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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Jul 266 min read

How Should a Christian Evangelize a Scientific Naturalist?

Understanding the Worldview of a Scientific Naturalist


Scientific naturalism, often encapsulated in the term "scientism," posits that science is the only valid means of acquiring knowledge about reality. This worldview is grounded in the belief that the physical world is all there is, dismissing any form of supernatural or metaphysical reality.


Strong Scientism asserts that only scientific claims, which have been rigorously tested and validated through scientific methods, can be considered true. According to this view, there are no truths apart from scientific truths, and even if non-scientific truths existed, they would not warrant belief.


Weak Scientism allows for the existence of truths outside of science but maintains that science holds the highest authority in human learning. Consequently, while non-scientific truths may be acknowledged, they are seen as having minimal rational status compared to scientific truths.


The implications of these forms of scientism for theology are profound. Strong scientism essentially denies the possibility of theological knowledge, rendering theology non-cognitive. Weak scientism relegates theology to a subordinate position, where it must wait for validation from science.



The Self-Refuting Nature of Strong Scientism


A critical examination reveals that strong scientism is self-refuting. This is because strong scientism itself is not a scientific proposition but a philosophical one about science. It claims that only scientific propositions are true and rational, yet it presents this claim as a true and rational position. This inherent contradiction renders strong scientism necessarily false.


Philosophically, propositions that are self-refuting are not merely incorrect; they are intrinsically impossible to be true. Therefore, no amount of future progress or scientific advancement can ever make strong scientism a more acceptable worldview.



The Philosophical Presuppositions of Science


Both strong and weak scientism fail to adequately account for the necessary philosophical presuppositions underlying the practice of science. These presuppositions include:


  • The existence of an independent, external world.

  • The orderly nature of this external world.

  • The knowability of the external world.

  • The existence of truth.

  • The existence of the laws of logic.

  • The reliability of our cognitive and sensory faculties to gather truth and form justified beliefs.

  • The adequacy of language to describe the world.

  • The existence of values in science, such as fairness in testing theories and honesty in reporting results.


Science cannot operate in a vacuum; it depends on these presuppositions. Since these presuppositions are not scientific but philosophical, strong scientism's dismissal of non-scientific truths undermines the very foundation upon which science stands. Weak scientism, by prioritizing scientific propositions over philosophical ones, misconstrues the nature of intellectual authority and certainty.



The Rationality of Non-Scientific Beliefs


Another critical issue with scientism is its disregard for true and rational beliefs in fields outside science. Strong scientism dismisses the possibility of such beliefs, while weak scientism underestimates their significance. However, many non-scientific propositions are more justified and enduring than some scientific beliefs.


For instance, ethical claims such as "Torturing babies is wrong" or self-referential statements like "I am now thinking about science" are intuitively and rationally justified. These propositions possess a degree of certainty that often surpasses that of scientific hypotheses, which are subject to revision and abandonment over time.



Engaging the Scientific Naturalist


To effectively evangelize a scientific naturalist, Christians must address the shortcomings of scientism and present a coherent case for the integration of science and theology. Here are several strategies for engaging a scientific naturalist:


Highlighting the Limitations of Scientism


Christians can begin by pointing out the self-refuting nature of strong scientism and the inadequacies of weak scientism in accounting for philosophical presuppositions and non-scientific truths. Emphasizing that science itself relies on philosophical assumptions can open the door to discussing the validity of other forms of knowledge, including theological knowledge.


Presenting a Coherent Worldview


Christians should present a worldview that respects both science and theology, demonstrating that they are not mutually exclusive but complementary. The Bible provides a framework for understanding the natural world and our place in it, aligning with the orderly and knowable nature of creation (Genesis 1:1, Psalm 19:1).


Using the Law of Cause and Effect


One effective approach is to use the natural law of cause and effect to reason with a scientific naturalist. For example, pointing out that a well-designed house implies a builder can lead to the argument that the intricate design of the universe implies a Creator (Hebrews 3:4).


Addressing Moral and Ethical Questions


Moral and ethical questions often transcend scientific explanation. Christians can discuss the objective basis for morality found in the character of God and the teachings of Scripture (Romans 2:14-15). Highlighting the consistency and universality of biblical moral principles can challenge the relativistic ethics often associated with scientism.


Emphasizing the Historical and Evidential Basis of Christianity


Christianity is not a blind faith but is grounded in historical events and evidence. Discussing the historical reliability of the Bible, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the testimony of eyewitnesses can provide a rational basis for belief (1 Corinthians 15:3-8, Luke 1:1-4).



The Role of the Holy Spirit


Understanding how we receive illumination and guidance from God is rooted in the inspired, inerrant Word of God. According to 1 Corinthians 2:12-14, the process involves more than merely acquiring a mental grasp of biblical truths; it requires embracing these truths as divinely revealed. The expressions "does not accept," "folly," and "not able to understand" highlight how unbelievers critique and reject divine revelation. This passage does not imply that unbelievers are incapable of understanding the Bible's content; rather, they view it as foolishness. Christians, however, are guided by having the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), achieved through being biblically minded. This necessitates a careful analysis of the Bible's genres, historical context, and language, employing the conservative, objective historical-grammatical method of interpretation while avoiding the speculative fallacies of modern biblical criticism.


The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in counseling, providing guidance, comfort, and conviction through the Spirit-inspired Word of God. We are guided when we act on behalf of our prayers by digging into the Scriptures and determining what the authors meant by the words they used. To illustrate, if we were praying for a job but never went out and filled out job applications, how would God feel about our prayers? If we were praying about the shame we feel over something, yet we never investigated what the Scriptures had to say about shame so as to apply them, how would Gold feel about our prayer?



Integrating Science and Theology


Christians should strive to integrate science and theology with genuine respect for both disciplines. This integration involves recognizing the contributions of science in understanding the natural world while also affirming the theological truths revealed in Scripture.


The Bible provides a coherent and comprehensive worldview that encompasses both the physical and spiritual realms. It offers answers to fundamental questions about the origin, purpose, and destiny of humanity, which science alone cannot fully address (Colossians 1:16-17).


By presenting a balanced and integrated approach, Christians can demonstrate that faith in God is not contrary to reason or scientific inquiry but is a rational and informed response to the evidence of God's existence and revelation.



Conclusion


While the limitations of this response prevent a detailed exploration of every aspect of evangelizing a scientific naturalist, the principles outlined provide a foundation for engaging with individuals who hold to scientism. By addressing the philosophical shortcomings of scientism, presenting a coherent worldview, and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Christians can effectively share the truth of the gospel with those who prioritize scientific knowledge.


As believers, we are called to "always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15). This defense involves both intellectual engagement and a demonstration of the transformative power of the gospel in our lives. By faithfully and respectfully engaging with scientific naturalists, we can contribute to their journey towards discovering the ultimate truth found in Jesus Christ.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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