A Science and Religion Worldview

by Robert D. Gardner, Ph.D.

This site contains thoughts developed over my lifetime as I have studied to earn a Ph.D. in Physics from Stanford University while still maintaining my deep faith in the teachings of the LDS (Mormon) Church.

 

At times science has challenged my faith, forcing me to both delve deeper into my own thoughts and feelings and to alter my understanding of the Gospel. This has led me to understand that, at times, what we consider “gospel truth” is more appropriately described as “social truth” or stories developed and transmitted word-of-mouth, perhaps based on talks or writings of people in authority but misrepresented or changed in transmission. I refer to these as “Mormon Myths.”

 

At other times I have found the teachings of the gospel to be more credible than the teachings of science. Science is a fluid venture with new understanding being constantly developed and old paradigms being constantly challenged. What is taught as science today may well change tomorrow. On the other hand, science’s approach to seeking truth through rational analysis and comparison with experiment is effective and cannot be simply dismissed. Where the evidence is strong, science’s teachings are hard to refute. However, one must keep in mind that science’s explanation of that evidence may be faulty and, in many cases, biased or perpetuated by firm belief in existing paradigms, paradigms which may some day be overthrown.

 

Many of the articles in this site are currently drafts and need much further refinement. Those articles are identified as such. I hope to refine them over time.