One of the biggest critiques of Christians is that we are a bunch of sheeple who are willfully ignorant of the progress that science and knowledge have to offer. We choose to stay in the dark. We don’t believe in evolution. We believe that Earth is only 6000 years old. Yet that’s not what Scripture commands. Solomon writes in Proverbs:
For learning about wisdom and instruction,for understanding words of insight, for gaining instruction in wise dealing,righteousness, justice, and equity; to teach shrewdness to the simple,knowledge and prudence to the young— let the wise also hear and gain in learning,and the discerning acquire skill, to understand a proverb and a figure,the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;fools despise wisdom and instruction. * Proverbs 1: 2–7
Not only does Solomon praise wisdom and learning, but he condemns those who despise wisdom and instruction as fools. And many Christians throughout history have followed this advice. Theologians like Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, and our own Wesley all came up with their ideas by examining their faith critically. Even in more contemporary times, Francis S. Collins—the man in charge of mapping the human genome—is a devout Christian (He even wrote a book about reconciling faith and science: The Language of God). As Christians, we have the responsibility to learn more about the creation that God has given us. We may fear the unknown, but knowledge has the power to alleviate that fear and bring the Kingdom of God closer to us.
Prayer:
All knowing God, I pray that you grant me wisdom and knowledge so that I may better understand the creation you have bestowed upon us. In the name of your Son, Jesus, I pray this. Amen
Ian C. Urriola
American University
Lenten Devotional 