Thoughts of Another Traveler…

Over the last few years, it seems that the word “Science” is getting tied to every political, cultural, and religious discussion within our society.  The term is weaponized, demonized, politicized, glorified, popularized, and at times outright vulgarized across all forms of media.  Social media seems to exasperate this trend to an extreme, as suddenly we live in a world full of Scientific experts on a full variety of topics—ranging from how to properly cook a steak to Global warming end of days predictions.

Although this may not be a completely new or even more predominant phenomenon within a historical context, I sense that due to a variety of cultural and technological changes it may be at least more apparent (at least), and maybe more dangerous (at best).  I do believe it is at least worth a broader discussion within our society today. 

Lately, I have been thinking and doing a bit of research on at least two topics that seem to be discussed very little, and possibly widely misunderstood.  The first topic is the actual understanding (or lack thereof) of “Scientific Method.”  (If you want a quick, simple overview, you can just read here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method).  The second topic is that while our culture is focused on exposing and removing bias from every element of society, it is rarely discussed or acknowledged that these very same biases that we are fighting over in cultural and political circles are quite possibly just as predominant within the scientific community.  NOTE—this is not a “Scientific” hypothesis or data driven theory—just a common sense thought from a bias that says all humans exert bias across their education, career, and understanding of the world around them. 

First, let’s discuss some general, non-brilliant basics of the Scientific method.  If you are like me, you are currently inundated with this comment, “Just accept the Science of ___” Of course, we can finish that comment with any hot topic in the media today.  Probably the biggest “Hot Button” issue of the day would be any discussion around Covid-19 and Vaccinations.  I truly believe that the issue complicating these discussions the most (outside of corrupt politicians and corrupt media) is a deep fundamental educational understanding of basic “Scientific Method.”  Science is a process.  Science is a system of study that requires a cyclical approach of research with an end-result of either concluded Scientific fact, or (in many cases) an ongoing Scientific hypothesis/theory.  I truly believe that most people just don’t understand the difference anymore.  We certainly do not have honest politicians or media that understand it—or maybe worse, they do fully understand it, but intentionally leave the decision making over what might be Scientific fact, versus Scientific theory to the masses. 

Here is my current “Scientific” hypothesis/theory—almost every hot topic issue in our society today is based on a process of Scientific Method that is in early stages of questioning and data gathering, or repeated hypothetical stages of the cyclical cycle.  Most legitimate Scientists (without bias) will readily admit this. Let me use a current example to illustrate this point.  Let’s use Global Warming as a discussion point.   There is no doubt recent (within the last 100 years) Scientific data that shows that humans are in some ways affecting the global climate.  To argue that this is not true in any way, would be akin to arguing that the Earth is still flat—even though we orbit the earth in spaceships and observe a round planet!  However, the current trend we see is the release of layer after layer of Scientific hypothesis or theory surrounding the study of this relatively recent and factual historical data.  And if you understand the Scientific method at all—even in its most basic form, you should realize that any prediction of how long we have left on this planet, and what might happen next if we don’t move to electric cars within 10 years is not based on Scientific fact, but Scientific Hypothesis.  Don’t misunderstand – it might be true, or it might not be true.  That is what a “Theory” or “Hypothesis” is.  The problem is that the “Science” behind so many of these hot button topics in our society today are not presented or understood by the masses with this elementary level understanding of the “Scientific Method.”  Fact number one is that Scientific “Theory” or “Hypothesis” is NOT Scientific “Fact”.  You can believe that it is fact, and the data and status of where that hypothesis is within the cycle of the “Scientific Method” might point more heavily to a certain outcome or conclusion.  It still does not mean that it is proven Scientific “Fact”.

