can share Jesus to this who are receptive. Makes think of Noah before the flood. Trying to get the people to get ready for a great flood but science said that could never happen but it did. Our only safety is in Jesus and what says. It is a life or death decision. So yes, it’s very important subject for all of us.   
Posted by Valerie Wise Burrell on 09/13/22 - Coach
John and Dan,
The discussion on assumptions brings to mind another article Dan wrote about in The Box and that is "perspective". As I remember it, one's perspective shapes our behavior and that is what is at play here when it comes to "assumptions".

False assumptions about one another creates cognitive dissonance. The evidence does not fit with the perspectives or preconceived notions creating cognitive dissonance but being in "The Box" keeps one from being responsive to the new evidence. I believe that this is what is at play when there are "racial" divides and discord. Christ is the only answer because by beholding Him, we are able to love one another as He loves us. The result? Harmony not dissonance!
Posted by John Gilmore on 09/12/22
Thanks, Dan, for the invitation, but I've no idea where that paper is, or even if I have it still.
Posted by Dan Vis on 09/12/22 - Coach
Those are good points John, slightly different. Namely that our assumptions do often control our conclusions--and for the reason you mentioned: cognitive dissonance. We address this head on Monkey Business, of course, but it applies in all areas of life.

In fact, in some ways this issue lies at the heart of the sin problem. Sin leads to self-deception, every time. I go into this in even more detail in our class on The Box, with an emphasis on relationships. But really, this concept permeates all of life, doesn't it?

It would be interesting to read that college paper some day if you still have it! Maybe a Monday Memo for the future! :)
Posted by John Gilmore on 09/12/22
Dan and Valerie, I certainly hope that Darwin repented. Considering the trajectory of world events, we may not have to wait too much longer to find out the rest of his story, and from One with an unerring perspective!

Thank you again, Dan, for this article. Re-reading it was good.

This time my mind goes back to an English composition paper I wrote in college. In about 10 pages, using assumptions regarding origins as the focus, I addressed the tendency of our assumptions to control our conclusions regarding the evidence. (I have no idea if I influenced the professor's assumptions. His response? "Good luck on changing the world.")

From your article, each of those notable scientists presented evidence, important evidence which helped to advance science and benefit humanity in many ways. But the natural human heart, being self-centered, makes assumptions that cannot be challenged without mental discomfort. Mark Findlay, in his book, Persuasion, called it "cognitive dissonance." So, faced with intellectual paradigm shifts, which may be unsettling, we can expect self-centered people to make self-centered applications of the new data, in an effort to bring internal "stability," or at least the illusion of stability. Oh, how much we really do need an outside check on our human myopia!
Posted by Dan Vis on 09/06/22 - Coach
Valerie, I do remember reading somewhere that at the very end of his life he rejected his own theory (which had become increasingly implausible by that time), but I'm not sure if that is well documented or hearsay. I have also heard that his anger at God was more because of the doctrine of hellfire. His father and brother were both noted atheists, and the thought of them being tormented for eternity would have been repugnant to him (rightly so).

Reading through the Origin of Species, Darwin seems to have been a sensitive, honest soul; at least he readily acknowledging the weaknesses of his theory at multiple points. So it wouldn't surprise me if he repented of this theory later in life.
Posted by Valerie Wise Burrell on 09/06/22 - Coach
Dan,
This is one of my favorite Monday Memos because like you, I love science.   After I became a committed Christian, my interest in science only deepened as I saw God as the true Scientist!

There was a recent discussion with friends about Darwin. Someone said that Darwin repented of his theory. He admitted that he was angry at God because he had lost a loved one and wanted to lash out at him and came up with this theory. I have not read anything that supports this. Have you heard of this before?
Posted by Dan Vis on 06/29/21 - Coach
Nice Qing: "all of creation has to abide by God's laws, because we are the creatures, He is the Creator." That's worth repeating too!
Posted by Qing Ling on 06/24/21 - Coach
the problem is not so much in the theory as it is in the misapplication of them to other areas of life.
The fact is, true science never disagrees with the Bible. So if there's an apparent conflict, the problem is always either poor theology or poor science. Getting to the bottom of things (the truth) always sets us free.
Worth re-posting your comments above Dan.

