Science and Truth

The past 200 years have brought an in-depth knowledge of multiple scientific disciplines. In the physical world, chemists and physicists have moved beyond the periodic table to an understanding of sub-atomic particles. Yet, they see even more profound and more complex organizational possibilities in the physical world. 

In the biological realm, physicians have moved beyond anatomy and physiology to understand human function at the microscopic and molecular levels. Medicines are now designed on computers to stimulate or block unseen receptors on individual cells.

 These vast scientific advances have come from a dedication to discovering the truth about how systems are designed, how they work, how they break down, and how they can be helped to function better or be fixed. Ideas are tested in the lab, on animal models, and in humans. 

Yet, there are limits to the successful application of cures to sick people. Sometimes, patients don’t respond. They may have adverse effects from medications, refuse to take them as directed, are unable to change harmful behaviors, or want to try some novel but untested cure. 

Health professionals are often part of the problem. They may have mixed motivations. Making a successful living includes making enough money. Money always contaminates the practice of medicine. To the extent that a doctor is worried about money, just to that extent, he or she is a bad doctor. 

A heavy patient load is more about money than patient care. Short visit times are more about money than patient care. Failing to fully educate patients about their disease state and what behavior changes are necessary is more about money than truly helping the patient. Failing to connect the spiritual with the physical is more about your own spiritual condition as well as your worry about money. 

The scientific method that drives all legitimate investigations is a direct gift from God. The scientific method is based on scripture. The Bible says, “Test all things; hold fast what is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21(NKJV) Once all ideas were tested for validity, truth could be separated from error, and progress in intellectual and scientific knowledge began to take place. 

Solomon, the wisest king of Israel, used the scientific method. It was the basis of his accumulated knowledge and wisdom. He said, “I applied my heart to know, to search and seek out wisdom and the reason of things” Ecclesiastes 7:25(NKJV)

A thousand years before Christ, God instructed the children of Israel to use the scientific method in determining difficult cases. “then you shall inquire, search out, and ask diligently. And if it is indeed true and certain that…” Deuteronomy 13:14 (NKJV) Action was only supposed to be based on certainty. Certainty means that the truth was discovered. Action is based only on truth. Health practice should only be based on what has been shown to be true. 

Jesus promised that research would yield results. He spoke of the spiritual realm, but the principle equally applies to the physical realm. “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Luke 11:9(NKJV)  

Knowledge is cumulative. We should not ignore the truth that has been established. This was a principle understood by Solomon, “Here is what I have found,” says the Preacher, “Adding one thing to the other to find out the reason,” Ecclesiastes 7:27(NKJV). We should not ignore what has been demonstrated to be effective. Never substitute a questionable treatment for one that has science and a successful track record behind it. 

Finding the truth about the best treatment in a given situation is often slow in coming and often changes as improved modalities come online. Solomon noted this, “And I set my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven; this burdensome task God has given to the sons of man, by which they may be exercised.”  Ecclesiastes 1:13(NKJV)

One thing I noticed during the recent COVID pandemic is that there was a multiplicity of views about the problem and what to do about it. Usually, a person with some weird idea was following the advice of just one supposed expert who was a guest on some YouTube channel. This “expert” had multiple degrees, lots of experience, and was found to be engaging and credible. Sadly, none of these criteria ensure that you are getting valid or valuable information. 

It is always important to withhold judgment and commitment to a concept, plan, or treatment until there is a consensus of opinion from multiple experts in different fields of expertise who can see the convergence of concepts and can form valid conclusions and uniform recommendations.  

This concept is also the recommendation of  Solomon. “Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors, they are established.” Proverbs 15:22(NKJV)

The last concept is that of sharing success. This is called peer-reviewing. This too is found in the teaching of Jesus. This concept is repeated twice in the first 10 verses of Luke 15. Only, one of the examples is given here. “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’  Luke 15:8-9(NKJV) 

When a hidden concept is discovered or recovered, it is time to share the truth. Beware of hidden, secret, generally unknown, diagnostic or treatment modalities that are urged for you to consider. 

Here are the summarizing and recommended points. 

1. The scientific method is a gift from God. 
2. The principles of the scientific method are found in the Bible. 
3. Science has established an ever-improving understanding of God’s creation of anatomy, chemistry, physiology, rational treatments, and the spectrum of pathology brought on by sin. 
4. Only established science should guide diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. 
5. It is unwise to follow the suggestions of a lone counselor. They are more often wrong than right.
6. It is unwise to follow any non-scientific modality of diagnosis or treatment. Many are ancient in origin, believed by millions, but unproven. 
7. The profit motive will always contaminate a health ministry.

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