Science, according to one dictionary, is “the systematic study of the nature and behaviour of the material and physical universe, based on observation, experiment, and measurement.” To do all of that is hard, often frustrating, work. Scientists struggle with experiments and observations for weeks, months, or even years. Sometimes their labors lead to dead ends, but in many cases they deliver benefits to mankind. Consider a few examples.

A European company has combined strong plastic and advanced filters to produce a device that has made it possible for a person to avoid illness from drinking contaminated water. Devices like that one have been put to use during natural disasters, such as the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.

High above the earth, networks of satellites make up what is called the Global Positioning System (GPS). Originally designed for military applications, the GPS helps motorists, airplane pilots, ship navigators, and even hunters and hikers to find their way. Thanks to the scientists who invented it, the GPS makes it easier to get to where you want to go.

Do you use a cell phone, a computer, or the Internet? Have you seen that your health has improved or has been restored because of advanced medicine? Do you travel by airplane? If so, you are benefiting from some of the ways in which science has been a boon to humanity. Science has affected your life in many positive ways.

THE REACH OF MODERN SCIENCE

In an effort to expand their horizon, modern scientists are searching deep into the natural world. Nuclear physicists peer into the inner workings of the atom, while astrophysicists trace back billions of years, in an attempt to understand the origin of the universe. As they probe deep and far, even into realms that are invisible and untouchable, some scientists feel that if the God of the Bible exists, they should be able to find him.

Some prominent scientists and philosophers go further. They carry on what science author Amir D. Aczel called “a scientific argument against the existence of God.” For example, a world-famous physicist claimed that “the absence of evidence for any God who plays an important role in the universe proves beyond a reasonable doubt that such a god does not exist.” Others allude to the activity of the God of the Bible as “magic” and “supernatural shenanigans.”a

However, the question must be asked: Has science learned enough about the natural world to be able to draw definitive conclusions? The simple answer is no. Science has made tremendous progress, but many scientists recognize that there are still many unknowns and perhaps unknowables. “We will never get to the bottom of things,” said physicist and Nobel laureate Steven Weinberg on understanding nature. Professor Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal of Great Britain, wrote: “There may be things that humans will never understand.” The truth is that much of nature, from the tiny cell to the vast universe, still remains beyond the grasp of modern science. Note the following examples:

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  Biologists do not fully understand the processes that take place in living cells. How cells consume energy, how they produce proteins, and how they divide are questions science has not yet completely answered.

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  Gravity affects us every second of every day. Yet it is something of a mystery to physicists. They do not know fully how gravity pulls you down to the ground when you jump or how it keeps the moon in orbit around the earth.

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  Cosmologists estimate that about 95 percent of what makes up the universe is invisible and undetectable by scientific instruments. They divide this strange entity into two categories, dark matter and dark energy. The nature of these remains unknown.

There are other unknowns that confound scientists. Why is this important? A popular science writer notes: “Our knowledge is vastly outstripped by our ignorance. For me, a life in science prompts awe and exploration over dogmatism.”

So if you wonder whether science is about to replace the Bible and dispense with belief in God, consider this point: If brilliant scientists with their powerful instruments have been able to gain only limited understanding of the natural world, would it be logical to dismiss out of hand the matters that lie beyond the reaches of science to investigate? Quite to the point, at the end of a lengthy article on the history and development of astronomy, Encyclopedia Britannica concludes: “After almost 4,000 years of astronomy, the universe is no less strange than it must have seemed to the Babylonians.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses respect each person’s right to make a decision on this matter. We endeavor to follow the Biblical guideline: “Let your reasonableness become known to all.” (Philippians 4:5) It is with that spirit that we invite you to examine how science and the Bible harmonize and complement each other.

In recent times, a number of books setting out the views of the so-called new atheists have come into circulation. These publications have caught the attention of many and have brought about no little discussion and debate. Regarding this, neuroscientist David Eagleman wrote: “Some readers walk away . . . with the impression that scientists think they have the big picture solved.” Then he added: “But good science is always open-minded, and the history of science is one of surprises.”

Down through the ages, talented scientists have indeed made surprising breakthroughs in their search for answers to puzzling questions about nature. Some, however, have also made serious errors in the process. Isaac Newton was one of the greatest scientists of all time. He showed how the force of gravitation binds the planets, stars, and galaxies into one universe. He invented calculus, a branch of mathematics used in computer design, space travel, and nuclear physics. However, Newton also pursued alchemy, a pseudoscience that used astrology and magical formulas in attempts to turn lead and other metals into gold.