I often say, there is no doubting that God's laws are always at play- all of creation (Christian or not) has to abide by them because we are the creatures, He is the Creator.
The only difference is whether we will acknowledge Jesus as the capital-T True originator and Owner of all things, or not.
We can draw people back to a true knowledge of God by His example...

The Savior mingled with people as one who desired their good. He showed sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He invited them, “Follow Me.” (Ministry of Healing, EGW)
Posted by Dan Vis on 06/23/21 - Coach
Thanks Barbara! I'm thinking of developing a book on science and faith issues. I'll take this as another vote to move forward on this.
Posted by Barbara E. LaRose on 06/23/21
A very interesting study! Satan is always trying to destroy minds with his sophistry and lead us away from God and his creation. Thank you for this study would like to see more of it.   
Posted by Dan Vis on 06/13/21 - Coach
You're right David. We do sometimes make an idol of things we shouldn't. There's nothing wrong with solid scientific theories--but to exalt them into an idol and apply them in completely unrelated areas of life is dangerous. I liked the way you linked this with Elijah. We need a real revitalization of the Elijah message these days, don't you think?

Actually, Carla, just 6 days. :)
Posted by Carla Phillips on 06/12/21
Pastor Vis, will "Monkey Business" class be a 7 day class ?

Posted by David Jeffrey Grabe on 06/12/21 - Coach
Greetings, Pastor Dan & all FASTland Community, and a Blessed Sabbath to all, in the
TRUE Scientific, Specific, & Salvific Name of Jesus Christ our Lord & Saviour!

Thank you, Pastor Dan, for this brilliant exposition on the the interconnected elements of "Science & Society" I will be reading it again & again! It was so illuminating to me!
I decided to-after your post inspired me to-read on the subject, and found a connection with Elijah & the Mt. Carmel showdown. Those two altars erected there (as we all know)represent the Altar to Jehovah GOD & the altar of Baal(altar against God)
Each of the ones you mentioned(evolution, quantum physics, superposition, relativism, etc.) all have their altars erected in society, culture-as well as in the mind-whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not...II Corinthians 4:4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them..
And the altars are endless:
Atheism-no God
Scientism-only objective means to explain our existence
Pluralism-multiple beliefs to a better existence
Humanism-man can use his intelligence to show him the way
Relativism-knowledge, truth, morality coexist in relation to culture, society, hist. context
Hedonism-Pleasure is the most important thing
Absolutism-rulers/government have unlimited power... to name a few.

As modern day "Elijahs", we are called to invite others to find in the "only TRUE God, and Jesus Christ Whom He has sent, eternal life...

