Understanding the Intersection of Faith, Science, and the Principle of Good Explanation
As someone with a background steeped equally in the realms of science and spirituality, I have often found myself pondering the delicate interplay between these fields. From the discipline of machine learning to the mysteries of Christian faith, I have traversed landscapes of doubt, logic, and revelation. Through it all, I’ve grown to appreciate how both domains pursue something deeper— truth. Yet, where do the lines of faith and science intersect? I believe much of that intersection lies in what can be called “good explanation.”
At its core, science operates on the principle of testability. To uncover truths about the natural world, theories must be put through rigorous scrutiny; they need to be tested and validated, or disproven, based on observable evidence. In many ways, this mirrors the spiritual journey, particularly in the Christian faith, where a soul engages in a form of spiritual testing—an inward reflection that, while non-empirical, seeks explanations that stand firm amidst life’s trials.
The Principle of Good Explanation
However, I believe that the concept of good explanation transcends the narrow confines of empirical testability. A “good explanation” is one that, like a well-constructed bridge, is difficult to alter without it falling apart. This principle applies not only to scientific theories but also to other areas of human complexity—ethics, aesthetics, and spirituality. In my life, I’ve witnessed how this principle is just as applicable in our walk with God as it is in developing artificial intelligence models.
Let me transport you back to a time where this was heavily put to the test for me. It was during one of the gravest adversities I had faced: launching my own consulting firm. The weight of entrepreneurship, particularly facing financial hardship, led me to question everything. But it was during this moment that I deeply embraced a scripture I had read earlier in “Overcoming Challenges with Faith: Trusting God’s Plan Through Adversity” (link). The trial wasn’t simply a matter of practicality; it forced me to reflect on the deeper meaning behind my purpose and how it aligned with God’s plan.
Faith and the Search for Good Explanation
Faith, unlike science, doesn’t always provide testable, empirical data, but it seeks good explanations of equal depth. When reflecting on the love of Christ or grappling with the principles of forgiveness, my journey illuminated that Christianity’s truths are not easily shifted—they have been tested through millennia. As I shared in “Exploring Timeless Lessons from Key Biblical Characters”, for example, Abraham’s faith in God rested on promises that were hard to test by human standards. Yet, his life exemplified a “good explanation” of trust in God that could not be easily altered without falling apart.
Similarly, the intricate designs of our universe point to a Creator. My work with algorithms has only reinforced my belief in the existence of God. As I manipulate complex code and predict outcomes, I’m reminded of Romans 1:20, which states, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (BibleGateway). The intricate algorithms I work with feel deeply connected to this divine explanation—a design that speaks volumes of God’s order, precision, and care.
Image: [1, Complex algorithms representing data structures]
General Systems Theory: Connecting Different Fields of Analysis
Several scientists and theorists have attempted to create overarching systems, known as General Systems Theory, that unify various fields of human inquiry. The basic premise is intriguing: can a single principle govern everything from physics to biology to social sciences? Such an endeavor bridges complex observations and laws to form a coherent, unified explanation across all of humanity’s endeavors.
However, while the idea behind General Systems Theory is ambitious, the more relevant point may be to recognize that many fields of knowledge, including science, spirituality, and morality, share foundational principles. As mentioned earlier, one such principle is a good explanation. From the exacting laws of physics to a moral discussion about forgiveness, the need for consistent, congruent reasoning rings true.
Video: [1, “Unifying Science and Philosophy with Core Principles”]
The Objective Nature of Aesthetics and Morality
While some may argue that certain judgments are subjective—whether in aesthetics or morality—I argue, like some Christian philosophers, that there exists an objective truth even in areas we often neglect to judge by empirical standards. From a Christian perspective, the beauty in a sunset or the morality of a given action points beyond cultural and personal preference to a Truth that transcends human understanding. This conviction aligns with my belief that, whether in music or ethics, there is a rational analysis, a “good explanation,” that stands behind what we call “taste” or “opinion.”
Though subjective preferences will naturally vary, good explanations in aesthetics and morality, like in science, offer a sturdy framework rooted in divine and absolute truths. Just as the laws of physics stand firm against rigorous testing, so do the moral imperatives laid forth by God offer explanations that cannot be easily varied without losing crucial meaning. Consider this excerpt from “The Parables of Jesus: Unlocking Spiritual Lessons for Today“, where we discuss how Jesus’ teachings on love and forgiveness reflect objective moral truths that are not subject to individual interpretation.
Science, Faith, and Our Collective Journey
My belief is that, whether we approach the world through the lens of science or faith, we are united in our quest for good explanations. A “good explanation” in the Christian sense is the unwavering belief that God’s truth prevails, even when life’s challenges—like illness, financial hardship, or personal betrayal—test our limits. It’s about finding meaning not only in the things that can be measured but also in those that can only be felt, experienced, and believed. In faith, this brings us into harmony with God’s plan, much like finding a solution to a complex system in science brings us closer to understanding the intricacies of creation.
As we continue to journey through both our spiritual walks and our engagement with modern technology, let us remember that, as in science, we ought to embrace the principle of good explanation in our faith. And just as science teaches us to seek truth through testability, our spiritual lives should be the pursuit of truths that stand the test of time, temptation, and trial.
Image: [2, Faith and science intertwined metaphor]
This article builds a bridge between two often siloed perspectives, faith and science, illustrating how both seek a ‘good explanation’ for the world around us.
It’s refreshing to read something that doesn’t gloss over the complexity of issues like faith, science, and morality. I felt each word spoke to the questions I’ve wrestled with for years.