Over 1,500 years before Newton, the Greek astronomer Ptolemy explored the heavens with his eyes alone. He tracked the planets across the night sky and was skilled as a mapmaker. But he believed that the earth was the center of everything. Astrophysicist Carl Sagan wrote of Ptolemy: “His Earth-centered universe held sway for 1,500 years, a reminder that intellectual capacity is no guarantee against being dead wrong.”

Today scientists face similar challenges in their pursuits. Will they ever find a complete explanation of the universe? While it is proper to acknowledge the progress science has made and the benefits it has brought us, it is also essential to bear in mind its limitations. Physicist Paul Davies observed: “The search for a closed logical scheme that provides a complete and self-consistent explanation for everything is doomed to failure.” Those words state an undeniable truth: Humans cannot completely understand the natural world. So when assertions are made about the potential of science to provide an explanation of everything that exists, it is only reasonable to take such assertions with reservations.

The Bible speaks of the wonders of nature in these words: “Look! These are just the fringes of [God’s] ways; only a faint whisper has been heard of him!” (Job 26:14) There remains a vast store of knowledge that is beyond human perception and understanding. Admittedly, the words of the apostle Paul, written nearly 2,000 years ago, still hold true: “O the depth of God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable his judgments are and beyond tracing out his ways are!”​—Romans 11:33.

HOW do you feel when the thought of aging comes up? It fills many with concern, anxiety, and even dread. This is because aging is usually associated with negatives, such as diminished looks, a frail body, memory loss, and chronic diseases.

However, the fact is that people differ greatly in the way they age. Some enjoy relatively good health, physically and mentally, in their later years. Advances in medicine have enabled others to treat or control chronic illnesses. As a result, in some lands more and more people are living longer and healthier lives.

Nevertheless, whether confronted with age-related problems or not, most people wish to be able to age gracefully. How can this be done? In part, doing so depends on our attitude and our willingness and ability to adapt to this new phase in life. To help in these areas, let us consider some simple and practical Bible principles.

BE MODEST: “Wisdom is with the modest ones.” (Proverbs 11:2) In this context, “the modest ones” can refer to elderly ones who recognize and come to terms with the limitations of their age, not trying to deny or ignore them. Charles, 93, in Brazil, is realistic when he says: “If you live long, you will have to age. There is no way to turn back the clock.”

Being modest, however, in no way means adopting the defeatist attitude “I am old, and there is nothing more for me.” Such an attitude can sap one of enthusiasm. “If you become discouraged in the day of distress, your strength will be meager,” says Proverbs 24:10. Instead, a modest person shows wisdom, making the best of a situation.

Corrado, 77, in Italy, wisely says: “When you drive uphill, you just change gears and avoid stalling the engine.” Yes, adjustments need to be made when someone grows older. Corrado and his wife have developed a balanced approach to domestic chores, following a moderately relaxed schedule to avoid feeling completely drained of energy at the end of the day. Marian, 81, in Brazil, also has a down-to-earth approach to aging. “I have learned to pace myself,” she says. “I take short breaks between tasks when necessary. I sit down or lie down to read or listen to music. I have learned to recognize and respect my limits.”

BE BALANCED: “Women should adorn themselves in appropriate dress, with modesty and soundness of mind.” (1 Timothy 2:9) The expression “appropriate dress” denotes balance and good taste. Barbara, 74, in Canada, says: “I try to look neat and clean. I don’t want to look dowdy with that ‘I’m old; I don’t care what I look like’ attitude.” Fern, 91, in Brazil, says: “I buy some new clothes once in a while to boost my spirits.” And what can be said about older men? “I try my best to look smart, wearing clean and fresh clothes,” says Antônio, 73, in Brazil. Regarding personal hygiene, he adds: “I shower and shave daily.”

On the other hand, it is important to avoid becoming concerned about your personal appearance to the point of failing to exercise “soundness of mind.” Bok-im, 69, in South Korea, has a balanced view about clothes. She says: “I am quite aware that it is not appropriate for me to wear some of the clothes that I wore when I was young.”

BE POSITIVE: “All the days of the afflicted one are bad, but the one with a cheerful heart has a continual feast.” (Proverbs 15:15) As you age, you may experience negative feelings when you remember your youthful vigor and the many things you were once able to do. This is understandable. However, make an effort not to be overcome by those negative feelings. Dwelling on the past can make your days gloomy and discourage you from doing what you are still able to do. Joseph, 79, in Canada, thinks positively: “I try to enjoy doing the things I can do and not cry over the things that I used to do but can’t do now.”