may the Lord guide us into a path of service that will win the attention & intention of others and become all things to all men, that by all means , we may save some!
Posted by Dan Vis on 06/09/21 - Coach
Yes, I think I remember you telling me that Valerie. Science is pretty amazing, and the life sciences are especially incredible--though admittedly, I'm a gadget guy! And you're right: Christians should love true science as it reveals Christ when done properly. It's heaven's second book (after the Bible).
Posted by Valerie Wise Burrell on 06/09/21 - Coach
Dan,
This is a fascinating study. I believe that when you posted this originally, I mentioned that I was a biology major (and minored in chemistry given how many classes I took). Like you, I have a genuine love for science which has only grown as I have experienced Christ. He invented science after all!
Nonetheless, I so appreciate the points you bring out in this article using major scientific breakthroughs to show their influence on society. The final paragraph sums it up best: "We need a personal God; We need a creator God; We need an absolute God; We need a loving, communicating God that reaches through to us. I am so grateful that Jesus Christ meets all of that criteria for mankind and for me. He is my personal God, my Redeemer and Friend.
I pray that I can introduce someone to Him today.
Blessings,
Valerie
Posted by Dan Vis on 06/09/21 - Coach
Glad you worked through all that Carla, in your own mind. We'll be reviewing that subject more in our Monkey Business class. Of course this reading is not really so much about the science in these various fields as it is about how new theories sometimes percolate through society in really unusual and unexpected ways. I find that fact so curious...
Posted by Carla Phillips on 06/08/21
We were taught evolution in public elementary school. Even though I was going to church some at a young age, I didn't give it much thought then, I guess because at that young age I didn't understand and wondered why that was being taught in school. I thank God that now I am a Christian and really understand about creation and our God. This was a good read pastor Vis
Posted by Dan Vis on 06/07/21 - Coach
That's a good way of putting it Joyce, that "an innocent leap in scientific knowledge could be used so generally in society" by the enemy to "ultimately blind eyes to the God who is behind all scientific knowledge. And perfect verse to go with this reading! :)
Posted by Joyce Augustinis on 06/07/21
I loved all the connections and history in this article. It was an eye opener to really see how an innocent leap in scientific knowledge could be used so generally in society and commerce and ultimately blind eyes to the God who is behind all scientific knowledge. It makes me think of Romans 1:21-2221 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,. People who did not want to keep God in their knowledge found ways to idolize something else and changed the truth of God into a lie.
Posted by Dan Vis on 06/07/21 - Coach
That's a good work Lenroy. These theories by and large have been hijacked. That is the problem is not so much in the theory as it is in the misapplication of them to other areas of life. (With evolution being an exception to that). And I agree that we cannot afford to "shy away from learning the truth about science". The fact is, true science never disagrees with the Bible. So if there's an apparent conflict, the problem is always either poor theology or poor science. Getting to the bottom of things (the truth) always sets us free.

Thanks Jeshurun! Glad this was helpful. Of course the problem is not true science but science that has been "hijacked" (as Lenroy put it). Of in the examples you gave of pseudo-science. Things that clothe themselves with a scientific appearance but do not actually follow the scientific method in any kind of credible way. I'll be talking more about that in Monkey Business once that class goes live. The enemy is definitely using every means to lead men astray. And if he can twist science to that purpose, he will definitely try...

Thanks Colette! Yes, you can definitely see influences from Einstein in that kind of think. The curious thing, these examples of a philosophy that assumes God does not exist, are using the work of a scientist who professed to believe in God! :)

Praise God, you found your way out Linda. It's not always easy--as evolution is often taught as if it were somehow proven conclusively. In other disciplines scientists are welcome to, and even encouraged to point out flaws in each other's work. Yet the flaws in evolution are far more serious than many of these other debates. This is another topic we'll be exploring in Monkey Business. Thanks for sharing your powerful testimony!
Posted by Linda Ryan on 06/07/21
All I can say is this is PROFOUND 🧐 Thanks so much and for all the comments below 👇🏻
I grew up with evolution and 100% believed Science was true. It was my favourite subject at school. When I came across Creation in 6 days in the Bible at age 21, I thought this must be a fairy tale. It took me a long time to believe that God could do it in a matter of days. And Patriarchs and Prophets 📚 account of Creation made perfect sense to me. I was even more confirmed when I was forced to study evolution in order to pass my exams and discovered Creation Science which exposed all the flaws in the theory about Carbon Dating, Neanderthal man and so on. How could I have been so gullible to swallow it hook 🪝 line and sinker just because it came out of mouth of scientists?
Posted by Colette Guthrie on 06/07/21 - Coach
Great article Dan. I see the theory of relativity by Einstein playing out in the "no absolutes", "no rules", "anything goes", "do what thou wilt" philosophy. The latter is evident in the Satanist church and in the music of several very popular singers. This takes us very far away from Ecclesiastes 12:13Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man..

