Christianity and Science Not in Conflict? We'll Believe It When We See It!

Ann Farmer
April 16, 2026
Reproduced with Permission
Daily Declaration

With Easter still dominating the public consciousness, we may hope that anti-Christian rhetoric will take a back seat at least for a little while.

Doubtless it will not be long, however, until the hoary old anti-Christian rhetoric receives an airing - always, of course, conveyed with the impression that they are shiny new truths.

The Myth of the Science-Faith Divide

For example, the belief that science and Christianity are incompatible seems to have become commonplace. However, many of the greatest scientists in history - not least Father Georges le Maitre, credited with originating the Big Bang theory, and 'father of genetics' Father Gregor Mendel - were Christians - priests, in fact.

And many scientists still hold to the Christian faith.

The Original Sceptic

We should remember that after the Crucifixion, the disciple Thomas, who was absent when Jesus appeared to the other Apostles, on hearing that Jesus was risen from the dead, insisted:

"Unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands and can put my finger into the holes they made, and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe."

But when Jesus once again appeared to the Eleven, Thomas said: "My Lord and my God!"

Jesus replied: "You believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe." (John 21: 19-29)

From Doubting Thomas to Scientific Thomas

The belief that science and Christianity are incompatible is just that - a belief that has, ironically, become almost religious in its intensity.

However, this has been just as vigorously disputed, and although St Thomas the Apostle came to be known as 'Doubting Thomas', perhaps those of us who 'have not seen and yet believe' should start referring to this sceptical but ultimately believing Saint as 'Scientific Thomas'?

As for those who refuse to believe, when it comes to abstaining from their favourite dogma about Christianity and science being incompatible: we'll believe it when we see it!

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