Science and the Bible
What are you reading, Old Man?
submitted by David Churchill

    Almost a century ago, an old man was traveling alone in France by train.  A much younger man, who was sitting next to him watched as the older man reached into his traveling case, took out a Bible and began to read.  After a while, the younger man decided to strike up a conversation.  “What are you reading?” he asked.  “I am reading from the 6th chapter of Mark in the New Testament.”  “What does it say:” the young man asked.  “It is the story of the miracle of the loaves and fishes.  This gospel writer tells us about a vast crowd that had followed Jesus because of the signs He was performing for the sick.  Jesus then preached to the crowd until it was dark and they were hungry.  With only 5 barley loaves and a couple of dried fishes, Jesus fed the entire crowd of 5000.  When the people had finished eating, the left-overs filled 12 baskets.”
     A little scornful the young man asked, “Do you really believe that?”  “Yes, I do” came the reply, to which the younger man answered, “I can see that you have been brainwashed by ancient superstitions.  That could never have happened to me.  You see, I am a scientist.  Everything that happens in this world can ultimately be accounted for scientifically.  The story you have read defies the laws of science and therefore is sheer fantasy.  Give me facts, provable facts.  As a man of science, I can have no faith in miracles.  But I cannot expect you to understand that.”
     At this point, the train began to slow down.  “Here is my station,” said the young man as he rose from his seat.  “It was nice talking to you, Mr., I’m sorry I didn’t get your name.”  Whereupon, the older man handed him his calling card bearing the name, Louis Pasteur, one of the world’s greatest scientists.
     
(Taken from the October 19, 1994, bulletin for the Cornwell Church of Christ, 1100 Cornwell Drive, Yukon, Oklahoma.)



      This article’s presentation in Exploring God's Word ©2002 David G. Churchill.
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