Can you explain First Timothy 6:20?
First Timothy 6:20 is a passage from the New Testament that has been the subject of much debate and interpretation. The verse reads, "O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called."
At first glance, this passage seems to warn against the dangers of false teachings and the need to avoid anything that contradicts the truth of the Gospel. However, the reference to "science falsely so called" has led some to interpret this passage as a rejection of science and a call to reject scientific knowledge in favor of religious faith.
However, this interpretation is not accurate. The phrase "science falsely so called" refers to false or misleading claims that are often presented as scientific fact. In other words, it is a warning against pseudoscience and the need to be discerning when it comes to claims about the natural world.
The context of this passage is important as well. Paul, the author of First Timothy, was writing to Timothy, a young pastor, to encourage him in his work and to warn him against false teachings that were prevalent in the early Christian church. The reference to "science falsely so called" is simply one example of the kind of false teachings that Timothy needed to be aware of.
In fact, the Bible does not reject science, but rather encourages the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. In Psalm 19:1, for example, we read, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." This verse suggests that the natural world is a testament to God's power and wisdom, and that studying it can lead us to a deeper understanding of His creation.