Science a Major Reason ‘Nones’ are Skeptical of Christianity

1. Don’t make “science” the enemy. 

In the culture wars, science has somehow ended up on one side and faith on the other. While some aspects of science can feel in tension with Christian faith, churches should avoid blanket statements about all “science” and all “scientists.” Rather than only talking about points of tension, churches can refer to science in positive ways. 

For instance, pictures from the Webb Space Telescope can be used during worship songs about God’s creation. In a sermon, a pastor can refer to new scientific findings, such as the discovery of a rare octopus nursery. Positive words about science are an encouragement to young people who want to be engineers, doctors, or scientists. In fact, church programs for teens can include role models of Christians working in scientific fields. Young people should be encouraged to see science as a place where they can use their gifts, study God’s creation, care for people, or care for the planet. 

For those of no religious background, these activities show how science can be part of a life of faith. A science conversation can even attract people to church! I once spoke at a church about the multiverse and God. The church was on a major road, and they listed my talk title on their sign out front. The pastor was thrilled with the turnout. He told me that people showed up who would never have come to church otherwise!

2. Actively encourage questions and dialogue about science.

Sometimes the culture wars are so painful that we need to call a truce and change the topic. But at other times, the Church needs to actively guide believers to a better conversation. If we don’t, we are letting their views on science be driven by misinformation on social media. 

GenZ doesn’t want pat answers—they want to be valued, to feel they belong, and to have Christian adults come alongside them in wrestling with these questions. A church can teach its members that asking hard questions is part of a healthy and intellectually-engaged faith. A sermon might not be the best vehicle; instead, try addressing science in forums that allow discussion and encourage questions. In youth groups and seeker groups, we can let people express their views freely and ask their hardest questions.

It isn’t easy to change the culture of a congregation, but I’ve seen churches do it. It is possible to shift from “we agree on everything” to “we agree on the core, and it’s OK to disagree about the rest.” Such a church becomes a testimony to the world, sharply countercultural to today’s strife and polarization. 

3. Model genuine faith.

In the surveys cited above, the biggest barrier to faith was hypocrisy. Even more than science, what youth and seekers are looking for is genuine faith lived out. I recently heard the testimony of a man in his 30s who grew up in my church. He explained the reasons he still holds to his faith today. The biggest reason? The people he saw in our church who lived out an authentic and self-sacrificial faith. Their example became a lifeline for him in times of doubt. For people who are concerned about science, the stories of believing scientists are powerful. Many people have become interested in Christianity when they hear the stories of biologist Francis Collins or climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe. 

Drawing People to Deeper Faith 

Jesus called the Church to be his witnesses and to make disciples. In today’s science-dominated culture, this calling requires that we handle science well. Let’s tell the world that you don’t have to turn off your brain to follow Jesus. Let’s show the next generation that you can live out your faith in a science career. Let’s build churches that are models of gracious dialogue and authentic faith. By engaging science deeply, we can draw people, especially the “nones,” to deeper faith.