Understand how science and religion can cooperate
Science asks "how" questions, while religion asks "why" questions - but both types of questions are valuable.  Science seeks to discover more about the universe, while religion seeks to discover more about the universe's Creator.  Know that space, time, meaning, and purpose all can shed new light on each other when you study them together.  Remember that both science and religion encourage people to explore, observe, make judgments, and discern wisdom.  Scientists often use experiments to do so, while Christians often use the counsel of Scripture and the Holy Spirit.  Understand that a healthy and credible science will always need faith, and a healthy and credible religion will always need reason. 

Consider that scientific theories are imperfect by nature (because they're created by imperfect people) and open to revision in the future as people learn more.  But also remember that faith in the scientific process can lead to important new discoveries.  Know that as you accept and respect both science and religion, you can discover more about truth than you would if you accepted just one of them.  Understand that science and faith aren't two competing worldviews. 

Instead, they're two different takes on one coherent reality - our intelligence calls what it sees "truth," and our spirituality calls what it sees "God."  Recognize that proof and belief are both powerful ways of obtaining real certainty.  We can prove things we find hard to believe, and we can believe in things we find hard to prove.  Realize you can become smarter when you become more spiritual, and you can become more spiritual when you become smarter.  Wisdom, love, and humility also result from this cooperation.

Adapted from Can A Smart Person Believe in God?, copyright 2004 by Michael Guillen.  Published by Nelson Books, a division of Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tn.,  www.thomasnelson.com . 

Michael Guillen, Ph.D., is a theoretical physicist and former science correspondent for ABC News.  He taught physics at Harvard for eight years, during which time he won awards for his distinguished teaching.  He currently serves as president of Spectacular Science Productions and chief consultant for science and religion for Crystal Cathedral Ministries, appearing often on the Hour of Power. For his work on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, Nightline, and 20/20, he has won Emmys, Teddys, and an EMMA.  Guillen has also published hundreds of articles and reviews in the New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, Esquire, and Science Digest .