Science vs. Supernatural

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.