What about science?

   In chapter 3 of "More Than A Carpenter" Josh wrote about proving the truth about Christ, His life, death,and resurrection. He began with the refusal of many people to believe what can't be proven scientifically. It seems to be a fad today to have to prove everything in that manner. He mentioned being in a philosophy or history class and being asked, "Can you prove it scientifically?" He usually says, "Well, no, I'm not a scientist." Of course, the class would laugh, thinking that was a problem for Josh and say, "Don't talk to me about it." Or, "See you must take it by faith"(meaning blind faith). He, then, mentioned a pilot who asked the same question. Josh wrote, "...so many who hold to the opinion that if you can't prove it scientifically, it's not true. Well that's not true!"
   Josh went on to explain the difference between proving a scientific hypotheses and proving a historical event. In science one has a theory and must prove it by making the idea happen in the lab. To prove something historically one must work in a similar way as to prove a crime. The crime cannot be repeated because it can only happen 1 time in that specific time and place. So the authorities must use a different method to prove who did it. They must use the "legal-historical proof which is based on showing that something is fact beyond a reasonable doubt."
   He told the students that they couldn't prove scientifically that they were in class that morning. They would have to get classmates and the professor to witness it and show their notes to prove that they were there. He wrote, "In other words, a verdict is reached on the basis of the weight of the evidence. That is, there's no reasonable basis for  doubting the decision. It depends on 3 types of testimony: oral testimony, written testimony, and exhibits (such as: a gun, bullet, notebook)."
   The scientific method cannot be used to prove an historical event or prove or disprove questions about a person. You can't use it to prove that anyone lived or what they did--that includes Jesus Christ.
   One must use the legal-historical method to prove anything about Christ. If you took the case of the resurrection to court, the evidence of the witnesses--both friendly and His enemies--would testify by historical records that there was no body in the tomb that Sunday morning after the crucifixion.
   Josh, then wrote about the Christian faith NOT being blind faith, but faith based on evidence which proves the truth about Christ beyond reasonable doubt. Jesus said, "You shall know the truth," and Josh added "not ignore it." He, then, mentioned the "greatest commandment." "To love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your mind." We are not to simply believe emotionally, but to take the evidence we search out and prove to our mind that it is true. Then, and only then, should we believe. BUT when there is no longer reasonable doubt--we must believe the truth. We must use our mind, heart and will to believe. The will acts on what our mind and heart have discovered. Josh concluded with, "My heart and mind were created to work in harmony together. Never has an individual been called upon to commit intellectual suicide in trusting Christ as Savior and Lord."
   Next time we will look at the reliability of the Biblical records.

Sincerely,
Rick