In Depth:  David Tyler

It appears to be natural for the human mind to find order and pattern in the world around us. We are actually quite good at classifying things, thereby emulating Adam naming the animals (Genesis 2.19-20).

There will be differences, naturally, in the ways we understand these patterns. Consider the colours of the rainbow — we understand them as a sequence governed by the laws of physics. My son has always had an interest in machines, and he recognises the historical development of farm tractors — a sequence best understood in terms of intelligent design. Most families are able to put together a genealogy going back several generations — this is a sequence based on ancestor-descendant relationships. Geologists refer to Mohs scale of mineral hardness which ranks common minerals in terms of what can scratch what — a purely functional sequence.

Some have said of On the Origin of Species that it is all about pigeons.

Charles Darwin was fascinated by them. To help develop his thinking, he kept many different varieties and joined two local pigeon clubs to meet breeders. From one ancestral species, the rock-pigeon, hundreds of domestic breeds have been brought into existence. Darwin referred to the process as artificial selection: birds with desired characters are selected by the breeder for mating. Offspring with the strongest presence of desired characters are again selected for further breeding. By repeating the process, remarkable traits can be isolated, leading to characteristics that are novel and distinctive. Darwin wrote: ‘The diversity of the breeds is something astonishing’. However, his understanding of this diversity was seriously mistaken.

What is science? And how does it relate to the Christian faith? These frequently-asked questions are highly relevant to at least 50% of our young people, thinking particularly of those being educated in science, technology, engineering or medicine.

The questions are significant for adults also, for most of us are exposed to television, radio, newspapers and magazines. All provide some coverage of scientific issues. Features on the natural world, cloning and pro-life issues are the most likely occasions for the issues to be raised and answers offered.

Christians target post-modernism, but is the biggest threat within science itself?

Public perceptions of science are deeply influenced by the roles played by scientists in the BSE crisis, the MMR vaccination concerns and the GM food controversy. Scientists used to be respected as independent experts, but no longer. Public confidence has been undermined by evident commercial interest, undue secrecy and unethical cover-ups.