Why is the science community so opposed to creationism?

Answer

It is crucial to differentiate between the terms “science” and “scientific community.” Science is a field focused on observing, experimenting with, and explaining phenomena. The scientific community comprises the living individuals who engage in this field. This differentiation is significant because there is no inherent conflict between science and creationism. Science is a broad concept for a particular area of study, while creationism is a philosophy applied to interpreting facts. Presently, the scientific community predominantly embraces naturalism as its philosophy of choice, but there is no explicit reason why naturalism should be favored by science over creationism.

Generally, there is a perception that creationism is considered “unscientific.” This holds some truth, as creationism involves certain assumptions that are not subject to testing, proof, or falsification. However, naturalism faces the same challenge as an untestable, unprovable, and non-falsifiable philosophy. The findings from scientific research are simply that: findings. Facts and interpretations are distinct concepts. The current scientific community commonly dismisses the principles of creationism and labels it as “unscientific.” This situation is quite ironic, considering the scientific community’s inclination towards an interpretive philosophy—naturalism—that is equally “unscientific” as creationism.

There are numerous reasons for the prevalence of naturalism in science. Creationism introduces the idea of a supernatural entity, whereas science primarily deals with tangible and physical entities. Consequently, some members of the scientific community are concerned that embracing creationism could result in a “God of the Gaps” scenario, where scientific queries are answered with “God did it.” However, historical evidence contradicts this notion. Several prominent figures in scientific history were ardent creationists. Their contributions to science were significant, demonstrating that the compatibility between science and creationism is indeed possible.

Belief in God inspired them to ask, “How did God do it?” Among these figures are Pascal, Maxwell, and Kelvin. Conversely, an unreasonable commitment to naturalism can hinder scientific discovery. A naturalistic framework compels a scientist to disregard findings that do not align with the established paradigm. In other words, when new data does not correspond to the naturalistic perspective, it is deemed invalid and dismissed.

Creationism carries distinct religious connotations. Science’s objectivity is contingent on its participants, who are just as susceptible to bias as individuals in any other field. Some individuals reject creationism in favor of naturalism solely for personal “moral” reasons. In reality, this number is likely higher than openly acknowledged. Many who oppose the idea of God do so primarily due to disagreements with perceived restrictions or unfairness, despite claims to the contrary, and this holds true for those in lab coats as well as those in coveralls.

Similarly, an unwelcoming atmosphere within the scientific community has influenced the perception of creationism. Throughout history, science has benefited from contributions by creationists; however, today the scientific community, as a whole, adopts a hostile and patronizing stance towards those who do not embrace a naturalistic viewpoint. This overt animosity towards creationist perspectives, and religion in general, discourages individuals with such beliefs from pursuing scientific endeavors. Those who do often feel compelled to remain silent out of fear of ridicule. Consequently, the scientific community has marginalized and excluded a segment of the population, and then has the audacity to assert that a reduced presence of creationists among them is proof of naturalism’s superior scientific validity.

There are also political motives behind the scientific community’s animosity towards creationism and religion in general. Christianity, more than any other religious belief system, places significant value on every individual human.In life. This causes tensions with the scientific community when that concern for life gets in the way of some type of scientific process. Christian values tend to act as a brake on experiments or positions that cause harm to people, or that destroy or damage human life. Examples include embryonic stem cell research, abortion, and euthanasia. In other cases, Christian values clash with secular ones when science promotes certain sinful activities by making them easier. While naturalistic scientists may see this as an unnecessary hindrance, they should consider what happens when scientific research is conducted with no regard for morality or conscience. Echoing this idea was actor Jeff Goldblum’s character in the movie Jurassic Park. He stated, “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.”

There is also a level of competition between the scientific community and the religious community over power, producing additional tensions between science and creationism. As even some leading skeptic scientists have admitted, there is a tendency for the scientific community to position itself, even subconsciously, as a priesthood. This secular priesthood has the wondrous and elite knowledge that the laymen need for salvation and cannot be questioned by any outsiders. In plain terms, religiously tinged ideas, such as creationism, impinge on the scientific community’s claim to superior knowledge of the universe.

While there may be many reasons for tension between the scientific community and creationism, there are plenty of reasons why they should be able to coexist peacefully. There are no logically valid reasons to reject creationism in favor of naturalism, as the scientific community has done. Creationism does not inhibit discovery, as evidenced by the titans of science who believed strongly in it. The derisive attitude spewed at creationists has diminished the number of capable and willing minds in many fields. Creationism has much to offer sScience and the scientific community. The Creator of the universe revealed Himself through it “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament showeth his handywork.”, (Psalm 19:1); the more we learn about His creation, the more glory He receives!