Sacred Stories and Science Help Bridge the Gap for Students of Faith

After reading the article in PsyPost titled “Reframing Biblical Interpretation Helps Religious Students Accept Evolution” by Eric W. Dolan (September 20, 2025, in Psychology of Religion), I did some research of my own and wanted to share what I discovered. The intersection of faith and science is often seen as a battleground, yet with thoughtful reframing, it can become a place of harmony and growth.

For many students raised in faith traditions, the classroom becomes a place of tension. On one side, they’ve inherited biblical interpretations emphasizing literal creation accounts. On the other, they are introduced to evolutionary biology as the scientific consensus for understanding the diversity of life. This clash can feel like being asked to choose between loyalty to faith and acceptance of science. Yet, reframing how biblical interpretation is approached can dissolve this false dichotomy and help students hold both faith and science in meaningful harmony.

🕊️ Scripture as Sacred Story Rather Than Scientific Text

One helpful step is shifting from reading the Bible as a science textbook to seeing it as a collection of sacred narratives. The Genesis creation stories, for instance, can be understood as theological poetry, teaching truths about God, humanity, and purpose, rather than literal step-by-step accounts of material origins. Just as parables carry deep wisdom without being historical events, creation stories can be read for their theological depth while still allowing scientific explanations for how life unfolded.

🔬 Science Explains the Process, Faith Explains the Meaning

Reframing interpretation helps students separate categories: science addresses mechanisms, while faith addresses meaning. Evolution describes the process by which species adapt and change; scripture explores questions of why life exists and what it means to live faithfully. When students learn that these are complementary rather than competing accounts, the anxiety of conflict often decreases. It’s like two lenses of a pair of glasses: science sharpens the view of natural processes, faith sharpens the view of purpose. Together, they provide clarity.

🌱 Tradition of Interpretation Is Already Diverse

Students may be surprised to discover that the history of biblical interpretation is wide and varied. Early church thinkers such as Augustine suggested that Genesis should not always be taken in a strictly literal sense. Jewish traditions, too, often interpret scripture through layers of meaning, literal, moral, allegorical, and mystical. By learning this, students realize that wrestling with interpretation has long been part of religious life, giving them permission to engage evolution without abandoning their tradition.

🔄 Cognitive Reframing as Spiritual Growth

From a psychological perspective, reframing is a tool to reduce inner conflict. For students of faith, cognitive reframing of biblical texts doesn’t mean dismissing them, but rather uncovering new ways to read them. This process can feel like spiritual maturity, moving from a childlike faith that needs black-and-white answers to a resilient faith capable of nuance. When framed this way, accepting evolution can be seen not as a betrayal of belief, but as a deepening of both intellectual and spiritual life.

🌌 Living Faithfully in a Bigger Universe

Ultimately, reframing biblical interpretation can help students see evolution not as a threat, but as an expansion of wonder. To understand that God’s creation includes billions of years of unfolding life can deepen awe. Instead of shrinking their faith to defend against science, students can enlarge it to embrace a bigger, more magnificent view of the universe, where both scripture and science point toward a reality that invites reverence.

References

Dolan, E. W. (2025, September 20). Reframing biblical interpretation helps religious students accept evolution. PsyPost. https://www.psypost.org

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Understanding Microaggressions: Their Impact and Examples

Image
  Microaggressions, subtle and often unintentional expressions of bias or prejudice, can significantly affect individuals' daily lives and belief systems. These seemingly minor slights, whether verbal or non-verbal, reinforce negative stereotypes and contribute to a hostile environment for marginalized groups. Understanding microaggressions and their impact is crucial for fostering inclusive and respectful communities. What Are Microaggressions? Microaggressions are everyday verbal, non-verbal, and environmental slights or insults that, whether intentional or not, communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages to individuals based on their marginalized group membership. These actions or comments are often disguised as compliments or jokes, making them more insidious and harder to address. Examples of Microaggressions Racial Microaggressions : Comments like "You speak English so well" directed at a person of color, implying that being articulate in English is unusua...
Read more

Understanding Emotional Self-Harm: The Invisible Wounds We Inflict on Ourselves

Image
When we think of self-harm, visible scars often come to mind. However, emotional self-harm, though less visible, can be just as destructive. Among its many forms, emotionally beating oneself up—through harsh self-criticism, negative self-talk, and relentless self-blame—is one of the most common and insidious. This behavior not only undermines self-worth but perpetuates cycles of mental and emotional pain that are difficult to escape. At its core, emotional self-harm is the opposite of emotional self-care or self-compassion . Where emotional self-harm involves criticism, punishment, and negativity, emotional self-care prioritizes kindness, understanding, and growth. Emotional self-compassion encourages nurturing your well-being through positive self-talk, healthy coping strategies, and self-acceptance. It’s about treating yourself with the same care and respect you’d show a dear friend—valuing your progress, forgiving mistakes, and building a foundation for emotional healing. Let’s div...
Read more

Embracing Neurodiversity: Understanding, Supporting, and Thriving

Image
  In a world where diversity is celebrated, it's crucial to extend that celebration to the realm of neurodiversity. Neurodivergence refers to the natural variation in neurological structures and functions, encompassing conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. Understanding neurodiversity entails recognizing that different brains are wired differently, and this diversity brings unique strengths, perspectives, and challenges to individuals. Who does neurodiversity affect? The answer is simple: it touches the lives of millions worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1 in 7 people globally are neurodiverse. However, the impact extends far beyond those individuals themselves, touching their families, friends, colleagues, and communities. How Neurodivergence Affects Individuals and Their Networks For neurodiverse individuals, navigating a world often designed for neurotypical minds can present significant challenges. Sensory sensitivities, difficu...
Read more