Reading and learning can also make you feel more positive, broadening your horizons. Thus, to the extent possible, be alert for opportunities to read and learn new things. Ernesto, 74, in the Philippines, goes to the library and checks out interesting books to read. He says, “I still enjoy the thrill of adventure, the joy of traveling beyond the confines of home through the written word.” Lennart, 75, in Sweden, even took on the daunting task of learning a new language.

BE GENEROUS: “Practice giving, and people will give to you.” (Luke 6:38) Make it a practice to share some of your time and resources with others. This will give you a feeling of accomplishment and happiness. Hosa, 85, in Brazil, makes it a point to help others despite her physical limitations. She says: “I call friends who are sick or discouraged and write letters to them. Sometimes I send them little gifts. I also like to cook a meal or make a dessert for sick ones.”

Generosity begets generosity. “When you show love to others, they respond by giving you their love and affection,” says Jan, 66, in Sweden. Yes, a generous person creates an atmosphere of warmth and appreciation that others find enjoyable.

BE FRIENDLY: “Whoever isolates himself pursues his own selfish desires; he rejects all practical wisdom.” (Proverbs 18:1) While there are times when you may want to be alone, avoid becoming isolated and withdrawn. Innocent, 72, in Nigeria, enjoys the company of friends. “I joyfully associate with people of all ages.” Börje, 85, in Sweden, says: “I strive to be around young people. Their vitality makes me feel young again​—at least on the inside.” Take the initiative to invite friends over occasionally. Han-sik, 72, in South Korea, says: “My wife and I like to invite friends of all ages​—elderly ones and teenagers—​for a get-together or dinner.”

Friendly people are communicative. But since communication is a two-way street, you need to make it a point to be good company. Show personal interest in others. Helena, 71, in Mozambique, says: “I am friendly and treat others with dignity. I listen to what they have to say in order to find out what they think and what they like.” José, 73, in Brazil, says: “People enjoy being around good listeners​—those who show empathy and interest in others, who give a word of commendation at the right time, and who have a sense of humor.”

When expressing your thoughts, take care to ‘season your words with salt.’ (Colossians 4:6) Be thoughtful and encouraging.

BE THANKFUL: “Show yourselves thankful.” (Colossians 3:15) When receiving help, show appreciation for the attention. Expressions of thankfulness help to cultivate good relationships. “My husband and I recently moved from a house to an apartment. We had dozens of friends helping us. We could not thank them enough. We sent personalized thank-you cards and have had some of them over for a meal since then,” says Marie-Paule, 74, in Canada. Jae-won, 76, in South Korea, appreciates the rides she gets to the Kingdom Hall. She says: “I am so grateful for all this help that I make a point of offering some money for the gas. I sometimes prepare small gifts with thank-you notes.”

Above all, be thankful for life itself. “A live dog is better off than a dead lion,” wise King Solomon reminded us. (Ecclesiastes 9:4) Yes, with the right attitude coupled with willingness to adapt, it is possible to age gracefully.

On January 20, 1815, my ancestor Thomas (1)a Williams was born at Horncastle, England. His mother died two years later, so he and his three siblings were raised by their father, John Williams. John trained Thomas to be a carpenter, but Thomas aspired to a different career.

A religious revival was then sweeping through England. Preacher John Wesley had split off from the Church of England to form the Society of Methodists, a group that emphasized personal Bible study and evangelism. Wesley’s teachings spread like wildfire, and the Williams family firmly embraced them. Thomas became a Wesleyan preacher and promptly volunteered for missionary work in the South Pacific. In July 1840, he and his bride, Mary, (2) landed at Lakeba Island,b Fiji, a volcanic isle then inhabited by cannibals.

LIVING AMONG CANNIBALS

During their early years in Fiji, Thomas and Mary endured severe hardships. They labored long hours in primitive conditions and tropical heat. They also confronted unspeakable horrors​—tribal war, strangling of widows, infanticide, and cannibalism—​and the local people generally resisted their message. Mary and her firstborn son, John, fell sick and nearly died. In 1843, Thomas wrote: “My heart was overwhelmed within me. . . . I was on the edge of desperation.” Yet he and Mary persevered, drawing strength from their faith in Jehovah God.

Thomas, meanwhile, put his carpentry skills to good use by building the first European-style house in Fiji. The dwelling featured a ventilated raised floor and other innovations that aroused great curiosity among the local Fijians. Just before the house was completed, Mary gave birth to her second son, Thomas Whitton (3) Williams, my direct ancestor.

In 1843, Thomas senior helped to translate the Gospel of John into Fijian, a task that he found particularly challenging.c He was, however, a gifted anthropologist with keen powers of observation. He carefully recorded his research in his book, Fiji and the Fijians (1858), a classic account of 19th-century Fijian life.

