What is it about?
The popular assumption that theology and science are at war is a false dichotomy that limits both disciplines. Whether in debates over the origin of the universe or those involving modern technologies, science and religion do not have to be at odds. This article argues that, for Pentecostals, faith and science are partners that help one another. By looking at the Incarnation, in which God was revealed in Jesus as a human, we see that the physical world is of immense value and worth studying and exploring. This article introduces a practical "Come and See / Go and Do" method for faith to engage science. We are invited to "Come and See" by investigating and appreciating scientific discoveries, and then "Go and Do" by using that knowledge to heal, help, and promote flourishing for others. This article applies this method to the debate on transhumanism. As God called creation "good," we should engage with what heals and restores. It concludes that Christians should embrace technology that promotes healing but should resist technology that redefines what it means to be human. The framework presented in this article enables Christians to discern how to support scientific progress that leads to genuine human flourishing.
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Why is it important?
Technology asks if something can be done, but society desperately needs theology to ask if it should be done. We are living in an era of unprecedented scientific discovery and technological advancement, often outpacing philosophy, ethics, and theology. If unrestrained or unchecked, these advancements will likely lead society down a path that redefines what it means to be human and can have unforeseen, even disastrous, ethical and moral consequences. This paper brings theology to the conversation in a way that promotes scientific discoveries and technological advancement. When theologically informed, these advancements can be encouraged to lead to human flourishing. This paper shows how science and theology go hand in hand.
Perspectives
My goal in this research is to move the church from a defensive posture against science into a proactive, Spirit-led engagement with it. Rather than just criticizing new technologies and philosophies such as AI and transhumanism, I believe the church has a unique opportunity to establish a theological framework that guides the discussion between science and theology. Bringing a Pentecostal perspective further enhances the uniqueness of this article, which introduces Spirit-filled and Spirit-directed parameters into the discussion.
Brandon Summitt
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Spirit and Science, Journal of Pentecostal Theology, August 2026, De Gruyter,
DOI: 10.1163/17455251-bja10084.
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