Introduction
Despite the fact that the natural sciences, mathematics, and social sciences all use various methods to explore at natural principles, all three help people understand the world created by God.
The Natural Sciences
Physics, biology, chemistry, anatomy, and other sciences are included in the category of natural sciences. It is believed that the introduction of philosophical naturalism to scientific thinking led to the development of the natural sciences. The tenets of naturalism demand scientists study and apply the laws of nature without incorporating any rules that man has created, i.e., without accounting for human judgment. In essence, the natural sciences study anything in nature that is not controlled by human volition. Traditionally, the natural sciences are thought to be in opposition to Christianity. It is a result of the controversies between the Chuch and scientists like Galileo, Copernicus, and Kepler. However, the natural sciences not only do not conflict with Christianity but actually help individuals become closer to God. Science aims to comprehend how God constructed the universe according to his own rules and regulations (Pearsey and Thaxton). In a variety of methods, the natural sciences investigate reality. For instance, Aristotle’s theories, which explored and interpreted the universe via observation, are the foundation of biology. Through extensive study of the human life cycle, researchers have examined the very long process of reproduction, conception, embryonic development, birth, and development. As a result of the observations, biology emerged as a scientific field (Pearsey and Thaxton). However, science is more than just observation. For example, modern physical science is not solely dependent on observation. Galileo used an abstract representation of the world to study movement. All objects, surfaces, and spaces were considered “perfect” in size and shape, and so were the conditions behind every motion (Pearsey and Thaxton). In order to investigate nature, one must engage with both observed phenomena and hypothetical scenarios. Since God formed everything of nature and the entire cosmos in accordance with his principles, understanding why the stone falls to the ground and the water evaporates helps humans better comprehend the world that God created.
Mathematics
Math was utilized to control social interactions, national economies, and other aspects of existence. However, in contrast to the natural sciences, mathematics was not regarded as a distinct discipline for a long time. Scientists noticed a pattern underlying everything because they lived in a universe where matter existed in accordance with specific principles. Every form, measurement, and figure could be tallied and computed. This prompted a thorough examination of mathematical concepts and ultimately designated mathematics as a field. Since everything on Earth was based on mathematical principles, mathematics was regarded as the absolute and undeniable truth (Dockery 567). The strongest argument for the presence of God comes from mathematics. As was already mentioned, God built the world based on his rationale. The world operates logically and methodically according to mathematical principles. Therefore, all these laws, which are true always and everywhere, were created by God. For instance, Copernicus and Kepler used mathematical calculations to demonstrate that the Earth rotates around the sun (Dockery 570). After comparing all the available facts and calculations, the scientists concluded that heliocentrism is a valid theory in terms of mathematics. Political and societal issues initially caused their work to be disregarded, but it was later shown to be accurate. It implied that what is true in mathematics holds true everywhere, both in space and on Earth (Pearsey and Thaxton). Even though the numbers and formulae themselves may not have any meaning, mathematics is like a tool used to examine any scientific theory’s validity. The natural sciences that study nature are built around mathematics. That is why learning math and using it to solve problems brings humanity closer to God.
The Social Sciences
The social sciences were created due to the idealistic approach to science, which set them apart from the natural sciences. Science was once considered a single discipline and was not separated into branches. Morality and ethics closely followed assumptions about nature. However, once Newton demonstrated that mathematics could explain everything in nature, the social sciences started to stand out (Pearsey and Thaxton). Nothing about morality, ethics, attitudes, or history could be tallied, calculated, or disproved. These sciences—later referred to as social sciences—were founded on man’s nature rather than nature’s laws. In contrast to the natural sciences, the social sciences focus on particular people and communities rather than the general principles of the universe. The social sciences must often examine some factors subjectively, in contrast to the natural sciences, which employ an objective perspective (Pearsey and Thaxton). The social sciences do not, however, contradict or operate outside of the rules of God. On the other hand, social sciences like sociology, anthropology, art, literature, psychology, and others are directly tied to Christian doctrine. Sociology is what enables individuals to comprehend and discern the will of God. For instance, religious beliefs are the foundation for society’s moral and ethical standards. What is good and what is evil is clearly stated in the Bible. People obey its directives and build a society based on Christian ethical principles because they believe the message to be genuine. For instance, in Christianity, assisting one’s neighbor is regarded as the rational thing to do. If someone is having difficulties, by reaching out to them, one pulls society in the right direction and abides by God’s directives (Dockery 407). Moreover, Christian ideals have a significant impact on music, art, and literature (Dockery). As a result, practicing social sciences increases a person’s spirituality and draws him closer to God.
Conclusion
The cornerstone of the natural sciences, which investigate everything outside of human control, is mathematics, a field that aids in identifying patterns in nature. In contrast, social science focuses on people and their behavior. Despite the differences, all three help to understand the principles God used to create the world.
Works Cited
Dockery, David. Faith and Learning: A Handbook for Christian Higher Education. B&H Publishing Group, 2012. Web.
Pearcey, Nancy R., and Charles B. Thaxton. The Soul of Science. Crossway Books, 1994.