Video: “A Rock of Offense”: The Problem of Scripture in Science and Theology

In Session 8, Dr. Hans Madueme contends that conflicts between scientific claims and Christian doctrine shouldn’t always be “solved” by revising theology. While science often helps refine understanding, he argues Scripture remains the church’s normative authority; some tensions should stand until evidence or interpretation warrants change. He highlights cases where reconciliation pressures risk thinning core doctrines (creation, fall, miracle, providence) and urges hermeneutical patience, doctrinal clarity, and epistemic humility rather than defaulting to scientific plausibility as the ultimate arbiter.

Yoojin Choi responds appreciatively yet critically, probing criteria for when to resist versus revise: How do we weigh scientific consensus, distinguish nonnegotiable dogma from revisable theological models, and prevent Scripture’s primacy from becoming a “science stopper”? She presses practical implications for discipleship and public witness, encouraging posture and processes that engage science rigorously while keeping Scripture central. The overall exchange models candor without combat: theology neither retreats from science nor surrenders its confessional core.

Timestamps

• Opening & introductions 00:00

• Paper begins (Madueme): Scripture’s primacy amid conflict ~00:55

• When not to harmonize: guarding core doctrines ~10:00

• Hermeneutics under pressure: reading Scripture with/against consensus ~18:00

• Case sketches: creation, miracle, providence ~26:00

• Rules of engagement: humility, evidence, and dogma ~34:00

• Response (Yoojin Choi): criteria for resistance vs. revision ~42:00

• Audience Q&A: pastoral and public-facing implications ~52:00