To let the gospel of Jesus shape how we work means to head the influence of both the psychological idols within our hearts as well as the sociological idols in our culture and profession (Keller & Alsdorf, 2016). Since the beginning of this century, Statistics has grown to a full-fledged scientific discipline. Statistics may be defined as that science which has as purpose the construction and application of a theoretical-mathematical framework for the analysis of numerical data to obtain valid knowledge. Thus, Statistics may be said to belong to the so-called mathematical sciences, together with sciences such as Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Operations Research. These sciences play an increasingly key role in the broad scientific enterprise and in society. On the other hand, because of their so-called exactness, they are often thought to be neutral from a philosophical or religious point of view. Statistics is connected to all empirical sciences and acts as a mathematical auxiliary to them. This is because all sciences make use of data to some extent, and Statistics is just that ancillary science which has the task of handling empirical data. This unique characteristic of Statistics implies a closely assumed relationship between Statistics and Philosophy of Science.

          Statistics also functions within society. This leads to various ethical problems to which biblical norms of love, justice, truth, honesty, and authority should apply. Of course, the statistical profession is aware of the ethical problems and has taken a firm stand for professional integrity. This declaration calls on the statistician to guard against misinterpretations or misuse of statistical material, to make an impartial assessment in a statistical study, not to accept contractual conditions that are contingent upon a particular outcome from a proposed statistical inquiry, to respect confidentiality requirements but allow colleagues to assess their methods, to avoid undue intrusion into the privacy of people, to protect experimental human subjects against potentially harmful effects, et cetera. In our individualistic environment we have significant resistance to the biblical idea of community (Keller & Alsdorf, 2016). It is clear, however, that a Christian statistician should view the ethical issues from a deeper dimension, namely from the biblical norms mentioned above. For instance, the real reason a Christian statistician avoids harmful effects on people taking part in experiments is to be found in the commandment to love one’s fellowman. One sees the immediate relevance of the Christian faith in statistical applications in society.

          God transcends time, so his timing fits into the story that he is crafting, not into our life’s timeline. And most importantly, Christ who overcame the world by breaking its rules possesses the ultimate control and mediation of our work, relationships, and social structures. Believing in his involvement in all my endeavors gave me a sense of relief–that as much as it is still my responsibility to uphold the creation of good in all I do, any and all of my failures combined cannot outweigh Christ’s continual work in this world (Choi, 2020). Jesus lived a life of wisdom by following the Torah. He did not come to abolish the law and the prophets, but to fulfill them, explain them, and live them. He took up the curse of the law and gave us his easy yoke, so we might live with him. (Schreiner, 2018).

          What science is really teaching us is that God’s glory is clearly visible. But sadly, many people would rather not see it and embrace other explanations. But this was also true in Paul’s day. After explaining that God’s power and divine nature are clearly seen in creation (Romans 1:20), Paul says, for although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. (Romans 1:21–23) Sadly, what science is also teaching us is how strongly secular cultural influences and peer pressure can blind us today to God’s glorious handiwork. But if we let the data speak for itself, science will reveal God’s eternal power and divine nature, as the Scriptures repeatedly say (Bloom, 2018).

References

Bloom, J. (2018, June 2018). What Science Is Really Teaching Us. Retrieved from Desiring God: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/what-science-is-really-teaching-us

Choi, M. (2020). How God Works in a Data and Efficiency-Driven World. Retrieved from Life in the Gospel: https://quarterly.gospelinlife.com/how-god-works-in-a-data-and-efficiency-driven-world/

Keller, T. J., & Alsdorf, K. L. (2016). Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work. New York: Dutton.

Schreiner, P. (2018, July 7). Chasing Wisdom in a Big Data World. Retrieved from The Gospel Coalition: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/kingdom-big-data-wisdom/