The self-imposed limitations of the discipline we call science.
Have you ever seen the TV ads for Blu-Blocker sunglasses? The infomercial shows people gasping in amazement and disbelief as they try on the amber-colored sunglasses, commenting on how much more clearly they can see everything. Blu-Blockers are designed on the same concept as the eye of an eagle, which has a layer of amber-colored oil that filters out the blue light that permeates the sky. This cuts through the haze of the daytime sky and gives an amber-tinted view with increased contrast.
The discipline of science has some parallels to Blu-Blockers. The scientific method allows us to cut through the haze of certain aspects of our world, offering a high contrast view that makes it easier to see some aspects of its nature. It allows us to focus on the how, what and when of nature and filter out the who and why. It lets us focus more clearly on those things that can be observed, measured, controlled and deduced through reason. It eliminates from view the things we cannot quantify or explain in the light of science.
Science helps us to see certain things more clearly, but does it give us the entire picture? Can it explain our consciousness or conscience? Can it explain love or faith? Will it even explore an answered prayer, a documented medical miracle or a spiritual experience that changes the course of a life?
Science is a wonderful tool for acquiring knowledge, but not all knowledge can be acquired through it. Sometimes we have to take off the glasses to see all that is there, and to see things the way they really are. Blu-blockers are great, but if you never take them off you’ll miss part of the truth, and the beauty, in life.
For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.
Mark 4:22
Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear?
Mark 8:18
For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.
Matthew 13:15
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Proverbs 1:7
For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:6
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.
Isaiah 5:21
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Matthew 5:8