The writer of these pages is speaking here from an experience which is surely sufficient to test the truth of what he is saying; and, before making these radical statements concerning the relation of Science to the spiritual enlightenment of mankind, he has first assured himself that, as the result of twenty-five years of diligent scientific study and inquiry, he has not gained for himself so much as a single scrap of spiritual knowledge.

It is but fair to say, in this connection, that men of science themselves are relatively free from this worship of "Science." The farther a man advances in scientific studies, the less likely he is to be tainted with that particular form of idolatry, so prevalent among those who desire above all things to be thought scientific. One of the most prominent workers in the field of applied science lately said that if scientific discoveries should proceed at the present rate of progress for a few thousand years, humanity might by that time have accumulated sufficient data to begin to draw a few conclusions. This is in accord with the statement of Scripture, "If any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know" (1 Cor. 8:2).

Many of those who set up Science as an authority in opposition to the Bible, fail to distinguish between Science and Philosophy. The former has solely to do with facts ascertained by examination of the accessible universe; and since it is only the physical universe that is accessible, and but very little of that, it is quite impossible that Science should bring to light any facts bearing one way or the other upon matters of spiritual truth. But Philosophy has to do with the explanation of the universe, and its contents; and of philosophies there have been no end. When one passes from the consideration of a fact or thing to the explanation of that fact or thing, he passes from the domain of Science to that of Philosophy.

We do not stop to consider the contributions which the discoveries of men have made to the physical comforts and conveniences of life; for these things do not lie within the scope of our inquiry. It may be conceded that the ingenuity and industry of the modern man have brought into existence, as new social factors, many devices, machines, engines, processes, and appliances, which have made the existence of human beings in the mortal body a very different thing from what it was a few generations ago, and which incidentally have also added much to the complexities, anxieties, and dangers of life. Whether humanity as a whole is really any better off for these things, is a question as to which there are radical differences of opinion; but since that is a question which concerns the world only and those who are of it, we shall not spend time upon it. What is important for those who are in the world but not of it, is to grasp clearly the fact that, in respect of instruction or light upon spiritual matters, mankind owes absolutely nothing, and less than nothing, to that abstraction which is adored under the name of "Science." On the contrary, this abstraction is the cover for an enemy, and a formidable one, since it is being used to blind mankind to the only true Light, and to divert perishing sinners from the only Way of life.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" John 14:6. [This is non-negotiable].

Links to supportive evidence of the above observations taken from recent news sources:

No need for GOD... enough Science and Money and man can live forever!

Restore Science to its rightful place

Rick Warren's Invocation

Spirit Led or Purpose Driven?

All For Gaia - Earth Day & Total Transformation

Smiling At Socialism and Scorning The Bible

No Longer A Christian Nation

D.C. Council Votes To Recognize Same-Sex Marriages Performed In Other States

American Humanist Association

I would highly recommend reading Apostolic Fears by J.C. Ryle (1859), here are a few excerpts from it which tie in with the above excerpts...

The point, after all, which the Apostle would have us mark in the history of Eve's fall, is the "cunning" with which the devil led her into sin. He did not tell her flatly that he wished to deceive her and do her harm. On the contrary, he told her that the thing forbidden was a thing that "was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom" (Genesis 3:6). He did not hesitate to assert that she could eat the forbidden fruit and yet "not die." He blinded her eyes to the sinfulness and danger of sin. He persuaded her to believe that to depart from God's plain command was for her benefit and not for her ruin. In short, "he deceived her by his cunningness."

Now this "cunningness," Paul tells us, is precisely what we have to fear in false doctrine. We are not to expect it to approach our minds in the garment of error, but in the form of truth. Counterfeit money would never become currency if it did not appear like the real thing. The wolf would seldom get into the fold if he did not enter it in sheep's clothing.

I ask your special attention to this point. Such is the simplicity and innocence of many Christians in this day, that they actually expect false doctrine to look false, and will not understand that the very essence of its mischievousness, as a rule, is its resemblance to God's truth... "As Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning," so Satan charms unwary souls in our century by approaching them under the garb of truth.

I beg every reader of this paper to remember this part of my subject, and to stand on his guard. What is more common than to hear it said of some false teacher in this day, "He is so good, so devoted, so kind, so zealous, so laborious, so humble, so self-denying, so charitable, so earnest, so fervent, so clever, so evidently sincere, there can be no danger and no harm in hearing him. Besides he preaches such a real Gospel: no one can preach a better sermon than he does sometimes! I never can and never will believe he is unsound." Who does not hear continually such talk as this? What discerning eye can fail to see that Christians expect unsound teachers to be open vendors of poison, and cannot realize that they often appear as "angels of light," and are far too wise to be always saying all they think, and showing their whole hand and mind. But so it is. Never was it so needful to remember the words, "Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning."

I leave this part of my subject with the sorrowful remark that we have fallen upon times when suspicion on the subject of sound doctrine is not only a duty but a virtue. It is not the avowed Pharisee and Sadducee that we have to fear, but the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. It is the "show of wisdom" with which Ritualism is invested that makes it so dangerous to many minds (Colossians 2:23). It seems so good, and fair, and zealous, and holy, and reverential, and devout, and kind, that it carries away many well-meaning people like a flood. He that would be safe must cultivate the spirit of a sentinel at a critical post. He must not mind being laughed at and ridiculed, as one who "has a keen nose for heresy." In days like these he must not be ashamed to suspect danger. And if any one scoffs at him for doing so, he may well be content to reply, "Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning."

