Science Has Its Limitations

In recent times, a number of books setting out the views of the so-called atheists have come into circulation. These publications have caught the attention of many and have brought about no little discussion and debate. Regarding this, neuroscientist  David Eagleman wrote: "Some readers  walk away . . .with the impression that scientists think they have the big picture solved." Then he added:  "But good science  is always open-minded, and the history of science is one of surprises."

Down through the ages, talented scientists have indeed made surprising breakthroughs in their search for answers to puzzling questions about nature. Some, however, have also made serious errors in the process. Isaac Newton was one of the greatest scientists of all time. He showed how the force of gravitation binds the planets, stars, and galaxies into one universe. He invented calculus, a branch of mathematics used in computer design, space travel, and nuclear physics. However, Newton also pursued alchemy, a pseudoscience that used astrology and magical formulas in attempts to turn lead and other metals into gold.

Over 1, 500 years before Newton, the Greek astronomer Ptolemy explored the heavens with his eyes alone. He tracked the planets across the night sky and was skilled as a mapmaker.  But he believed that the earth was the center of everything. Astrophysicist Carl Sagan wrote of Ptolemy:  "His earth-centered universe held sway for 1, 500 years, a reminder that intellectual capacity is not guarantee  against being dead wrong." Today  scientists face similar challenges in their pursuits. Will they ever find  a complete explanation of the universe? While it is proper to acknowledge the progress science has made and the benefits it has brought us, it is also essential to bear in mind its limitation s. Physicist Paul Davies observed:  "The search for a closed logical scheme that provides   a complete and self-consistent explanation for everything is doomed to failure." Those words state and undeniable truth:  Humans cannot completely understand the natural world. So when assertions are made about the potential of science to provide  an explanation of everything that exists, it is only reasonable to take such assertions with reservations. 

The Bible speaks of the wonders of nature in these words:   "Look! These are just the fringes of [God's] ways; only a faint whisper  has been heard of him!: (Job 26:14) There remains a vast store of knowledge that is beyond human perception and understanding. Admittedly, the words of the apostle Paul, written nearly 2,000  years ago, still hold true.  "O the depth of  God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable his judgments are and beyond tracing out his ways are!" -Romans 11:33.

Next time: Science Has Its Limitations - Guidance that Science Cannot Provide

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015

How Science Affects Your Life

The Bible and Proven Scientific Facts

The Bible does not claim to be a textbook of scientific knowledge. Its writers, however, did more accurate comments on matters that should interest scientists today. Here are some examples. 

Age of the earth and the universe

Scientists estimate that the earth is about 4 billion years old and that the universe was born some 13 to 14 billion years ago.  The Bible sets  no date for the creation of the universe. In no place does it affirm that the earth is only a few thousand years old.  The very first verse in the Bible reads:  "In the beginning God created  the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1) That general statement  allows scientist to determine the age of the physical world according to sound scientific principles.

Preparation  of the earth for human habitation

Genesis chapter 1 uses the term "day" to set out the stages in the preparation o the earth for life in all its diverse forms.  The culminating event in this simple description was the appearance of humans.  The Bible fixes no duration for th six creative "days." Instead, it opens the door for modern scientists to study them and assign accurate time spans to them. We know that the creative "days" were much longer than the 24-hour days. 

How the earth is suspended

The Bible describes the earth as suspended "upon nothing." (Job 26:7) There is no mention of our planet resting on the shoulders of a giant or on the backs of elephants that stand on a turtle, as some popular myths  of ancient times had it. Rather, the Bible leaves the door open to scientific discovery. In time, Nicolaus Copernicus and Johannes Kepler described how the planets move around the sun driven  by an invisible force. Isaac Newton later showed how gravitation governs the movement of all objects in space.

Instructions on disease control and hygiene

The book of Leviticus contains the instructions given to the Israelites on how they were to avoid outbreaks of contagious diseases, including the practice of quarantine. And regarding sanitation, the law recorded at Deuteronomy 23:12, 3 ordered the Israelites to care for their waste in a private place outside their encampments.  They had to 'cover their excrement'  in the ground. It is only in the least 200 years that scientists and doctors have seen the need to set such standards. 

The Bible information  here was written down centuries ago. How did those writers come up with such information when even the most learned people of their time were ignorant of such things?  The Bible's Author answers:   "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." -Isaiah 55:9.

