What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the words “forensic science?”
Most likely, it is a detective, a crime scene, or an investigation. But forensic science is so much more. In fact, it includes over twenty scientific disciplines. Some of these fields include:
- forensic mineralogy (study of minerals)
- forensic anthropology (study of bones)
- forensic dactyloscopy (study of fingerprints)
- wildlife forensics (study of animals and crime)
- digital forensics (technology and crime)
Photo by Chris Neville
Forensic science is any science used to uphold the law in the criminal justice system. What is so amazing is how each field of science points toward the Creator God as the author and designer of science. The Bible tells us in Psalm 111:2, “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.”
What is a forensic scientist? A forensic scientist uses investigative techniques, special training, and their God-given abilities to fulfill God’s desire for justice and truth in our broken, sinful world. They help to make sure innocent people are protected and guilty people are held responsible. The Bible tells us in Micah 6:8, “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
It is important to recognize that forensic science only exists because Adam and Eve sinned against God, bringing sin, death, disease, and suffering into God’s perfect creation (Genesis 3). And with sin came crime. When forensic scientists collect and process evidence and report their honest findings to the justice system, they are honoring God’s character of truth and justice.
