Instrumentalism is a philosophical view that regards scientific theories and concepts as useful instruments for explaining and predicting phenomena, without committing to the truth or reality of those theories and concepts. In other words, instrumentalism states that scientific theories should be seen as tools that help us understand the world, not as an actual description of the world.
The Bible does not directly address instrumentalism, as it is a modern philosophical perspective that arose after the scientific revolution. However, the Bible does speak to related issues such as the nature of truth, the limits of human knowledge, and the proper role of science and philosophy. Examining relevant biblical principles can shed light on how Christians should think about instrumentalism.
Biblical Perspectives on Truth and Knowledge
The Bible affirms that God is the source of all truth and knowledge. Passages like Proverbs 1:7 state that “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” Colossians 2:3 declares that in Christ “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Truth originates from God, not merely human observation or reason. Any Christian perspective on instrumentalism must start with the view that God establishes what is true, beyond the theories constructed by human minds.
At the same time, the Bible recognizes human limitations in grasping absolute truth. 1 Corinthians 13:12 notes, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” No scientific model or philosophical system can encapsulate total truth, since human knowledge and perception is limited. An instrumental approach that holds scientific theories as contingent and not absolute truths aligns with the Bible’s admission of human epistemological restrictions.
Biblical Perspectives on the Natural World
The Bible depicts the natural world as something established by God, that reveals God’s divine nature and glory. Passages like Psalm 19:1 state that “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” The natural world testifies to the existence, wisdom, and power of its Creator. As Romans 1:20 notes, God’s “invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.”
At the same time, the Bible warns about worshipping nature itself rather than the Creator. Romans 1 continues that although God is evident in creation, humans turned to idolatry, “worshipping and serving the creature rather than the Creator.” An instrumentalist perspective that focuses on nature’s “how” rather than metaphysical “why” aligns with these biblical principles – appreciating nature’s divine origins without improperly revering nature itself.
Biblical Perspectives on the Role of Human Reason
The Bible affirms human reason and intellect as part of being made in God’s image. Passages like Isaiah 1:18 say “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD.” The Bereans in Acts 17:11 are praised as “noble” for logically examining the scriptures. Human rationality and philosophy have a role in seeking truth, when properly submitted to God’s revelation and lordship.
At the same time, the Bible warns against human wisdom becoming a substitute for God’s wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1-2 cautions that the “foolishness” of the gospel confounds human philosophies, so that faith rests on God’s power rather than man’s wisdom. Colossians 2:8 similarly warns, “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition.” An instrumentalist perspective that focuses on conceptual tools rather than ultimate explanations aligns with these principles of embracing reason’s value while limiting its autonomy.
Biblical Exhortations on Godly Living
While passages like Genesis 1:28 do encourage scientific investigation and dominion over creation, the Bible’s most frequent exhortations are to ethical and faithful living, not intellectual pursuits. Micah 6:8 summons to “do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Christ summarizes the law as loving God and loving neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). Scripture calls for holiness more than material knowledge.
An instrumentalist model coheres with these ethical priorities, by limiting science’s ability to make moral pronouncements or address spiritual meaning. It focuses science on tangent questions of causal mechanisms, leaving core issues of ethics, theology, and metaphysics to biblical revelation and the Spirit’s wisdom. Science provides data, not decisions.
Cautions Regarding Naturalism and Scientism
While an instrumentalist perspective can properly contextualize science’s place, modern naturalism errs in rejecting the supernatural and asserting the scientific method as the only source of knowledge. Scientism claims science has exclusive access to truth about all of reality. The Bible throughout assumes non-natural agents and events, with God actively intervening in nature (e.g. miracles). Naturalism’s rejection of the metaphysical would be rejected by Scripture.
However, instrumentalism itself does not require naturalistic assumptions. It can be combined with a Christian theistic worldview that accommodates both natural and supernatural explanations. Instrumentalism simply sees scientific theories as tools for specific phenomena, not overarching worldview constraints. Its neutrality regarding ultimate reality leaves room for God’s activity.
Instruments For Understanding God’s Creation
A biblical case can be made that scientific theories function as instruments to understand the natural world God made. Just as a microscope helps perceive microscopic parts of creation without altering their reality, concepts like atoms, gravity, or evolution can aid human comprehension without exhausting the full truth about reality. They are imperfect tools for finite minds, not complete depictions of an infinite creation.
This instrumentalist approach appreciates science’s ability to model complex natural systems while acknowledging its limitations regarding metaphysics, ethics, and the supernatural. It accords with the Bible’s qualified epistemic optimism and focus on ethical living. Christians need not fully reject or embrace scientific theories, but see them as aids to appreciate the cosmos God formed. Care, wisdom, and humility are required, holding theories loosely and elevating biblical truth above human understanding. Just as Paul combined truth-seeking with tentmaking, science can be pursued in combination with higher scriptural priorities.
In summary, instrumentalism’s contention that scientific theories are useful models – but not necessarily real or true – aligns with several biblical premises. Human knowledge is finite, nature testifies to its Creator, reason is valuable but limited, and ethical living matters most. A Christian instrumentalist perspective upholds humble appreciation for science’s descriptive power alongside commitment to biblical principles as spiritually authoritative. Scientific tools merit use in seeking godly understanding of the natural world, but do not define ultimate truth. With caution rather than credulity or skepticism, Christians can employ instrumentalism to integrate scientific investigation with reverent awe for the cosmic complexity of God’s works.