NASA astronaut: The Bible and science do not contradict each other

The NASA astronaut, former US record holder for most days spent in space, believes that science and the Bible are in harmony, not in conflict.

Astronaut Jeffrey Williams took part in four space flights between 2000 and 2016, first on the spaceship “Atlantis” and the next three on board the Russian spacecraft “Soyuz” on the way to the International Space Station. In total, he spent 534 days in space and is now second in history among Americans, his record broken by fellow astronaut Peggy Whitson. Christian Megaportal inVictory reports with reference to ChristianHeadlines.com.

On January 19, Williams spoke at the opening of a new exhibit dedicated to Scripture and Science at the Museum of the Bible. Open until January 2024, the exhibition explores the relationship between science and religion. The Museum of the Bible is located in Washington.

“I get asked all the time: ‘How can I do what I do and still be a believer?'” Williams said.

Williams, a Christian, published a religious book in 2010 that included photographs he took in space. It was titled “The Work of His Hands: A View of God’s Creation from Space.”

He admitted that it is “public opinion that science and the Bible contradict each other”.

“Early in my career, in the 90s, I spent a lot of time researching this subject… Science as we know it today really arose from the belief that the Bible is the truth and that God is the Creator as He has revealed Himself in Scripture. Williams said, “And in this creation He gave it and commanded it to be.”

Williams said he was impressed by the “order” of math, physics, chemistry and music.

“And then, having the image of God, we were given the ability and in fact the mandate to subdue creation in Genesis,” he said. “It’s what feeds my understanding, my worldview, and really confirmed what I believe was the Lord’s calling on my life and ministry. So [faith] just justified my understanding of it.”

He noted that the first scientists were “motivated by their faith”. He mentioned Johannes Kepler, Isaac Newton, Michael Faraday and James Clerk Maxwell.

They were “first and foremost theologians and driven by their faith,” he said. “And it became modern science.”

Williams said she is often asked if space travel has changed her relationship with God. In a way, he answers, but not really.

“I have a relationship with God through the mediation of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Scriptures,” Williams said.

But the space trip gave him a “depth” in understanding some passages of the Bible that he didn’t have before. He mentioned “God’s work as Creator” and “His work in sustaining His creation.”

“It seems to have a lot more depth, scale and depth of meaning and view through the lens of Scripture,” Williams said. “So it was an amazing experience to leave the planet and then look back at that part of the universe that we call home, which is uniquely suited for us to live in,” as the prophet Isaiah says, “and then look at everything in detail and consider the details of this guarantee.”

Source and photo: Астронавт NASA: Библия и наука не противоречат друг другу | News in Victory