Religion vs Science
Religion and science are both trying to explain the natural world and life, inextricably linked to our existence here on earth. Religion relies on a subjective faith in God, while science relies on empirical evidence tested on observation and experiment. There should be no confrontation between them, but a common approach to the world and life for the sake of a harmonious cooperation that benefits both. Until now, that was not the case, and we have seen animosity and discrepancy separating those two major concepts and fields of perception. We should pay tribute and respect to all major religions (Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism etc) as sources of truth, love, faith and wisdom.
In my view both concepts express a quality which is interconnected to humankind and add value to our existence. Religion is a tool that encapsulates internal truth, while science incorporates external truth. Albert Einstein maintained that "science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind." They cannot only simply coexist, but they have to organically complement each other in a mutual attachment and trust. A large number of scientists believe in God as the primordial Creator or the Driving Force of the universe according to the description in the book of Genesis in the Bible. Of course, we can distinguish them by the fact of what they define respectively, and for religion this is the natural world, while science defines the supernatural realm.
It is quite evident that the Scriptures often use symbols and metaphors to express deeper meanings and truths. In fact Jesus Christ commonly used parables and allegories to express deeper meanings in his teachings. Similarly there is no clear explanation in the Bible about the Fall of Man or the Original Sin. In this sense, the two Biblical Trees, the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden have had a symbolic meaning. God instructed them to eat from all the fruits in the garden, but from one specific fruit they were not allowed to eat. That was the “forbidden fruit” which Adam and Eve were tempted to eat and whose act led to the Fall of Man or the Original Sin (Prospect magazine the Beast of Eden) and Tyler Hendricks: Fall of Man). By no means, God is someone who intends to punish his children. There exists the approach that God is intangible and beyond reason and this is an intellectual approach of an alien God. However, approaching God from the emotional and heartistic point of view, the Christian viewpoint is that God as Father or Parent and we as children are in an intimate relationship only if we cultivate faith and the Christian ideals of love, prayer, compassion, forgiveness etc.
Therefore, religion should be open to accept scientific views based on scientific evidence of which an example is the Creation of the Universe by God in 6 Days which is in fact a much longer period of time. Ancillarilly, science can contribute in clarifying religious symbols and metaphors that need to be decoded and scientifically documented. Of course, there exist a lot of scientists who do not believe in God and are atheists and on the other hand religious people who do not accept science to interfere with religious matters. However, in the course of history, the relationship between religion and science has undergone serious confrontation and animosity. This crisis now belongs to the past and this relationship has evolved to better understanding the other side creating harmony and collaboration. Creation vs evolution has been a matter of dispute for an extensive period of time, but today we have come to terms to accept a theistic and God driven evolution according to which God, the Creator acts through the laws of nature. In this regard it proves that the concept of an existing Creator is compatible with the research of modern science, encompassing evolution.
It would be very essential if religion and science respected each other since they are complementary and their task is to transcend all barriers of the past and create a new vision for world peace. Scientific development is very crucial for humankind because it can help humankind solve many problems in relation to production, food industry, transportation, medical research and telecommunications. But on the other hand, science is sadly used to produce warfare machines and nuclear weapons and that has moral implications for society and the world. In that regard religion can help because it conveys profound concepts and its mission reaches beyond the choice of war and geopolitical issues. “In a darkened world no longer illuminated by the light of this centre [God], technical advances are scarcely more than despairing attempts to make Hell a more agreeable place to live in. This must be particularly emphasised against those who think that by spreading the civilization of science and technology even to the uttermost ends of the earth, they can furnish all the essential preconditions for a golden age. One cannot escape the Devil so easily as that.”
― Werner Heisenberg, Across the Frontier
In conclusion, for the sake of prosperity, happiness and world peace, it is now more imperative than ever that religion and science work together in concert to face all the challenges of the millennium and bring hope to a world that is facing a lot of serious issues and disunity. Above our national interests, our world community should put a holistic view as priority in order to achieve the supreme goal of peace, prosperity and happiness for all.
References: (1.The Harmony which must exist between Science and Religion 2. Unity Of Science and Religion 3. International Conference on the Unity of the Sciences)
