On The Intersection Between Faith and Reason

As a new science teacher at a Christian school, I'm currently developing some basic viewpoints concerning the relationship between faith, science, life, and learning. Let me know what your thoughts are. 

As Christians we are convinced that it is God who is responsible for the creation of all things (both spiritual and physical). Therefore, scientific inquiry allows us to explore that creation and gain insight into the person and nature of its creator. While scientific observation will never function as a replacement for special revelation (i.e. scripture), it can, however, offer us glimpses of God’s divine character such as his creativity, his love of variety, and his wisdom in complexity.

                

On the other hand, it should be noted that scripture itself is not a science text, nor was it ever meant to be used as such. The purpose of scripture, first and foremost, is to reveal to us the unseen God. As a document of faith, scripture’s chief concern is not to explain or divulge the workings of naturally occurring phenomena, but to answer questions like “who is God?”, “what is he like?”, “how should we live?”, and “what is right and wrong?”

                

In this way, science and faith are in no way at cross-purposes, but they do seek to answer different types of questions.  Answers to questions like “why is the sky blue?”, “will you explode in space?”, and “what is matter made of?” aren’t found in the Bible simply because it’s not the Bible’s purpose to answer questions like this, that’s where science steps in.

At the same time, science isn’t able to offer us much in the way of handling moral conundrums that arise as our knowledge and expertise expands.  For example, “is it ethical to clone a human being as a way of harvesting organs?”, “should nations use their nuclear capabilities to influence international politics?”, or “is it more important for us to invest in energy technologies that create more jobs or that seek to improve environmental health?”   In this way, the Bible, and the theological truths we derive from it, is incredibly relevant to the myriad of ethical conversations on how scientific developments and discoveries are to be applied. 

My Name is Stefan Schiavone, and I am a Feminist

Hey everybody,

My name is Stefan Schiavone, and I am a feminist. This does not mean that I believe women are superior to men. It does not mean that I believe all men are pigs and are to blame for all of society’s problems. It does not mean that I think women aren’t accountable for their actions. It does not mean that I believe women shouldn’t have to earn their jobs and paychecks through talent, dedication, and hard work. It doesn’t mean I think women who choose to remain in the home to raise their children themselves are sell-outs to traditional male-dominated society and are therefore unworthy of the same esteem as those who join the workforce.

What it does mean however, is that I believe women are entitled (I use that word purposefully) to a level of dignity, honor, opportunity, and respect that men would desire for themselves. To those who say that you don’t need feminism because you can vote, work, hold a public office, drive a car (etc…) you can thank feminists for that.

When I say that I am a feminist, it means that I want my nieces (I have six now) to grow up in a world where they are valued not because of their outward appearance, but because of their honesty, integrity, compassion, bravery, intelligence, perseverance, and creativity. I don’t want them to spend even a second worrying about what a number on a scale says about them, because it has nothing to do with what truly makes them beautiful. I am thankful that they are surrounded by mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, grandmas, and grandpas who teach them every day what it means to be a person of substance, of conviction, and of faith. Oh yes, did I mention that I am a Christian as well? I say all this not in spite of my faith, but because of it. I believe we are all created in the image of God, and are equally loved, valued, and cherished by our creator. We, therefore, should follow this example and do the same.