Science has always been important to me both for personal interests and for my career. One thing it has taught me is that assumptions frequently need to be revised in order to fit all the facts into a consistent theoretical framework. Paradigm shifts are essential for progress, though they can be painful.

Dealing with the scriptures often requires paradigm shifts. Many people used to read the Creation story as an exact account of the seven 24-hour days that were used to create the earth. Scientific discovery has challenged the assumptions behind that belief. A careful look at the text shows that the Hebrew word for “day” can also refer to a long period of time, similar to “era” or “age.” A shift in our paradigm allows one to better understand the scriptures. It’s not a cover-up or a retreat to admit that a previous assumption not required by the text now needs to be updated.

DNA and the Book of Mormon, evolution, the Flood, and many other matters involving the intersection of science and religion require a careful examination of our assumptions and of what revealed texts actually say and mean. As a scientist, I am absolutely convinced that God exists. I believe in the Bible and Book of Mormon, though I recognize that there are limitations in the scientific information we might try to derive from them.

To deal with some of the common challenges that LDS people face as they consider science and Mormon belief, I have written an essay, “Questions about Science and Mormon Views (Mormonism),” which I hope might be of some help. As with everything I write, I am expressing my own views, but have tried to be accurate and doctrinal. Let me know what you think.