Creationism vs Evolution

                                            

  Creationism vs Evolution 

 

 Are humans the result of Intelligent Design or random chance?

     

          There shouldn’t  be a dispute between religion and science concerning the origin of life on earth and how it evolved over time. Religion supports that God created life and above all human beings in His image, man and woman. Observing the physical visible world we can perceive His omnipotence i.e. His creative power and wisdom. However, there are so many things which we cannot really grasp about God’s creating a vast cosmos, his plan and motivation. Science’s approach about the creation of the world is based on measurable physical laboratorial evidence related to matter, so taking distance from religion or any sentimental emotional approach. We cannot arbitrarily exclude God from the process of evolution i.e. because we might be atheists. It is an accepted fact nowadays that the Bible uses symbols and metaphors in many cases in order to define time or explain things. One “day” could be thousands of years in the long process of creation. This is only one small example that these two fields can agree on many matters and not oppose each other. 

Fossils prove that evolution is a natural phenomenon that cannot be questioned, while faith is a human phenomenon that is being expressed throughout religious history and is being observed in people’s life and action. Both creationism and evolution have a common basis that doesn’t allow them to undermine each other, but to support each other. We can see “fossils” of faith recorded in human history and tradition throughout the world, from time immemorial. There is an ungodly evolution and a theistic evolution that  justifiably believes that the  God-Creator must be involved in everything and that also includes evolution. Creation follows a purpose and God is the guiding force behind that purpose. Otherwise, how could it be explained that the human being was created at the end of a long circle of time right at the point when everything was there ready to welcome the appearance of man. “This most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being.” - Isaac Newton (1642-1727), Principia (1687) The power of religion cannot be put above the power of a God-Creator whose attributes haven’t fully been revealed by religion. However, it is also appropriate to describe God according to Christian faith, Father or Parent, rather than to totally disclose God from human affairs. A parental figure cannot be abstract. “I belong to the group of scientists who do not subscribe to a conventional religion but nevertheless deny that the universe is a purposeless accident. Through my scientific work I have come to believe more and more strongly that the physical universe is put together with an ingenuity so astonishing that I cannot accept it merely as a brute fact. There must, it seems to me, be a deeper level of explanation. Whether one wishes to call that deeper level ‘God’ is a matter of taste and definition.”

– Paul Davies

Βοth sides, religion and science agree that the cosmos and life are astonishing and mind-boggling. It’s not possible to explain life by sheer scientific knowledge. You cannot but feel fascinated by the incredible harmony, biodiversity and variety in nature, the duality and interconnections within the ecosystems and the relationships surrounded by incredible beauty, and interdependence. And all that should be the result of random chance? To believe that let us follow this analogy, imagine that in a store house there is a sudden explosion and the result is a wonderful mansion with a beautiful garden and swimming pool! Does it make sense? However, if that happens, and you are just an observer who happens to receive this gift of a mansion with a swimming pool, wouldn’t you wish to meet the donor of this property and relate to him as a sign of gratitude. My common sense is affirmative, and I would like to meet that person face to face and express my feelings to him. “They are two windows through which we look at the world. Religion deals with our relationship with our creator, with each other, the meaning and purpose of life, and moral values; science deals with the make-up of matter, expansion of galaxies, evolution of organisms. They deal with different ways of knowing. I feel that science is compatible with religious faith in a personal, omnipotent and benevolent God.”- Francisco Ayala, Evolutionary Geneticist

This debate is endless, because it encapsulates two crucial perspectives which are our trust and acceptance towards science as something tangible and measurable and our approach to religion which incorporates a spiritual dimension that requires faith and spiritual perception. Is there any spirituality in science? It all depends on the worldview and the orientation of the researcher and scientist, if he/she is a devotee or not. Having said so, it is what makes the difference between an atheist and a believer. By the same token, the very essence and meaning of science is knowledge and knowledge should lead to wisdom and higher awareness of the world we live in. Interestingly, the essence and meaning of religion is associated with the connection to God through a love relationship, a very word you won’t find in science. However, it’s only the essence of love which can save the world, lead to a higher awareness and wisdom and finally to peace, inner peace and world peace. This is the difference between science and faith. Nevertheless, true world peace can only be realised if the two sides come together and follow the pathway of convergence and unity.  

