There is an argument that exists which is that science and the supernatural are incompatible subjects. This is true. It is not, however, true for the reason we generally accept it to be.
Generally speaking, one would argue that science deals with the realm of natural things, and its manner of doing so involves empirical, rational discovery of phenomena based on their observable, repeatable, and explainable properties. Yes, this is all well and good, but what of the supernatural? I present that God's intervention in the earth in the form of miracles, signs, and wonders is as observable, repeatable, and explainable as the laws of gravity and motion that govern our world.
The incompatibility with science and the supernatural falls on the fact that the two systems abide by separate sets of laws. Science is ruled by the laws of the earth. 1 + 1 = 2, that does not change. Neither does the fact change that gravity accelerates at 9.8m/s^2. Scientists accept these laws and devote their lives to discovering and applying more.
The supernatural is ruled by another set of laws. These laws are of God; they play by His rules. An alive tree dies by words from a mouth, why? Faith. A people are about to be destroyed but the sea opens up and they pass through while their opponents all die in it. Why? Justice. The same sea that saves the good killed the bad. That's observable, repeatable, explainable (though not always in the same manner). A man, lame from birth, walks, leaps, praises God. Why? Because 1 + 1 = 2. Death + Life = Life. Sickness + faith + the Word of God = health. Repeatable? Find me a lame man. Observable? Get your camera out. Explainable? God's Word dictates why and in what circumstances it will happen.
But does it always happen? No. I couldn't part Lake Parley if I tried, or probably if I even needed to. This is where the laws come in conflict.
The separate set of laws that govern either science or the supernatural have a totally different nature. All of what can be known of God in this life is known. You either accept Him or reject Him. I think what really cheeses scientists off is that even if they spend theirs and the lives of everyone ever on the whole earth for all eternity on the pursuit of the laws of nature - their laws will always be incomplete. There will always be more science. But God's laws are in a single book. You could devote a couple good years to God and be whole and complete in His system of laws, but you can never be complete in science.
So the systems are incompatible. Science deals with laws it sees and feels and hears and smells and tastes, and God just does whatever He wants, based on His described, indescribable nature.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Monday, August 4, 2008
"I Make Stones"
Exodus 20:22-25
The Lord God commands the children of Israel to build an altar out of stones to offer their sacrifices on, burnt and peace offerings. I've been wrestling all weekend with verse 25 that says, "And if you make Me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of hewn stone; for if you use your tool on it, you have profaned it" (NKJV). The NLT translation says, "Do not shape the stones with a tool, for that would make the altar unfit for holy use." On and on I was praying and wondering and studying trying to find out why on earth shaping the altar would profane it. We build churches and temples and set up monuments with our hands, shaped stones, for worship of God. Searching the word hewn in the KJV revealed that the Israelites repeatedly hewn the stones of God's temple. So what changed? What's the significance of this command? - I asked God. His reply was, "I make stones."
As a worshipper, I can see very clearly in my life what has brought me to the place where I am to be a minstrel unto the Lord. In fact, He was the One who showed me that truth. He's always been shaping me to be used, if only for a season. (Who would I be to say it's my call in life, when it's only a place I may now serve.) Yet, He makes stones. Our own agendas, our own notions and ideas of what conjugates worship, the thoughts and ideas we can spew out of chord progressions and this and that - it's all null. He makes the stones. After everything He allows us to prepare and all the skills and talents He gives us - It's His presence alone that makes or breaks what goes on. The anointing is our highest goal. That is why we cannot profane ourselves. Yes, sharpen your skills on the instrument - in His grace - never of your own account that you might attest to the skill your hands have created. Who created your hands? He makes the stones on which we sacrifice. He makes the stones.
This is something that's also on my heart for any area of ministry. We study to show ourselves approved but He guides the things we say and He guided us to a place where we might say them. Praise God
I pray we can learn to fall on Him, our rock, and be broken as Matt. 21:44 says, "He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed."
"Here am I and the children whom the LORD has given me!
We are for signs and wonders in Israel
From the LORD of hosts,
Who dwells in Mount Zion." Isaiah 8:18
The Lord God commands the children of Israel to build an altar out of stones to offer their sacrifices on, burnt and peace offerings. I've been wrestling all weekend with verse 25 that says, "And if you make Me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of hewn stone; for if you use your tool on it, you have profaned it" (NKJV). The NLT translation says, "Do not shape the stones with a tool, for that would make the altar unfit for holy use." On and on I was praying and wondering and studying trying to find out why on earth shaping the altar would profane it. We build churches and temples and set up monuments with our hands, shaped stones, for worship of God. Searching the word hewn in the KJV revealed that the Israelites repeatedly hewn the stones of God's temple. So what changed? What's the significance of this command? - I asked God. His reply was, "I make stones."
As a worshipper, I can see very clearly in my life what has brought me to the place where I am to be a minstrel unto the Lord. In fact, He was the One who showed me that truth. He's always been shaping me to be used, if only for a season. (Who would I be to say it's my call in life, when it's only a place I may now serve.) Yet, He makes stones. Our own agendas, our own notions and ideas of what conjugates worship, the thoughts and ideas we can spew out of chord progressions and this and that - it's all null. He makes the stones. After everything He allows us to prepare and all the skills and talents He gives us - It's His presence alone that makes or breaks what goes on. The anointing is our highest goal. That is why we cannot profane ourselves. Yes, sharpen your skills on the instrument - in His grace - never of your own account that you might attest to the skill your hands have created. Who created your hands? He makes the stones on which we sacrifice. He makes the stones.
This is something that's also on my heart for any area of ministry. We study to show ourselves approved but He guides the things we say and He guided us to a place where we might say them. Praise God
I pray we can learn to fall on Him, our rock, and be broken as Matt. 21:44 says, "He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed."
"Here am I and the children whom the LORD has given me!
We are for signs and wonders in Israel
From the LORD of hosts,
Who dwells in Mount Zion." Isaiah 8:18
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
This is a Test
Generally, when I want to blog about something, I just email it to a
friend. Maybe I had it right to begin with, and talking to people
about things on your mind is the right way to go about things. But,
blogs are cool. I read blogs, now I write blogs, and I even have it
set up through my email. So, if you read, just consider this a
personal email to you. Feel free to reply, or send a personal email to
me. Hopefully this doesn't change anything.
friend. Maybe I had it right to begin with, and talking to people
about things on your mind is the right way to go about things. But,
blogs are cool. I read blogs, now I write blogs, and I even have it
set up through my email. So, if you read, just consider this a
personal email to you. Feel free to reply, or send a personal email to
me. Hopefully this doesn't change anything.
-Ben
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