I like what Lenroy said, we can get educated on these points to meet people who are there in their thinking.
Posted by Jeshurun Michael Nedd on 06/07/21
Powerful article Dan! So true,sçience is really going above and beyònd to pull our attention away from a personal God. Within the last week terms that speak of "the force" , communicating with future civilizations and parapsychology I've encountered. Additionally on Ann Mary's mother has shown advancement of control of the mind, spiritualism ànd wrong use of technology.

Surely the devil is making a valiant last ditch effort to keep society distracted from God and a personal relationship with hìm for just a little while longer. May we all continue to be strong, focused and steadfast as we look to Jesus the author and finìsher òf our faith. And not get distracted by the things of the world, science and in the end be lòst forever.

Philippians 3:18-1918 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) KJV
(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: [19] Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
Posted by Lenroy Stewart on 06/07/21
The only one of these connections I was familiar with was Darwin. The devil is a highjacker so we can expect him to work jn subtle and not so subtle ways to lead people away from the bible and to establish incorrect ideas about God.
I think one thing we can do is not to shy away from learning the truth about science so that we might be able to meet those who might be convinced on the science on "their ground" and point out the truth.
Posted by Dan Vis on 05/03/20 - Coach
Hi Qing, surprise to see you here in this article! Must have been browsing around, as it's been awhile. I should bring this back at some point! :)

Actually I'm working on a class called "Monkey Business" about evolution and creation. Will probably repost these articles once that class is ready to go live. We've really got a lot going on right now at FAST...
Posted by Qing Ling on 05/03/20 - Coach
Great article Dan, taking us up for an 🦅 eye view of how society has been moulded over large expanses of time. Exposes the deceptions.
As they say, there can be many counterfeits but only one genuine article. Using the Bible, we can call ppl back to a true knowledge of God, :)
Psalms 119:18Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
Posted by Dan Vis on 11/23/18 - Coach
Some good thoughts John. Darwin for example, initially studied to become a priest--but reacted strongly to the idea a loving God could torment people through eternity. Especially since his father and brother were known atheists! And his work perhaps helped us understand better how micro-evolution works in the world, helping species to better adapt to their environment. But like you said, sometimes a pendulum swings to far...

And I really liked your conclusion: the play and interplay of science, culture and religion are complex. But our knowledge of God and His truth can help us sort it all out. :)
Posted by John Gilmore on 11/23/18
Reading this, I'm reminded of pendulums and ditches. Too often we humans stray from the truth, swinging to one extreme or the other. Thinking of Newton's mathematics, on the good side, his work countered the misunderstanding of God as One who works capriciously. But as you said, some took the principles of reason way too far in the other direction.

Eistein worked in an age when mankind's understanding of the universe showed exponential increase. We are still learning. I see your point that relativity cannot fully fit into morality. Yet God, from His perspective of omniscience, judges based on what we know or don't know of His law (Acts 17:30And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:). I also appreciate that his theory may have helped to counter another extreme as we sometimes are myopically judgmental of others (Proverbs 21:2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.).

