Religion vs science: Local authors’ book explores contradictions
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
The book goes for Rwf15,000. Courtesy photo

‘Believe It’ is a new book that probes into the debates surrounding the origins of the universe from scientific and faith-based perspectives.

Authored by Rwandan scientists and men of faith, Michael Biryabarema and Donart Ngarambe, the book reveals that science has not proven the absence of creation, despite assertions, particularly from atheist scientists, that creation is no longer relevant, dismissing God as a relic of the past.

Michael Biryabarema, co-author of the book during the interview at his office in Kigali.

The authors examine criticisms of scriptural philosophy, primarily by those lacking knowledge in Christ, the Holy Spirit, and faith in general.

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The writers argue that this is very ‘unscientific’ because one shouldn’t judge what one doesn’t know or is prejudiced about.

They also point out that science is like a puppet because it gives us cars, phones, medicine, and more, leading some to believe it is the solution to everything.

"Scientists have no qualifications to judge faith matters because this is an exclusive area, which can be understood by those with experience, not those who view it from the fence,” Biryabarema noted, adding that the book was written for Christians who could be intimidated by the notion that "science solves everything.”

The authors explain that there is a lot of misinformation, which is why they joined the debate to shed light on areas that are still undetermined by science. The book emphasises that creation has always been the philosophy of humanity since the earliest recorded history.

"When science was instigated in human culture, it somehow took a swipe at religion and completely sought to judge it as a myth.

"It is this kind of misunderstanding of man that elicited some kind of antagonism. Some scientists have claimed that science has truth, stressing that there is no need for religion, a thing that has misruled religion,” Biryabarema stated.

The book reveals that the problems between science and religion are expressions of human prejudice and fear.

Biryabarema explained that flawed religion in the past generated a certain degree of resentment, which is why today atheist scientists are misusing science to describe everything regarding faith with no truth.

‘Believe It’ emphasises that spiritual life is real as it has transformed many lives, even though there are no units to measure it yet.

Biryabarema also noted that during the last 100 years, when man understood atoms, it seemed like science was an answer to everything, however, it has crafted more unhappiness and discontent.

The book also highlights that scripture is not scientific, but it has recorded many incidents that have come to pass, which apostles and prophets had foreseen yet they had no tools of science like today.

"We want to inform people that the Bible isn’t a scientific book, but everywhere it is authoritative, science will never prove it wrong. Science can only prove wrong the misinterpretations of those reading the Bible.”

The book also elucidates that although the church has a message, it hasn’t been consistent in delivering it—it hasn’t understood its role fully, to administer godliness, good order, and justice.

Today, the church is doing contrary to what its mission is, thus easing criticism from those who discredit it as they don’t see the testimony of God in believers. For this matter, some scientists have concluded that faith is a myth, Biryabarema added.

He also stressed that some believers don’t stand strong in their testimony, as their actions are contrary to the message of Christ, and such behaviour could be the reason some people deliberately don’t believe in God.

The book argues elements of science observations from people’s lives, demonstrating the reality of Christ, with a strong conclusion that science hasn’t taught human beings wisdom.

"Wisdom conveys empathy, intuition, and humanity, yet science offers brittle data. It has taught us how to drive cars, make planes, medicine out of leaves, and manipulate things that have eased life, but it has also offered us materials to make atomic bombs and other stuff that dissolve the world,” Biryabarema stressed.

"If everything was left to science, we would kill ourselves because human beings have failed to manage themselves. That is why, as years go by, we need police to enforce law, and purchase more guns. Science has given us equipment that has created fear in us.”

He added that science has helped us to improve agriculture but hasn’t taught us how to give extra food to the hungry or deprived.

The authors joined the debate to argue that no one should feel threatened by the disproof of faith. Overall, the book stresses that science should enhance life without discrediting the Creator.

A copy of the book is Rwf 15,000 and orders can be made through mbiryabarema55@gmail.com.