III. The third and last lesson of the text remains yet to be considered. It shows us "a point about which we ought to be especially on our guard." That point is being led astray from "Sincere and pure devotion to Christ." Now the expression before us is somewhat remarkable, and stands alone in the New Testament. One thing at any rate is abundantly clear: the words "sincere and pure" means that which is single and unmixed, in contradistinction to that which is mixed and double. Following out that idea, some have held that the expression means "singleness of affection towards Christ;" we are to fear lest we should divide our affections between Christ and any other.

...I prefer the opinion that the expression means the simple, unmixed, unadulterated, unaltered doctrine of Christ--the simple "truth as it is in Jesus," on all points--without addition, subtraction, or substitution. Departure from the simple genuine prescription of the Gospel, either by leaving out any part or adding any part, was the thing Paul would have the Corinthians especially to fear. The expression is full of meaning, and seems especially written for our learning in these last days. We are to be ever jealously on our guard, lest we depart from and corrupt the simple Gospel which Christ once delivered to the saints. The expression before us is exceedingly instructive. The principle it contains is of unspeakable importance. If we love our souls and would keep them in a healthy state, we must endeavor to adhere closely to the simple doctrine of Christ, in every jot, tittle, and particular. Once we add to it or take away anything from it, and we risk spoiling the Divine medicine, and may even turn it into poison. Let your ruling principle be, "No other doctrine but that of Christ, nothing less, and nothing more!" Lay firm hold on that principle, and never let it go. Write it on the tablet of your heart, and never forget it.

...The simple doctrine and rule of Christ, then--nothing added, nothing taken away, nothing substituted--this is the mark at which we ought to aim. This is the point from which departure ought to be dreaded. Can we improve on His teaching? Are we wiser than He? Can we suppose that He left anything of real vital importance unwritten, or liable to the vague reports of human traditions? Shall we take on ourselves to say that we can mend or change for the better any ordinance of His appointment? Can we doubt that in matters about which He is silent we have need to act very cautiously, very gently, very moderately, and must beware of pressing them on those who do not see with our eyes? Above all we must beware of asserting anything to be needful to salvation of which Christ has said nothing at all? I only see one answer to such questions as these. We must beware of anything which has even the appearance of departure from the "sincere and pure devotion to Christ."

...(1) In the first place, if we would be kept from falling into false doctrine, "let us arm our minds with a thorough knowledge of God's Word." Let us read our Bibles from beginning to end with daily diligence, and constant prayer for the teaching of the Holy Spirit, and so strive to become thoroughly familiar with their contents. Ignorance of the Bible is the root of all error, and a superficial acquaintance with it accounts for many of the sad perversions and defections of the present day. In a hurrying age of travel and communication, I am firmly persuaded that many Christians do not give time enough to private reading of the Scriptures. I believe seriously that English people knew their Bibles better two hundred years ago than they do now. The consequence is, that they are "tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching," and fall an easy prey to the first clever teacher of error who tries to influence their minds. I entreat my readers to remember this counsel, and take heed to their ways... Ignorance, after all, is one of the best friends of false doctrine. More light is one of the great wants of the day, even in our century. [end quotes].

These warnings given out hundreds of years ago, yet they speak loud and clear to the state we find ourselves in today! Humanism, the exaltation of man, after centuries of rejection, is finally coming into its own, and we are all reaping the fruits thereof. Take into consideration the replacement theology that is warmly embraced and widely practiced in churches across this land, replacing sound Biblical teaching with man-centered programs, invoking the name of Jesus but denying the power thereof. [See A.W. Tozer's 'The Great God of Entertainment' ]. Sadly, the absence of the Holy Spirit in these expensive, carefully orchestrated enterprises isn't even noticed, due to the liberal use of high-tech, eye-catching presentations, loud music and slick marketing. If we have an emotional response, we call it God. People today shop around for a church like they shop for a new car. They want one that looks good, that will be the envy of their neighbors, with all the latest bells and whistles...it leaves little room for doubt that what is being shopped for is where the flesh is most comfortable, and not for what is in keeping with the Doctrine of Christ. Quantity can never make up for Quality. Noise and much activity are a pitifull substitute for the presence of the Holy Spirit. How did the Church come to be more concerned with pleasing men than with pleasing God? Could we be Humanists, and not even know it?

When our new leader declares that 'America is no longer a Christian nation,' that 'Science must be restored to its rightful place,' when abortion is an accepted solution to unwanted pregnancies, and homosexuality is being defiantly flaunted in the face of family values, we most definitely have a problem. If you pay any attention at all, it is clear that 'tolerance' is a one-way street. We have succeeded in allowing the 'few' to force their 'desires' on the many, without resisting. God has become big business, with multi-million dollar organizations around the globe, while at the same time we have stood by while GOD has been forced out of our schools, our government, and yes, even our Churches. We are 'seeker-friendly' now, and Purpose-Driven. We have willingly forsaken the Doctrine of Christ, and cast it on the trash heap of antiquity, that we might be accepted by the world, rather than be a shining light to the world.

Our devotion is given to everything in the world... but Christ. We are standing on the brink of an abyss, full of every vile abomination imaginable. Men are calling darkness light, and light darkness, good and evil are now negotiable with tools like compromise and tolerance. Passages of scripture like this found in Romans 1:21-32 can be deemed to be hate speech, and will not be tolerated by the newly liberated masses...

"Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."

There is God's way, and there is man's way. We must choose, whose voice will we follow? What will we believe? Who will we strive to please? Ourselves or God? "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" Romans 12:1-2.

We are facing our own day of reckoning, its our turn to stand and be counted, and we will be held accountable... "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" Joshua 24:15.

Jesus commanded us... "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these" Mark 12:30-31. We would be wise to obey, 'working out our own salvation with fear and trembling.' Humanism is not going to go away. Our "Sincere and pure devotion to Christ" will be put to the test.