Does The Bible Teach That Science Is Bad?
Exploring the Relationship Between the Bible and Science
The question of whether the Bible teaches that science is bad is a common one, especially in a world where faith and scientific inquiry often seem at odds. To answer this, it is essential to look carefully at what Scripture says about knowledge, creation, and humanity’s pursuit of understanding. Let’s explore, from a biblical perspective, how science and faith can coexist—and whether the Bible truly warns against scientific pursuit.
God as the Creator and Sustainer of All Things
The Bible presents God as the ultimate source of all creation and knowledge. The natural world is described as a testimony to God’s power, order, and wisdom:
The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament showeth his handiwork. - Psalms 19:1 ASV
This verse, among many others, implies that studying the created world—what we now call “science”—points us to the Creator. Creation is not an enemy of faith; rather, it is an avenue through which God’s glory is revealed.
The Mandate to Explore and Steward Creation
From the beginning, humanity was given a mandate to study and care for the earth:
And God blessed them: and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. - Genesis 1:28 ASV
The command to “subdue” and “have dominion” involves understanding creation, which lays the groundwork for scientific investigation and stewardship. This is not portrayed as a negative pursuit but as a God-given responsibility.
The Value of Knowledge and Wisdom
The Bible consistently values wisdom and learning:
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. - Proverbs 18:15 ASV
Seeking knowledge—including scientific knowledge—is not condemned but encouraged, as long as it is rooted in reverence for God:
The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge; But the foolish despise wisdom and instruction. - Proverbs 1:7 ASV
Here, the key is orientation: Knowledge is valuable when it begins with reverence for God.
Warnings Against Pride and Idolatry
While the Bible does not condemn science or the pursuit of knowledge, it does warn against human pride and placing anything—including human wisdom—above God:
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. - Romans 1:22 ASV
The problem here is not knowledge itself, but the misuse of knowledge to reject God. When science becomes an idol or leads to arrogance, it departs from its proper place.
Faith and Science: Complementary, Not Contradictory
Many of history’s greatest scientists were people of faith who saw their work as exploring God’s creation. The Bible encourages the pursuit of truth, so long as it is done humbly and in submission to God’s ultimate authority.
For by him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth, things visible and things invisible... all things have been created through him, and unto him. - Colossians 1:16 ASV
Science, rightly understood, can glorify God by uncovering the wonders of His creation.
Conclusion: What Does the Bible Teach?
The Bible does not teach that science is bad. Instead, it shows that the pursuit of knowledge—including scientific knowledge—can be an act of worship when it points us to the Creator and is pursued with humility. The danger lies not in science itself, but in using it to deny or replace God. True wisdom comes from seeking God first and recognizing Him as the source of all truth.