Hello,
A question that I am often asked is, “Where do you come up with your ideas for your Bungee Cords?” Well, I try to keep my eyes open all week long for things that trigger my fingers. Other times my thoughts are perked by something that is happening in the world. And other times the Tuesday pastor’s Bible study catches me, and that is the case for today’s Bungee Cord.
At the Bible Study we go over the Bible readings that are assigned for the upcoming Sunday (all Lutheran Churches, and some other denominations, read the same lessons on any given Sunday throughout the world). One of the readings for this Sunday comes from the book of Proverbs, which is a book that deals with the place of wisdom in the world, which led us into a conversation about the roles that wisdom and faith have with each other. Do they oppose each other?
It seems like there are some people who think so. For some Wisdom/Science is in a cosmic wrestling match with faith, each trying to make the other cry “uncle” and give up. They see faith being brought to its knees with each newfound scientific discovery and theory, or they see wisdom/science being taken down by that which seems unexplainable. Those who seek wisdom/science are sometimes dubbed as idolaters by those who focus on faith, and those who seek faith are sometimes dubbed as superstitious by those who focus on wisdom/science.
But are wisdom/science and faith meant to be wrestling opponents? As I read the Bible, I don’t think so. Instead, I think they are meant to be compliments to one another. One way that I see faith and wisdom/science complimenting each other is that the more wisdom/science we come to know, the better we actually come to know and appreciate God. When we discover the intricacies of molecular physics, the relationships of quantum mechanics, and the expanse of the universe we find ourselves having a clearer picture of the fingerprint of God in creation. When we come to experience a God who is intimately involved in every moment of time and every molecule of creation, the T.V. screen of creation is transformed from black and white into living color.
If science/wisdom can deepen our relationship with God in the same way that knowing the skills of a friend can deepen that friendship, then it seems to me that the encounter of science/wisdom and faith is a good thing. And if faith can add dimensions and color to the nuts and bolts of science/wisdom, then that seems like a good encounter, too.
Some years ago, there was an advertising campaign of a series of posters put out by the Episcopal church, and on one of them was a picture of a coat rack hanging on the wall, and under the picture were the words, “We won’t ask you to check in your mind when you come to church.” There are plenty of churches for whom this poster rightly applies.
Proverbs is a book that links wisdom/science together with faith. As a matter of fact, it seems to me that the whole Bible does the same. So, when you hear that God sent his Son to die and rise for you and that stirs your heart, know that you are invited to bring your brain with you as you explore the expansive of the wonder of the one who would love you that much.
Have a great week.
God’s grace and peace, (ggap)
Pastor Jerry Nuernberger
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