Science can only be properly understood in terms of the Christian Faith. This does not mean that unbelievers cannot do science. It simply means that unbelief cannot account for the presuppositions of science. The Christian worldview does provide a basis for science. After all, there is no truth apart from the one in whom all wisdom and knowledge is hidden (Col. 2:3). This should be the first lesson taught to any science student in a Christian school, whether homeschool or private school. Biblical theology should be regarded as “queen of the sciences” and should be the framework for any science teaching. If it is not, then students will learn science through the framework of humanistic theology.
R. J. Rushdoony states,
The teaching of the sciences thus must be Biblically and theologically governed. No truth or any facts exist apart from the triune God. We cannot omit theology from the teaching of any science. The question, rather, is which theology? The theology of humanism, or the theology of Scripture? [1]
No teaching can be neutral. It will either be Biblical or unbiblical. It will either acknowledge the Creator God and His Word, or ignore Him and the Scriptures. Rushdoony describes the consistency of humanistic education.
The science teachers in our humanistic state schools are consistent theologians: they teach the sovereignty of the creature and the autonomy of the mind of man as they teach every subject. [2]
Christian education should be different. In fact, it should be the complete opposite. The starting point for the Christian in every area of life should be the Word of God. Many in our day see science as the starting point for truth. This has led to many of the ills we as a society face today. More seriously, it robs the Creator of the glory that is His. Christians must teach their children that they live in God’s universe and that God has revealed Himself in the Bible. This is not only the foundation for science education, but all education.
May the Lord help us to fully understand and apply theology as the queen of the sciences, especially as we teach those God has placed in our care.
[1] Rushdoony, R. J. The Philosophy of the Christian Curriculum. Vallecito: Ross House Books, 1981. pg 65-66.
[2] Ibid., pg 66.