Which leads me to my second non-scientific hypothesis.  I believe the deeper issue is that because of this basic misunderstanding of the “Scientific Method” we have developed a trend to accept what we want to believe as “Science” (interpreted as scientific fact) based on our bias—instead of actual “Science”.  That bias might be derived from religious, ethical, moral, educational, ethnic, or any other combination of bias forming factors.  It doesn’t take “Rocket Science” to see how this is played out in so many controversial issues, both historical and current.  I will use a very general example that most of us might be familiar with.  In recent history, there have been many prominent Scientists that have devoted their intelligence, research, and time to studying what has become commonly referred to as the “God Particle”.  This study is both fascinating and very intellectually deep.  (For a brief overview you can read here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higgs_boson)  I have read several articles and white papers on this topic over the years, and here is what is fascinating.  Scientists with a bias toward a Theistic theological/religious belief system (and YES, these do exist, and many of them are renowned in the scientific world) have developed hypothesis and theories that point to the complexity of the universe, the case for a Creator, and the case for what is commonly termed as “Intelligent Design”.  While Scientists whose bias would exclude any “Theistic” belief system develop hypothesis that point to a completely different theory of the origin of all things.  Yet, the brilliance, physics, data, tests, and countless hours of research devoted are similar to each group of scientists. 

I am not writing this brief essay to expound on my belief system, or in anyway to provide some in depth scientific analysis on any given topic in order to defend or promote any particular belief system.  What I am trying to convey is that all Scientific analysis begins with a human being, and we would do well to acknowledge that human beings are flawed with bias.  Contrary to popular belief and portrayal in the media, it is not only those with a “Judeo Christian” belief system who are steeped in bias.  Consequently, it might not be a stretch to propose that many issues currently within the process/cycle of “Scientific Method” were originally placed there with an inherent bias to begin with.  Furthermore, as an extension of a better understanding of the “Scientific Method” we might derive that to “Just accept the Science of ____” could possibly mean that not only could we be confusing “Fact” with “Hypothesis”, but we might also just be accepting a “Hypothesis” deeply ingrained with a strong personal bias or agenda to begin with.  I might further propose that so many of the issues that divide our society and world today are a direct result of the failure to understand this foundational subjectivity. 

I have a fundamentally deep belief system in the Bible, Christian Theology and tradition, and a passion for Christian apologetics.  Conversely, I am not and have never been opposed to, nor scared of “Science”.  In fact, I have great respect and admiration for Scientists and the advancement of both Science and Technology.  I love to read it, study it, and try to comprehend even the most complicated topics and theories.  Quite Frankly, I believe that one of God’s greatest gifts to his creation was the gift of intelligence and brilliance to a small percentage of beings who throughout history have been transforming agents of human, medical, technological, and social advancement. 

Throughout human history, many Scientific “Hypothesis” have become universally accepted as Scientific “Fact” as they made a complete life cycle through what we know as “Scientific Method”.  Research, data gathering, hypothesis, testing, observation, and repeatability finally moved the needle from hypothesis to fact—many times despite bias or deeply ingrained religious opposition to the original idea.  I thank God for these advancements despite well intentioned “Zealots” who tried to stand in the way.  Conversely, and despite unpopular belief, many “Scientific Hypothesis” have never completed the cycle and passed the test of the “Scientific Method”.  Some have been thrown away as science “Faux pas”, while others have been woven into our educational system and culture with a bias driven agenda disguised as “Scientific Fact”. 

Despite the historical achievements, technological advancements, and truly amazing scientific discoveries—I believe we are witnessing a culture where common sense and educational understanding of actual science might be declining to a point of no return.  We need to continue to remove the fear of science and acceptance of scientific fact from our religious education and theology.  Maybe more importantly we need to educate our children and our society to understand Science and especially the “Scientific Method” for what it really means.  If we continue to allow politicians, educators, scientists, and the media to shape vast changes to our society, world, and belief system by confusing “Scientific Fact” with “Scientific Hypothesis” and “Scientific Theory” we stand a good chance to produce a hypothetical world which does not and cannot exist. 

For myself, there will continue to always be a call to educate my mind, challenge my bias, and love the science of the world around us.  While acknowledging that I ultimately “Walk by Faith”.  Faith in my Creator.  Faith and belief that He has revealed himself in His law, His Scripture, His Creation, His Son Jesus, and the daily indwelling of His Holy Spirit. 

  ¹⁸ For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ¹⁹ For it is written:  “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”   ²⁰ Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ²¹ For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. ²² Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, ²³ but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, ²⁴ but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. ²⁵ For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

I Corinthians 1: 18-25