Can science and religion intersect?

http://www.examiner.com/christianity-in-provo/can-science-and-religion-intersect

To research the origin and development of the universe, or cosmology is, in a sense, to research the meaning and purpose of life.

If the universe just simply exists, and was not created, then we have no purpose.  Religion and morality have no relevance.  We can create any purpose we like for ourselves.  We will have no standards by which to hold ourselves accountable.  However, if the universe was created, then we do have a standard and we have a purpose.

Then think, if the Creator was impersonal, then love, compassion and care are merely an illusion.  Yet, if there is a personal Creator then these attributes and others such as beauty, mercy, and justice are real, meaningful, purposeful and true. 

The Bible stands uniquely apart in its statements about cosmology among all "holy books". Dr. Hugh Ross at Reasons to Believe states, "No other 'sacred' writings teach an extra-dimensional reality independent of the dimensions of our universe. Most, in fact, flatly contradict it."  According to Dr. Ross, the following are some biblical statements of cosmological significance

1. God existed before the universe. God exists totally apart from the universe, and yet can be everywhere within it. (Genesis 1:1, Colossians 1:16-17)
2. Time has a beginning. God's existence precedes time. (II Timothy 1:9, Titus 1:2)
3. Jesus Christ created the universe. He has no beginning and was not created. (John 1:3, Colossians 1:16-17)
4. God created the universe from what cannot be detected with the five senses. (Hebrews 11:3)
5. After His resurrection Jesus could pass through walls in His physical body, an evidence of His extra-dimensionality. (Luke 24:36-43, John 20:26-28)
6. God is very near, yet we cannot see Him, a further evidence of His extra-dimensionality. (Exodus 33:20, Deuteronomy 30:11-14, John 6:46)
7. God designed the universe in such a way that it would support human beings. (Genesis 1 & 2, Nehemiah 9:6, Job 38, Psalm 8:3, Isaiah 45:18

 

There are also scientific aspects to be considered.  Dr. Ross explains, evidence for the design of the solar system.

Distance from parent star

• if farther: planet would be too cool for a stable water cycle.
• if closer: planet would be too warm for a stable water cycle.

Surface gravity (escape velocity)

• if stronger: atmosphere would retain too much ammonia and methane.
• if weaker: planet's atmosphere would lose too much water.

Gravitational interaction with a moon

• if greater: tidal effects on the oceans, atmosphere, and rotational period would be too severe.
• if less: orbital obliquity changes would cause climatic instabilities.

For more information from Dr. Ross, visit Here.

These examples are merely a snippet of all of the information out there to scientifically tie faith and reason.  There is an intersection, and that intersection is significant if the person will merely take evidence into account. 

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Can science and religion intersect? - Provo Christianity | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/christianity-in-provo/can-science-and-religion-intersect#ixzz1MGSd203v