As a result of his 13 years of toil in Fiji, Thomas’ health finally broke down, and he and his family moved to Australia. After a long and distinguished career as a clergyman, Thomas died at Ballarat, Victoria, in 1891.

“GOLD” IN THE WEST

In 1883, Thomas Whitton Williams and his wife, Phoebe, (4) moved their young family to Perth, Western Australia. Their second-oldest child, Arthur Bakewell (5) Williams, my next direct ancestor, was then nine years old.

When Arthur was 22, he sought his fortune at Kalgoorlie, a gold-mining boomtown some 370 miles (600 km) east of Perth. There he read some literature published by the International Bible Students, as Jehovah’s Witnesses were then known. He also subscribed to Zion’s Watch Tower. Fascinated by what he read, Arthur began sharing his newfound knowledge with others and holding meetings for Bible study. From those humble beginnings sprang the modern activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Western Australia.

Arthur also told his family about what he was learning. His father, Thomas Whitton, supported Arthur’s association with the Bible Students but died soon afterward. His mother, Phoebe, and his sisters, Violet and Mary, also became Bible Students. Violet became a full-time evangelizer, or pioneer. Arthur said that she was “the finest and the most zealous and earnest pioneer Western Australia produced.” Arthur was probably biased, but Violet’s zealous example greatly influenced the next Williams generation.

In time, Arthur married and moved to Donnybrook, a fruit-growing town in southwest Western Australia. There he was nicknamed “Old Mad 1914!” because of his zealous proclamation of Bible prophecies pointing forward to that year.d The teasing stopped when World War I broke out. Arthur regularly witnessed to customers in a store that he owned, where he displayed Bible literature prominently in the window. The window also displayed a sign that offered 100 pounds to anyone who could prove the Trinity​—an unscriptural doctrine that Arthur firmly rejected. No one ever collected the money.

The Williams’ home became a focal point for group Bible study and congregation meetings in Donnybrook. Later, Arthur built a Kingdom Hall, or meeting place, in town​—one of the first in Western Australia. Well into his 70’s, he would don a suit and tie, saddle up his old horse named Doll, and go preaching far and wide throughout the Donnybrook district.

Arthur’s children were deeply affected by their father, who was quiet and dignified, yet zealous. His daughter Florence (6) served as a missionary in India. His sons, Arthur Lindsay (7) and Thomas, like their father, served as longtime congregation elders.

SWEET LADY WILLIAMS

Arthur Lindsay Williams, my great grandfather, was known and loved for his kind disposition. He always had time for people and treated them with respect. He was also a champion axman, winning 18 regional wood-chopping events in 12 years.

Arthur, however, was less than impressed when his two-year-old son, Ronald (8) (my grandfather), took an ax to a small apple tree next to the family home. Ronald’s mother carefully bandaged the tree, and it eventually bore apples of exceptional sweetness. Dubbed the Lady Williams apple, the new variety became a forebear of the Cripps Pink apple, one of the world’s most popular apple varieties.

Ronald, or Gramp, as I call him, later turned to more constructive pursuits. He and Grandma served for years as volunteer workers on Witness construction projects in Australia and the Solomon Islands. Now nearly 80 years old, Gramp still serves as a congregation elder and helps to build and renovate Kingdom Halls in Western Australia.

HONORING MY HERITAGE

Following our family legacy, my parents, Geoffrey (9) and Janice (10) Williams, worked hard to raise my sister, Katharine, (11) and me (12) to value Christian principles. At age 13, I made those values my own. While attending a Christian assembly, I heard John E. Barr, a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, urge young ones in the audience: “Do not waste the most precious thing you have​—the opportunity to know and love Jehovah.” That night I dedicated my life to Jehovah. Two years later, I started pioneering.

Today, I enjoy preaching full-time with my wife, Chloe, in Tom Price, a remote mining town in the northwest of Western Australia. We work part-time to care for our needs. My parents and my sister, Katharine, and her husband, Andrew, pioneer in Port Hedland, some 260 miles (420 km) to the north. Dad and I also serve as congregation elders.

Seven generations ago, my ancestor Thomas Williams determined to serve Jehovah God. That legacy of faith and service has been passed down to me. I feel truly blessed to have such a rich spiritual heritage.

SINCE the term “antichrist” has long been used as a label for everything from monarchs to movies, it is only natural to ask: Who is the antichrist? Does this term have anything to do with us today? Surely the logical place to begin when searching for the identity of the antichrist is in the Bible, where the term appears five times.