Next time: Science Has Its Limitations

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015

How Science Affects Your Life

Conclusion of THE REACH OF MODERN SCIENCE

There are other unknowns that confound scientists. Why is this important? A popular science writer notes:  "Our knowledge is vastly outstripped  by our ignorance. For me, a life in science prompts awe and exploration over dogmatism. 

So if you wonder whether science is about to replace the Bible and dispense with belief in God, consider this point:  If brilliant scientists with their powerful instruments have been able to gain only limited understanding of the natural world, would it be logical to dismiss out of hand the matters that lie beyond the reaches of science to investigate?   Quite to the point, at the end of a lengthy article on the history and development of astronomy, Encyclopedia Britannica concludes: "After almost 4,000 years of astronomy, the universe is no less strange than it must have seemed to the Babylonians." 

Jehovah's Witnesses respect each person's right to make a decision on this matter. We endeavor to follow Bible guideline:  "Let your reasonableness  become known to all." (Philippians 4:5) It is with that spirit that we invite you to examine how science and the Bible harmonizes and complement each other.

Next time: The Bible and Proven Scientific Facts

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015

How Science Affects Your Life

THE REACH OF MODERN SCIENCE 

In an effort to expand  their horizon, modern  scientists are searching deep into the inner workings of the atom, while astrophysicists trace back billions of years, in an attempt  to understand the origin of  the universe. As they probe deep and far, even into realms that are invisible and untouchable, some scientists feel that if the God of the Bible exists, they should be able to find him. 

Some prominent scientists and philosophers go further. They carry on what science author Amir D. Aczel called "a scientific argument against the existence of God," for example, a world-famous  physicist  claimed that "the absence of evidence for any God who plays an important role in the universe proves beyond a reasonable doubt  that such  a god does not exist."   Others allude to the activity of the God of the Bible as "magic" and "supernatural shenanigans."  
(Note: These scientists only understand science, they have no concept or understanding of anything else, their intelligence only carries them so far. I believe, because of their intelligence that they cannot phantom anything that they cannot set their eyes on or hear.  That, to me, is a closed mind and an unbeliever.)  

However, the question must be asked:  Has science learned enough about the natural world to be able to draw definitive conclusions? The simple answer is no. Science has made tremendous progress, but many scientist recognize that there are still many unknowns and perhaps un-knowables.  "We will never get to the bottom of things," said physicist and Nobel laureate Steven Weinberg on understanding nature. Professor Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal of Great Britain, wrote:   " There may be things that humans will never understand." The truth is that much of nature, from the tiny cell to the vast universe, still  remains beyond grasp of modern science.  Note the following examples:

* Biologists do not fully understand the processes that take place in living cells. How cells consume energy, how they produce proteins,  and how they divide are questions science has not yet completely answered. 

* Gravity affects us every second of every day.  Yet it is something of a mystery to physicists.  They do not know fully how gravity pulls you down to the ground when you jump or how it keeps the moon in orbit around the earth. 

* Cosmologists estimate that about 95 percent of what makes up the universe is invisible and undetectable by scientific instruments. They divide this strange entity into two categories, dark matter and dark energy.  The matter of these remains unknown.

Next time: Conclusion of THE  REACH OF MODERN SCIENCE

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015

How Science Affects Your Life

Science, according to one dictionary, is "the systematic study of the nature and behavior of the material and physical universe, based on observation, experiment, and measurement."  To do all of that is hard, often frustrating work. Scientists struggle with experiments and observations for weeks, months,  or even years. Sometimes their labors lead to dead ends, but in many cases they deliver benefits to mankind. Consider a few examples. 

A European company has combined strong plastic and advanced filters to produce a device that has made it possible for a person to avoid illness from drinking contaminated water. Devices like that one have been put to use during  natural disasters, such as the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. 

High above the earth, networks of satellites make up what is called the Global Positioning System (GPS).  Originally designed for military applications, the GPS helps motorists, airplane pilots, ship navigators, and even hunters and hikers to find their way.  Thanks to the scientists who invented it, the GPS makes it easier to get to where you want to go.

Do you use a cell phone, a computer, or the Internet? Have you seen that your health has improved  or has been restored because of advanced medicine?  Do you travel by airplane? If so, you are benefiting from some of the ways in which science has been a boon to humanity. Science has affected you life in many positive ways.

