Science and faith: two windows on one truth

Recently I listened to a speech by President Dallin H. Oaks, the new president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He spoke on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Brigham Young University (BYU). As I took in his words, I felt a deep chord struck. It was not only educational, it was a celebration of recognition.

For many people in today's world, science and religion seem to stand like two boxers in a ring, constantly fighting for the title of 'the ultimate truth'. But for me, that tension simply doesn't exist. In fact, they strengthen each other. President Oaks expressed this in a way that perfectly aligns with how I view the world.

The 'how' and the 'why'

I have always felt that science and faith are two different windows looking out onto the same landscape. One window is not 'better' than the other; they simply offer a different perspective.

For me, science is the window of the how-questions. How does the biology of a cell work? How did the universe expand after the Big Bang? How do vibrating molecules create heat? The scientific method is a brilliant instrument to unravel the mechanisms of creation. I genuinely enjoy the enormous stream of discoveries we, as humanity, are making. It is a journey of discovery through the intelligence of the universe.

But however beautiful those answers are, they leave a gaping hole when it comes to deeper meaning. That's where I need my religion. Faith is the window of the why-questions. Why are we actually here? Does our life have a purpose that extends beyond mere biological reproduction? Why is there suffering, and how do we deal with it meaningfully? Why is it better to have faith than no faith?

Within my faith in Jesus Christ, I find the answers that a microscope or telescope can never give me. And that is exactly where President Oaks hit the nail on the head.

No conflict, but complement

What I found so powerful about President Oaks' words is that the Church absolutely does not reject science. He stated very clearly:

‘There is no ultimate conflict between knowledge gained through these different methods, because God, our Almighty Eternal Father, knows all truth and beckons us to learn through both methods.’

That's a liberating thought, isn't it? We don't have to leave our intellect at the church door. On the contrary, God encourages us to use both the 'evolving revelations of man' (science) and the 'truths revealed by the spiritual method'.

The problem only arises when we mix up the methods. You cannot measure the spiritual value of a prayer with a ruler, and you cannot change the laws of gravity by voting on them in a council meeting. When we apply the scientific method to matter and the method of revelation to the spirit, we discover that they do not contend with each other, but complement each other.

Dealing with apparent contradictions

Of course, there are moments when it chafes. We all encounter things in science that seem to contradict what we read in the scriptures. President Oaks was very sober about this. He reminded us of the words of Elder Richard L. Evans:

‘There may be some apparent contradictions. Don't worry about them. Eternity is a long time.’

That statement is golden. It reminds us of our own limitations. Science, as Oaks said, is simply man discovering a few things that God has long known and controlled. Our scientific knowledge is 'in development'. What we see today as an undeniable fact may be outdated in fifty years by a new discovery. At the same time, our religious knowledge is often still incomplete. We have not yet received the full blueprint of creation.

President Oaks gave the youth (and all of us) an important piece of advice: be patient. If there is a discrepancy between what science says and what you believe, you don't have to immediately discard one of them. It probably means that on one side – or both – we don't yet have all the data.

Humility as a bridge

One of the most beautiful points from the speech, I found, was the emphasis on humility. Oaks defined humility as 'teachability'. If we think we already know everything – whether that's from scientific arrogance or religious dogmatism – we close the windows.

However, if we remain humble, we dare to acknowledge that we are still learning. We can then look with admiration at the latest astronomical photos from the James Webb telescope and at the same time kneel reverently in prayer. Both actions bring us closer to the truth.

The covenant path in a digital world

In my work in IT and AI, I see daily how quickly information comes to us. President Oaks rightly warned against the 'abundance of speculation and false information' on social media and in podcasts. It's easy to start doubting when you hear a convincing-sounding claim that challenges your belief.

But Oaks reminded us that we must be careful not to test God's eternal laws against the 'latest findings and wisdom of man'. That wisdom is like the weather: it constantly changes. The gospel of Jesus Christ is like the climate: it is the stable undercurrent that gives direction to our lives.

He encouraged us to surround ourselves with people who also strive for the light. I found that to be wonderful advice. We don't have to reinvent the wheel alone. By talking with other believers, by bringing our questions to the Lord in the temple, and by holding on to what we do know, we create an anchorage in a tumultuous world.

Where reason and revelation meet

My appreciation for the Church has only grown after hearing this vision. We are not people who turn their backs on the world and progress. We are people who look at the horizon with both eyes open.

Science explains the splendor of the machine; faith explains the purpose of the Designer. To me, no more beautiful duo is conceivable. When I read a scientific article about the complexity of our DNA, I cannot help but think of the infinite love of a God who meticulously put us together.

So let's keep learning. Let's be curious about the world around us, but let's never lose our spiritual compass. The 'how' and the 'why' belong together. They complete our worldview.

As President Oaks said: 'Hold fast to the first article of faith, even if something else is uncertain. And while you wait, trust in the Lord.'

That is a course I can fully agree with. I will also discuss it extensively in my upcoming book.