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Saturday, March 6, 2021

USE OF THE WORD “SCIENCE”

I find it irritating the way some people use the word “Science”. Some use the word to establish an atmosphere of authority, to say something you can not argue about. They use phrases like: “Science says . . .”, or "Science now knows. . ." They also use related phrases like: "Research has shown . . .", "Extraordinary new light indicates . . .", "New evidence has shown . . ." , "We now know . . .".

Science involves the use of the scientific method of investigating nature. One observes a phenomenon and forms a theory about its cause. He then devises an experiment to prove the theory. He records the results, and if the theory seems to be proved he writes a paper about the phenomenon, the theory of its cause, and the experiment that is supposed to prove his theory. Others can then repeat the experiment and if the same results occur they can agree that the theory is most likely true. The theory of the structure of atoms is based on such experimental work that is so repeatable it is safe to assume the atomic theory is true. A definition of science I read said it is "the systematic study of the nature and behavior of the material and physical universe, based on observation, experiment, and measurement, and the formulation of laws to describe these facts in general terms."

I have heard the word “science” used as a phrase which I call "self-fulfilling introduction". These statements, “science says” and the like, are intended to give an air of established truth to the content that follows them. The introductory phrases appear to give authority to what comes next, as if to say, "let there be no question about this". They provide appearance of a reliable source, albeit an unnamed and unexplained source. I find this particularly irksome with respect to the topic of evolution vs. creation. Many use “science” to express the pervasive concept of evolution-as-fact. Evolution is not fact, it is an unproven theory that can neither be tested nor repeated. Evolution requires the concept of millions of years. No set of humans have ever actually observed millions of years.

“Millions of years ago everything we see evolved from nothing, or a 'singularity', or a single atom.” Who was there to know this? The concept can only exist in theory. To believe it takes a great amount of faith - - faith that this theory is indeed the truth.

I’d rather believe, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This also takes faith. But I know one who was there, I’ve read his book.