Next time: How Science Affects Your Life - THE REACH OF MODERN SCIENCE

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015 

A SURPRISE FOR JAPAN

HOW HAS IT BEEN RECEIVED?

How do publishers introduce Matthew?  Many Japanese householders are familiar with such expressions as "the narrow gate,"  pearls before swine," and "never be anxious about the next day." (Matthews 6:34; 7:6, 13)  They are surprise to learn that these are the words of Jesus Christ. On seeing these words in Matthew's Gospel, many respond:  "I have always wanted to read the Bible at least once."

When publishers make return visits on those who accepted Matthew, householders often say that they immediately read some, if not all, of it.  A man in his early 60's told one publisher:  "I read it many times over and was comforted. Please teach me more about the Bible."

Matthew is being featured in public witnessing. While sharing in that activity, a Witness gave her e-mail address to a young women who accepted Matthew. On hour later, the woman e-mailed the sister, saying that she had read part of the Bible book and wanted to know more. One week later, she had her first Bible study, and she soon started  attending meetings. 

Over 1,600,000 copies of the Bible-The Gospel According to Matthew have been shipped to congregations in Japan, and each month, the Witnesses are placing tens of thousands of them. The foreword to this edition expresses the sentiments of its publishers by stating:  "We sincerely hope that reading this volume will deepen your interest in the Bible." 

Next time: How Science Affects Your Life

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015

A SURPRISE FOR JAPAN

DESIGNED FOR THE JAPANESE FIELD

Why would this single Bible book especially meet the needs of the Japanese field?  Though many Japanese people are unfamiliar with the Bible, they are willing to read it.  This version of Matthew's Gospel will those  who have never seen a Bible an opportunity to hold a portion of this sacred volume in their hands and read it.  

Why was the book of Matthew chosen? To most Japanese, the word "Bible calls to mind, Jesus Christ. So the book of Matthew was selected  because it contains a record of Jesus' genealogy and birth, his famous Sermon on the Mount, and his dramatic prophecy about the last days-subjects that will interest many Japanese people. 

Kingdom publishers in Japan zealously began distributing this new publication from house to house and on return visits.  "I now have more opportunities to place God's Word with the people in our territory," wrote one sister.  "In fact, I was able to place a cop of Matthew on the very afternoon of the special meeting!" 

Next time:  A SURPRISE FOR JAPAN -HOW HAS IT BEEN RECEIVED? 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015

A SURPRISE GIFT FOR JAPAN

AT a meeting held in Nagoya, Japan,on April 28th, 2013, Anthony Morris of the Governing Body surprised the audience with a thrilling announcement-the release of a new publication in Japanese entitled The Bible-The Gospel According to Matthew.  The over 210,000 present in person or via Webcast responded with prolonged applause. 

Reprinted from the New World Translation in Japanese, this 128-page edition of Matthew's Gospel is unique. Brother Morris explained that it was designed "to meet the needs of the Japanese field." What features does this Bible book have? Why was it prepared? And how has it been received? 

WHAT FEATURES DOES IT HAVE? 

The format of Matthew was a surprise to the audience. Japanese characters can be set vertically or horizontally, and quite a few printed items-including our recent publications-have been set horizontally. However, the text in this new publication is set vertically, using a layout style popular in Japanese newspapers and literary works. Many Japanese readers consider this to be an easy-to-read style. Additionally, the page headings were moved into the text as subheadings so that the readers can easily see the main points. 

 The brothers and sisters in Japan promptly took advantage of the features of Matthew.  "I have read the book of Matthew many times before," said a sister in her 80's,  "but the vertical style  and the subheadings helped me to understand the Sermon on the Mount more fully." One young sister wrote:  "I read through Matthew in one sitting. I am used to the horizontal style, but many Japanese people prefer the vertical composition." 

Next time: A SURPRISE GIFT FOR JAPAN - DESIGNED FOR THE JAPANESE FIELD

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015 

Marry "Only in the Lord" Still Realistic?

WHILE WAITING ON JEHOVAH

What can you do while you trust in Jehovah's counsel and wait for a husband or a wife who serves him? You can think about why you are not married. If you feel that it is because you want to obey Jehovah's command, then you can be sure that this makes Jehovah happy. (1 Samuel 15:22; Proverbs 27:11) Also, continue to pray to Jehovah regularly and tell him exactly how you feel.  (Psalm 62:8) As you do your best  to resist temptation and fight wrong desires, your relationship  with Jehovah will be strengthened day by day. You can be confident that Jehovah  cares about your desires and your needs because you are precious to him.  He does promise anyone a husband or a wife. But if marriage is what you really need, Jehovah knows the best way to satisfy your needs. -Psalm 145:16; Matthew 6:32.

