The end of the 19th century brought with it considerable advancements in physics. The era included Marie Curie, discoveries in the study of geometrical and physical optics, energy distribution and other highly complex problems which led to it being named “the birth of modern physics.” So sophisticated were the breakthroughs that it was generally believed that the field had reached its peak. They thought there was nothing of significance left to be discovered!
You need not be a physicist to realize how foolish that notion is. They didn’t know what they didn’t know so they believed there was nothing more to know. Over the nearly 1.5 centuries since that claim there have been significant developments in the field of physics, but sadly, not in sinful pride. At any point in history, people place their confidence in the fact that their age is the most advanced, and our time is no different. Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking said, “Science makes God unnecessary.” While Christians don’t openly embrace that, they may unwittingly take comfort in living during the time of space travel, self-driving cars and artificial intelligence. It may dull your dependence on God.
However, perception is shaped by context. A cruise ship looks enormous until it’s bobbing in the ocean. Steel reinforced concrete is impenetrable until a landslide melts away the foundation. Encrypted airline systems are unassailable until an update grounds all the planes. But the Bible provides an accurate context to all that diligently study it.
At one million miles from earth, the sun-orbiting James Webb space telescope is the most powerful of its kind. But God said, “To whom then will you compare Me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of His might and because He is strong in power, not one is missing” (Is. 40:25–26). The telescope makes it possible for men to study some of the stars, but God knows the number, location and name of each one! It’s in this context that the psalmist accurately perceives his relation to God.
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Ps. 8:3–9)
Here the author acknowledged that God has, in fact, delegated some authority to mankind. He has “given dominion over the works of [His] hands,” but instead of instilling pride, it should increase humility. In Isaiah God said, “To whom then will you compare Me?” And in a sense the psalmist replies, “What is man that you are mindful of him?” In other words, there is no comparison. Man’s advancements are worth celebrating, but only as gifts from the Almighty Creator. A biblical perspective of science and technology is one that bursts into benediction like the psalmist, “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
What’s your view of scientific progress? Is it possible that you have an underlying hope in modern science, technology or medicine? God continues to reveal details about His creation to creatures, but it must always drive you back to God. Penicillin, airbags and organ transplants only save lives at the direction of the Almighty God because He’s not only the Great Physician, He’s the Great Physicist.
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. (Ps. 8:1)