Frank Ocean, an American singer and songwriter once remarked: “Some people focus more on sonics. Some people focus more on story. I focus on both sonics and story, but music sometimes, just music itself, can turn into more of a maths problem. I guess everything in life is a math problem, but it can be more about an empirical route to getting the symmetry that you want, and this vibe, sonically.” 1 John 1:1 confirms: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life.”
Empirical evidence is defined as information gathered directly or indirectly through observation or experimentation that may be used to confirm or disconfirm a scientific theory. It can be obtained in many ways, through different procedures, and often used for several differing purposes. In 1981, Honda introduced the first commercially available car navigation system. It used inertial navigation systems, which tracked the distance traveled, the start point, and direction headed. It was also the first with a map display.
Satellite navigation, which is so often used in our everyday lives and may even be taken for granted when we are traveling, feeds information to us directly and suggests an appropriate route so that we may successfully reach a programmed destination. It is relied upon implicitly as truth and fact. In its way, it can be considered as a therapeutical assistant, as much of the stress and anxiety imposed in searching for and reaching a specific destination is alleviated. Genesis 2:1-5 reminds us: “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.
So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens. When no bush of the field was yet in the land and no small plant of the field had yet sprung up - for the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground.”
Both science and religion involve different aspects of human experiences. All navigational systems are founded purely upon science and technology, however, in contrast, religion not only draws on different aspects of experience, it is also dependent on faith. As science and technology progress, so the reliability of innovations and their respective functions increase. As with the Bible, the more we read, the better understanding we attain and the more we are likely to progress. The Bible is usually considered as the foundation stone of Christian theology. Just like a navigational system, it can guide and lead us on the correct road in life.
A navigational system, from its core, is designed to take the pressure out of life for the navigator or driver. It does the thinking and worrying for either or both. However, with one considered essential, it is largely dependent to a certain degree on human accuracy. If one does not enter the destination details correctly, then the system is subject to failure or malfunction. The same can apply to our reading of the Bible.
If we become misguided by a wrongful interpretation and take an incorrect path, then we can deviate from the best navigational course in life. Galatians 5:19-21 confirms: “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Empirical evidence has both positive and negative factors to its orientation. Facts obtained from research, experimentation or observation are crucial to progress in both technology and other important areas. However, sometimes faith and belief should be considered sufficient by themselves to justify existence. If we demand firm evidence to provide proof of everything in existence, then many assumptions or beliefs could be destroyed. Ann Landers, an American advice columnist once remarked: “No one has the right to destroy another person's belief by demanding empirical evidence.”
The problem with empirical evidence suggests that it relies too much on hard facts and verification. This process may involve several different studies which are not always considered cost-effective and may become time-consuming. Specific parameters may be imposed on a particular aspect of research which may become limiting in scope. Supernatural entities cannot be assessed or identified by science alone, there also needs to be other factors taken into consideration to ascertain the reality or truth. John 8:32 confirms: “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Human error can be the downfall in any enterprise that requires accuracy. Just as a satellite navigational system can become distorted through incorrect information entered, so the same applies to our religious life. If we misinterpret the intended given facts, then the wrong information is entered into our brain which can lead to devastating consequences and totally abnormal thinking.
Just because something can’t be seen, doesn’t mean that it is non-existent. The process and functions of satellite navigation can’t be seen, and yet the end results are trusted implicitly. The same applies to our Christian beliefs. God can’t be seen and yet His presence is always there. Do we need empirical evidence to prove this? No. Just as we trust our vehicle navigation system, so we need to have the same trust that God is guiding us also. Our route is pre-planned according to His wishes, all we need to do is follow them the same way that we would follow the directions given in our car satnavs.
Revelations 2:1- 5 reminds us: “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.”
Amen.