I suspect that the contributions of Darwin and Bohr similarly, if rightly understood, may counter some previously held errors, just as they provided supposed justification for other wanderings from truth. The effects of science on other parts of life are certainly complex. Similarly, to the degree that we know God and His truth, that knowledge corrects our world view, finances, social interactions, and every other part of life.
Posted by Dan Vis on 11/09/18 - Coach
Glad you found this helpful Dinah. Having a correct concept of God is so vital! :)
Posted by Dinah Robles on 11/08/18
You're right! It is very subtle and many and many are falling into this trap. Thanks for this info, making us aware of the wiles of the enemy. May God help us through the Holy Spirit armed us with the sword of the Spirit just like what we are engaging in now.
Posted by Dan Vis on 11/06/18 - Coach
So true Colleen . We don't want to over focus on what he does, but it is important to expose some of his strategies every once in a while! Looking forward to sharing part 2 next week. :)
Posted by Colleen Assavapisitkul on 11/06/18
Facinating article! Satan will use everything he can to draw people away from the truth.
Posted by Dan Vis on 11/06/18 - Coach
Amen Valerie! I too can't wait for heaven and all the amazing lines of investigation we'll be able to pursue. Here, apart from God, we're far too prone to twist discoveries in ways that lead to misery and unhappiness. But there, every discover will lead only to blessing and still greater joy!
Posted by Valerie Wise Burrell on 11/06/18 - Coach
Dan Vis, this post was so interesting. As a lover of science, I can only agree with all that you have said. Man seems to always be trying to be God without understanding the impossibility of that quest and tries to use science to do so.
One of the exciting things I learned as a new believer is that true science only proves the existence of a loving, Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent God. I look forward to studying science more in the new earth especially the science of salvation!
Posted by Dan Vis on 11/05/18 - Coach
Thanks Ann, Carole. We do need the Holy Spirit to guide our words, and we do need the Scriptures to guide our thoughts. Great points both!
Posted by Ann Lavenburg on 11/05/18
Yes indeed satan is very subtil. It is only as we depend on Christ every day that we can be “ kept” from making those mistakes in our witnessing. I can look back at times when I knew God put the correct thoughts AND words into my mouth at just the right time.
Posted by Carole Bliss on 11/05/18
Your message makes it clear the connection between science and God.
They left out the Holy Scriptures and they reasoned using their minds and left their hearts and relationship with God put. The end result is emptyness and confusion.
Thank you
BLESSINGS
Carole
Posted by Dan Vis on 11/05/18 - Coach
The point I was making Susan, was not that capitalism is good or bad, but that the application of a biological theory (evolution) to economics in the early 1900's, was not entirely logical, and it led to some harsh consequences. Marx, took the same theory and explicitly argued for the "evolution" of a worker class--resulting in even more extreme consequences.

As for the proper role of government in the economy, my only point is that our view of what that role is should be rooted in something other than a failed biology theory.

The problem historically has been taking a scientific theory from one field and applying it carelessly, even unconsciously, to some other largely unrelated field. And even more important, that our tendency to do this has consistently over time led people away from God. That seems to be the real underlying strategy of the enemy. :)
Posted by Susan Ramirez on 11/05/18
This is a great analysis of where those ideas were distorted. Just one correction the problem is not capitalism but the problem is crony capitalism, look it up, that is exactly the system we have today which is very unfair.
Posted by Dan Vis on 11/05/18 - Coach
It's true Ann, there are some good people doing some good work combating the theory of evolution, and has been for some time. And historically Adventists have actually been at the forefront in defending creation.

But the point of this article was not these obvious "oppositions" of science, but rather the more subtle influences. I think it highlights how deceptive the enemy can be, and how easily people can be led astray without realizing it.

How important that we properly reflect the character of God, and show people a personal, creative, absolute and loving God. Seems like ultimately, that is what the enemy is working against...
Posted by Ann Lavenburg on 11/05/18
The godless element in our society looks for any excuse to denigrate God and so many, although professing not to believe in a god, make the religion of evolution their god but call it science. I remember the very hostile reaction I got one time when I told a public school science teacher that evolution was just another religion. He made his distain for me very evident from that point on. Prayer is our best offensive and defensive weapon. It is the job of the Holy Spirit to convict and convince because "he who is convinced against his will is of the same opinion still." The Christian world has some great things going on with Ken Ham's Creation museum, the Ark Encounter and Answers in Genesis. I also subscribe to "Creation Moments" and get an email everyday and a scrambled scriptures word search every weekend. There are lots of Christians, particularly Christians scientists, out there who truly love God. The SDA church just isn't ready for them yet. We need to keep on praying and preparing to witness when ever and where ever God gives us the oportunity.


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