Running Head: SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Scientific Method and the Christian Worldview

Liberty University

SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Scientific Method and the Christian Worldview

Ways of Seeking Knowledge
There are many ways to gain knowledge in todays society. Jackson (2012) provides
readers with ways humans have gained knowledge. Superstition and intuition may seem like a
way of past, but many still gain knowledge in this way. When gaining knowledge through
superstition, knowledge is based on subjective feeling, interpreting random events as
nonrandom events, or believing in magical events (Jackson, 2012, pg. 7). Superstitions are ideas
like not letting a black cat cross your path, or breaking a mirror brings you seven years of bad
luck.
When gaining knowledge via intuition, one uses personal knowledge without knowing
where it was obtained from (Jackson, 2012, pg. 7). Many use this unconscious knowledge in
their daily lives, using the excuse that they had a gut feeling. Some would consider a gut
feeling to be extrasensory in nature, but intuition is knowledge that one feels certain about
without knowing why or where the certainty comes from.
Another way of gaining knowledge is through authority. An authority figure could be
parents, teacher, professors, doctors, or anyone holding a position of authority. Unfortunately,
many accept knowledge from an authority figure that may not be an authority on the subject of
information. For example, a scientist may be an authority on the scientific method, but may not
be an authority on carbon dating.
Other ways of gaining knowledge are through tenacity, rationalism and empiricism.
Tenacity is hearing a piece of information so often that you begin to believe it is true, and then,
despite evidence to the contrary, you cling stubbornly to the belief (Jackson, 2012, pg. 8).

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Knowledge gained through the use of science involves both rationalism and empiricism. When
an individual uses logical reasoning, they are using rationalism. Empiricism involves gaining
knowledge through objective observation and the experiences of your senses (Jackson, 2012,
pg. 9). The logical reasoning, objective observation and experiences are how scientist prove or
disprove their answers to specific questions.
Scientific Method
Scientists use a system called the scientific method which is a series of steps used to
solve a problem and gain knowledge. The steps are organized in specific order. According to
Rosen and Gothard (2010) the first step in the scientific method is to recognize a question or
problem through observation (pg. 611). To clarify the question or problem, the appropriate
background research must be completed (Rosen & Gothard, 2010, pg. 611). This allows the
individual to fully understand the current knowledge on whatever topic the problem has
presented itself in. With understanding on current knowledge the individual begins to ask
appropriate questions and can come to a reasonable hypothesis without having to experiment to
solve previously answered questions.
After the researcher has become familiar with the background research and developed a
question he or she can form a hypothesis. The hypothesis is a logical reason or answer to the
question that can be tested to verify for accuracy. It is critical that the hypothesis be able to be
tested. The test is crucial in order to validate or nullify the hypothesis.
Once the testable hypothesis has been formed an experiment to test it must be designed.
There are many steps to designing a good experiment, but the key to remember is only one
variable can be tested during the experiment. The experiment tests the independent and
dependent variable. The independent variable is the one that is manipulated. The dependent

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variable is the one that responds to the manipulated variable and is the variable the researcher
measures.
Once the experiment has been completed and the variables have been measured the
researcher then collects all of the data for analysis, which is the next step. It is during this phase
of the scientific method that conclusions can be made. This step provides the scientific proof to
either support or reject the initial hypothesis. This step can also determine whether or not
additional tests or experiments need to be conducted or it may point the researcher in a new
direction.
In the manner described through the scientific method is how researchers attempt to gain
knowledge and truth. When questions arise and assumptions are made tests are performed to
clarify, confirm, or reject these assumptions. As technology advances, new questions arise, new
tests are developed, and questions are answered with more certainty and clarity then they were in
the past.
Christian Worldview
Each individual has their own way of viewing the world, reality, and how they make
sense of life in general, this is a worldview. According to David Noebel (n.d.), a worldview is
any ideology, philosophy, theology, movement or religion that provides an overarching
approach to understanding God, the world and mans relations to God and the world (as cited by
Tackett, nd, www.focusonthefamily.com). While science may not always question mans
relations to God, science does attempt to question and answer dilemmas about the world and
mans relations to the world through the scientific method.
How and what an individual believes will effect each and every aspect of their life. As a
Christian, the goal is to be as much like Christ as possible. Someone with a biblical worldview

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believes his primary reason for existence is to love and serve God (Tackett, n.d.). A Buddhist or
Muslim would believe differently. Each individuals worldview is comprised of everything they
believe to true. This belief motivates emotions, decisions, and actions in every aspect of life,
including pursuit of knowledge and truth.
When an individual claims to have a biblical worldview they are saying that they believe
the bible is the infallible Word of God. Everything that individual would do or say would be
based on what he or she has read and understands in the Bible. Unfortunately, society has diluted
the biblical worldview. Over the years, society has allowed God to be removed from schools and
from government. As a result societal morals, ethics, and values have diminished and become
corrupted. Therefore, the biblical worldview has unconsciously become weak, and Christians as
a whole have failed to see it. Colossians 2:8 states, Beware lest any man spoil you through
philosophy and vain deceit after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not
after Christ (King James Version). Society has been spoiled.
It is the Christians duty to be persistent in their quest for knowledge, to apply Gods
truths, to trust in Gods truths in all aspects of our lives. In our pursuit for knowledge we renew
our minds and refine our thinking. Gods scientific method is found in Romans 12:2 which
states, And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your
mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and Perfect, Will of God (King
James Version).
It is difficult to say it any better than Mr. Tackett (nd), If we capture and embrace more
of God's worldview and trust it with unwavering faith, then we begin to make the right decisions
and form the appropriate responses to questions on abortion, same- sex marriage, cloning, stem-

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cell research and even media choices. Because, in the end, it is our decisions and actions that
reveal what we really believe (Tackett, nd., www.focusonthefamily.com).

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7
References

Jackson, S. L. (2012). Research methods and statistics: A critical thinking approach. Belmont,
CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
Rosen, J., & Gothard, L. (2010). Encyclopedia of Physical Science. New York: Facts on File.
Swaggart J. (2010). The Expositors study Bible. Baton Rouge, LA: Jimmy Swaggart Ministries.
Tackett, D. (nd.). Whats a Christian worldview? Retrieved from:
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/christian_worldview/whats_a_christian_worldvie
w.aspx.