At times you may feel like David who said:  "Do answer me quickly, O Jehovah; my strength has come to an end. Do not hide your face from me." (Psalm 143: 5-7, 10)  Do not give up. Give Jehovah time to show you what he wants you to do. Listen to Jehovah by reading the Bible and meditating on  what you have read. This will help you know  what Jehovah  requires of you and how he has helped his servants  in the past.  By listening to him, you have the confidence to keep obeying him.  

What else  can you do to remain happy and busy while you are single? You can work on strengthening your relationship with Jehovah and developing a good reputation. You can also learn to be generous, hardworking, easy to get along with, and  loyal to Jehovah.  These qualities are necessary for a happy marriage.  (Genesis 24"16-21; Ruth 1:16,17; 2:6, 7, 11; Proverbs 31:10-27)  Seek first the Kingdom by staying busy in the ministry and in your congregation.  These things will protect you from making unwise decisions.  Bill says of the years he was single:  "They passed so quickly!  I used the time in Jehovah's service as a pioneer." 

Jehovah's command to marry "only in the Lord" is not old-fashioned or out-of-date.  By choosing to marry a true Christian, we honor Jehovah and we will be happy.  The Bible says:  "Happy is the man who fears Jehovah, who takes great pleasure in his commandments. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness continues forever." (Psalm 112: 1, 3) So be determined to obey God's command to marry "only in the Lord."

Next time: A SURPRISE GIFT FOR JAPAN

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015

Marry "Only in the Lord" Still Realistic?

STILL REALISTIC

A sister in Australia named Maggie began dating someone who was not a true Christian. She says I missed a lot of meetings just to be with him.  My spirituality dropped drastically." Another young woman in India named Ratana dated a classmate who started studying the Bible. However, he only studied the Bible so that he could date her. Eventually, she stopped serving Jehovah and joined another religion so that she could marry him.

Ndgenue from Cameroon was 19 years old when she married a man who did not serve Jehovah. Before their wedding, he promised that she could continue to be a Witness. However, two weeks after their wedding, he told her that she was not allowed to go to congregation meetings.  She says:  "I found myself lonely and weeping. I realized that I had lost control of my life. I felt constant remorse." 

It is true that some Christians have married a mate who does not serve Jehovah but who is still kind and fair.  However, if your mate who did not serve Jehovah was kind, how would your relationship with Jehovah be affected?  How would you feel knowing that you did not listen to the counsel he gave for you to be happy? And most important, how would Jehovah feel about what you have done? -Proverbs 1:33.

Brothers and sisters around the world who have obeyed Jehovah's counsel to marry "only in the Lord" are convinced that this is the best decision.  Single brothers and sisters are determined to make Jehovah happy by marrying someone who worships him. Michiko from Japan was determined to obey God even though her relatives tried to convince her to marry someone who did not  love Jehovah. And it was hard for her to watch some of her friends marry true Christian while she remained unmarried. She says:  "I kept telling myself that since Jehovah is a 'happy God,' our happiness does not depend on whether we are married or not. I also believe  that he grants us the desires of the heart. So if we cannot find a mate  even though we want to marry, it is best for us to stay single  for the time being."  (1 Timothy 1:11)  Later on, Michiko married a fine brother, and she is happy that she listened to Jehovah's counsel.

There also are some brothers who have waited to find the right person to marry. For example, Bill from Australia admits that at times he was attracted to women who were not Witnesses. However, he did not  get too friendly with any of them because  he did not want to start a relationship that would result in becoming "unevenly yoked" with an unbeliever. Over the years, he was also interested in a few sisters, but they did not feel the same way about him.  Bill waited 30 years until he found a Christian woman who had similar goals. He says:  "I have no regrets. I feel blessed because we go out in the ministry together, study together, and worship together. I am happy to meet and associate  with my wife's friends because  they are all fellow worshippers of Jehovah.  We work on our marriage using Bible principles."

Next time: Marry "Only in the Lord" Still Realistic? - WHILE WAITING ON JEHOVAH

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015