Christianity + Science
What Does It Mean to Be a Christian? A Simple Guide to Faith, Science, and Believing
Being a Christian means following Jesus Christ and trying to live by the teachings found in the Bible. For millions of people around the world, being a Christian is about having a personal relationship with God, loving others, and believing in the good news of Jesus. But sometimes, as you get older and learn more about the world—like in science class—you might start to wonder: Can I believe in both God and science? Is it okay to ask questions about my faith?
These are great questions, and it’s important to know that you are not alone. Lots of people—adults and kids alike—have wondered about how faith and science fit together. Let’s take a look at what being a Christian really means, where it came from, and how we can think about faith and science working together.
What Does It Mean to Be a Christian?
At its heart, being a Christian means believing that Jesus is the Son of God, and that He came to Earth to save people from their sins. Christians follow the Bible, which is divided into the Old Testament (stories and teachings from before Jesus) and the New Testament (which focuses on Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection).
One of the most important teachings of Christianity is love—love for God and love for others. Jesus tells us this in Matthew 22:37-39:
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Christians believe in forgiveness, kindness, and helping others. The Bible is full of stories and lessons that teach Christians how to live in a way that pleases God and makes the world a better place.
The History of Christianity
Christianity started about 2,000 years ago in the Middle East. Jesus was born in a town called Bethlehem and grew up in Nazareth. He began teaching when He was about 30 years old. People who followed Him were called “disciples,” and they spread His teachings after He died on the cross and rose from the dead.
By around the year 300 AD, Christianity had spread across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Today, Christianity is the largest religion in the world, with over 2.3 billion people who call themselves Christians. That’s about one-third of the world’s population!
Faith and Science: Can They Work Together?
Now, let’s talk about science. Sometimes it seems like science and religion are at odds, like they’re two different worlds. Maybe you’ve learned about the Big Bang or evolution in school and wondered, “If science says the universe began this way, how does that fit with what the Bible says about creation?”
First, it’s important to know that asking questions is okay. In fact, even in the Bible, people ask questions about their faith. In Mark 9:24, a man who wanted to believe in Jesus said, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Doubts and questions can be part of the journey to a stronger faith.
Here’s one way to think about it: faith and science answer different kinds of questions. Science helps explain how things work in the natural world—how the planets move, how plants grow, how animals evolved. Faith answers different questions—why we are here, how we should live, and what happens after we die.
Some Christians believe that God created the universe in a way that works with science. For example, they believe that God could have used the Big Bang or evolution as part of His creation process. This way, both science and faith can be seen as working together to help us understand the world around us.
Romans 1:20 says this about the natural world:
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
In other words, the world itself shows the power and design of God. For many Christians, science reveals even more of the wonder and complexity of God’s creation.
How Many People Believe?
If you ever feel alone in your questions or your faith, it might help to know that a lot of people around the world share these same thoughts. Here are a few interesting facts about Christianity today:
• As mentioned earlier, 2.3 billion people identify as Christian.
• In the United States, about 65% of Americans say they are Christian, according to a 2019 Pew Research study.
• Many scientists are also people of faith. A study by the American Association for the Advancement of Science found that about 51% of scientists believe in some form of higher power or God.
This shows that believing in both science and God is something many people already do.
Why Do Some People Struggle With Faith?
Asking questions is natural, especially as you learn more about the world. Some people struggle with faith because they don’t see proof of God in the same way they see proof in science. Others may be confused about the suffering and bad things that happen in the world—if God is good, why do these things happen?
While these are tough questions, the Bible encourages Christians to trust in God’s plan, even when we don’t understand it fully. Proverbs 3:5 says:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
For Christians, faith isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about trusting that God is in control and that He loves us, no matter what.
How Can Churches Help Young People?
Many young people today feel disconnected from church because they think it’s old-fashioned or doesn’t understand the questions they’re dealing with. But churches have a huge opportunity to engage with young people by focusing on their needs and interests. Here are some ideas for how churches could do that:
1. Create safe spaces for questions: Instead of shying away from tough questions about faith, science, and the world, churches should welcome them. Having honest conversations where kids feel heard is really important.
2. Use technology: Younger generations are online, so churches can connect with them through apps, social media, podcasts, and video. By using modern tools, churches can reach people where they are.
3. Focus on community and service: Many young people want to make the world a better place. Churches can show the importance of love and service, offering ways for young people to get involved in helping others.
4. Teach the connection between faith and everyday life: Helping young people see how faith can guide their daily choices and decisions—whether at school, in friendships, or with family—makes it more real and relatable.
Final Thoughts: Faith and Questions Go Together
If you’ve ever questioned your faith or wondered how science fits with what you believe, know that you’re not alone. Being a Christian doesn’t mean you never have doubts. It means you keep learning, growing, and trusting God, even when you don’t have all the answers.
Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 17:20:
“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Faith doesn’t have to be perfect or without questions. It just has to be real, and it can grow stronger every day.
As you continue your journey, remember: faith and science don’t have to be enemies. They can both help us see the world more clearly and understand our place in it. And the more we learn, the more amazing God’s creation becomes.
