Wait! Pause! Didn't I just say that I was majoring in biology? Yes, I am indeed a biology student, however if you had asked me back in high school what I was planning on studying in college, I would have told you that it would be any subject except biology; that biology would be my absolute last choice as a major. This was because of two reasons: First, I have a strong dislike creepy-crawly gross things that eat on me or use me as some kind of host, and these things are part of discussion when studying life and how organisms interact. Secondly, I didn't want to get involved in the mess of the war between my faith and science (especially in biology). When one studies creation within an environment that is not allowed to include the Creator, they are placed into a complex conflict; how is one to respect their professors and yet continue to hold fast to their beliefs? I have watched other biology students undertake the same struggle, and often sound harsh and judgmental when pointing out the contradictions between beliefs with statements like 'I can't believe anyone would believe in evolution, it's just stupid'. Aren't we suppose to represent who we worship by displaying unexplainable love? (John 13:35) Despite this knowledge, my feathers would still get ruffled when I had to sit through a lecture listening to theories and happenings that don't have enough evidence to accepted as fact. When this happens, I have learned to watch and listen to how the more experienced biology students answer this predicament, because believe it or not, there is a peaceful approach to argument. The best way for me to explain this is to recount the first time I learned how respectfully to defend my belief.
About a year ago I was taking a marine biology and conservation class and we were going over the ocean floor and how the unique geological features came to exist. The professor was explaining that through a very slow process that took millions of years, the ocean floor grew bigger and wider as lava was push up through crevices, at the rate of 1 to 2 inches a year. At this point I was silently arguing with them, because I believe that several geological features were formed by Noah's flood. While I was busy sending rather unkind thoughts towards my professor, a student behind me raised their hand and asked if it were possible that the rate of growth was quicker at any point in history. To which the professor replied that it was indeed possible, and then moved on to the next point in the lecture. With one simple sentence, that student was able to defend what they believed in and respect the authority of the professor. I hope that I will be able to response in a Christ like manor next time I am tempted argue against what I am being taught.
On a slightly lighter note, one fun way I have found to encourage myself while working on my science courses is to take my notes in notebooks that look like this:
I am still working on learning how to study in a way that brings glory to God, and if you have any advice or past experience in similar situations, please comment and share your story!