ANTICHRIST EXPOSED

The only Bible writer to use the word “antichrist” is the apostle John. How did he describe the antichrist? Note these words in the first letter bearing his name: “Young children, it is the last hour, and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared, from which fact we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of our sort . . . Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son.”​—1 John 2:18, 19, 22.

What do we learn from those words? John mentioned “many antichrists,” indicating that the antichrist is, not an individual, but a collective term. People or organizations making up the antichrist spread lies, deny that Jesus is the Christ, or the Messiah, and try to distort the relationship between God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Those who make up the antichrist claim to be Christ or his representatives, but since “they went out from us,” they deviated from true Bible teachings. Furthermore, this group was present at the time when John wrote his letter, in “the last hour,” presumably the end of the time of the apostles.

What else did John write regarding the antichrist? Speaking about false prophets, he warned: “Every inspired statement that acknowledges Jesus Christ as having come in the flesh originates with God. But every inspired statement that does not acknowledge Jesus does not originate with God. Furthermore, this is the antichrist’s inspired statement that you have heard was coming, and now it is already in the world.” (1 John 4:2, 3) Then, in his second letter, John reiterated this point: “Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those not acknowledging Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.” (2 John 7) Clearly, John understood the antichrist to be all who deliberately spread religious deception about Jesus Christ and Jesus’ teachings.

“FALSE PROPHETS” AND “THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS”

Long before John wrote about such religious deceivers, Jesus Christ advised his followers: “Be on the watch for the false prophets who come to you in sheep’s covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15) The apostle Paul likewise warned Christians in Thessalonica: “Let no one lead you astray in any way, because it [the day of Jehovah] will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness gets revealed, the son of destruction.”​—2 Thessalonians 2:3.

Hence, in the first century, false prophets and apostates were already at work, endeavoring to weaken the Christian congregation. All those involved in spreading lies and religious deception about Jesus Christ and his teachings were included in John’s term “antichrist.” Jehovah’s view of them was revealed when Paul described them as “the son of destruction.”

BEWARE OF ANTICHRIST’S ACTIVITIES TODAY

What about today? People and organizations making up the antichrist still oppose Christ and his teachings. They deliberately spread lies and deceptions with the intent of confusing the identity of the Father, Jehovah God, and of His Son, Jesus Christ. We have good reason to beware of such religious deceptions. Let us look at two examples.

For centuries, the churches propagated the doctrine of the Trinity, claiming that the Father and the Son are part of the same entity. The antichrist thus shrouds in mystery the identity of Jehovah God and Jesus Christ. This mystery hinders sincere people from imitating Jesus Christ and drawing close to God, as the Bible encourages them to.​—1 Corinthians 11:1; James 4:8.

The churches add to the confusion by promoting the use of Bible translations that omit God’s personal name, Jehovah, from the text. They do this despite the fact that the name Jehovah occurs some 7,000 times in the original text of the Bible. The result? The identity of the true God becomes even more shrouded in mystery.

On the other hand, knowing God’s name, Jehovah, has helped many honesthearted worshippers to draw closer to God. That was the experience of Richard, who recalls a conversation with two of Jehovah’s Witnesses. “They showed me from the Bible that the name of the true God is Jehovah,” explains Richard. “I was fascinated by the thought that God has a personal name, something I had never heard before.” From that point on, he made changes in his life to conform to Bible standards and to please Jehovah. “Learning God’s name has helped me to develop a close relationship with him.”

For centuries, the antichrist has kept millions in spiritual darkness. But by studying God’s Word, the Bible, we are able to learn the true identity of the antichrist and be set free from the antichrist’s religious lies and deceptions.​—John 17:17.

What makes a good parent?

A home in which parents love and respect each other is an excellent environment for a child to grow up in. (Colossians 3:14, 19) Good parents love their children and commend them, just as Jehovah God commended his Son.​—Read Matthew 3:17.

Our heavenly Father listens to his servants, and he pays attention to their feelings. Parents do well to learn from him and listen to what their children have to say. (James 1:19) They should acknowledge their children’s feelings, including negative expressions.​—Read Numbers 11:11, 15.

How can you raise responsible children?

As a parent, you have the authority to make rules. (Ephesians 6:1) Learn from God’s example. He expresses love for his children by clearly defining the rules and the consequences of disobeying them. (Genesis 3:3) But rather than force people to obey, he teaches them how to benefit from doing what is right.​—Read Isaiah 48:18, 19.

Make it your goal to help your children to love God. Then they will act wisely even when they are not with you. Just as God teaches by example, teach your children to love God by your example.​—Read Deuteronomy 6:5-7; Ephesians 4:32; 5:1.