        

Diplomacy and Politics

      Diplomacy and Politics

• According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary,“diplomacy is the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations and handling affairs without arousing hostility.”  However, diplomacy is much more than this short definition, because it expands and encapsulates a long array of affairs and issues that need diplomacy to be resolved. The art of negotiating is the pivotal power of diplomacy in order to resolve disputes and crises, sign treaties, agreements and promote economic relations and also foster cultural relationships between nations. It is known that diplomatic relations between nations play an important role in the world today and contribute to bringing the world closer together, avoid tensions and enable better communication and cooperation. In many cases, it is often through the tool of diplomacy that critical conflicts and wars have been avoided by means of diplomacy. An entity that expresses the meaning of diplomacy is the United Nations Organization (UNO) which stands for the ideals of democracy and the human values that is guarantor for world peace and cooperation. However, in recent years it has lost its reputation and needs to restore its identity and worldwide acceptance. 

  
  
  

  Diplomacy cannot be limited to simply conducting negotiations to achieve an agreement or resolve a problem. Diplomacy is the art of bringing together two parties that need a mediator in order to start dealing with each other and come together. Diplomacy is refined language, tactfulness, empathy, common understanding, willingness to listen to the other party, accept the rules and readiness to make concessions in order to achieve a higher goal like peace.  “These, then, are the qualities of my ideal diplomatist. Truth, accuracy, calm, patience, good temper, modesty and loyalty. They are also the qualities of an ideal diplomacy. But, the reader may object, you have forgotten intelligence, knowledge, discernment, prudence, hospitality, charm, industry, courage and even tact. I have not forgotten them. I have taken them for granted.” Harold Nicholson

  
  

  We can easily say that diplomacy begins at home because it is always a means of persuasion, reconciliation and agreement. Parents can apply this tactic sweetened by love and care. If we are willing to avoid conflict and confrontation, we need to apply such tactics and do it with honesty and sincere interest. Never hurt the other party is always a prerequisite to create the conditions which will enable dialogue. “A world without dialogue is a universe of darkness. If people don't get together and share views and exchange ideas, they remain unaware, ignorant, and unconscious. As they live in a space that they don't understand, everything becomes meaningless, incoherent, and forcefully scary. If fear rules our lives, we lose the core of our being, since 'fear' is disrupting the schedule of our existence, and blocks the waves of the good vibrations. ("Beware of the neighbour")”― Erik Pevernagie. Diplomacy without dialogue is like a beautiful tree without fruits. Communication is essential and the beginning of a relationship regardless of the level; starting from the individual, societal or international affairs. Therefore, diplomacy and communication are the vehicles to improve and promote sound dialogue and negotiations which are the warrant to avoid conflict and war and establish peace between two parties.  Along with dialogue, there should be the willingness to open up and break the ice. 

  
  

  Diplomacy without dialogue is like a beautiful tree without fruits. Dialogue and communication are the tools to create a bond, a relationship, and if that fails, there is division and no bridge to connect the two parties.   Therefore diplomacy and good will  can offer solutions and assistance. One needs to be well equipped with the right attitude and disposition and eliminate any selfish and egocentric mindset in order to win the trust of the other party and be convincing as a good partner. As it is known attitudes affect partners and in diplomacy especially we need to approach the other side with honesty and deep understanding. Crucial decisions have lasting effects and some moments in life can create permanent impact for long periods when dealing with peace issues. (Where people of goodwill get together and transcend their differences for the common good, peaceful and just solutions can be found even for those problems which seem most intractable). — Nelson Mandela

  
  

  Human beings are the most sensitive beings, and it often takes only an awkward  or clumsy word or action to damage a relationship. Therefore, we need to use a method which can create a good atmosphere and good fellowship, and it is there where diplomacy and good will become increasingly evident that above all we are here for a supreme cause and we are accountable to bring it to pass. For this to happen, we need to transcend our limits and overcome our fears in terms of our narrow scope of world or national affairs. If we want to make an omelette we need to break the eggs, therefore we shouldn’t be hesitant to stride forward with absolute determination and decisiveness. 

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Sustainable Development

                             Implementing Sustainable Development

                                

Everybody should know by now about the meaning of sustainability as it directly affects our life and the future generations. It’s our responsibility to secure a balance, so that economic growth, environmental concerns and humankind’s well-being are safeguarded. Our planet Earth in spite of its immense resources has already reached its limits. We should not compromise the survival of future generations by ignoring the basic principles that govern the universe and it’s there where sustainability acquires meaning. The natural resources which are available now, will soon come to an end, and it is becoming increasingly critical for the population of the earth to survive. Solar renewable energy, wind power plants, and hydropower are the most effective renewable energy resources that offer green energy and can contribute to creating an environment that is healthy and friendly to humans. 

Our small planet is at risk and sending continuous warnings of its clinical condition that is critical and dangerous. Global warming, climate change, air pollution, environmental pollution, wildfires, iceberg melting, sea level rise, deforestation etc. are serious issues that we have to face and resolve. “The sustainability revolution will, hopefully, be the third major social and economic turning point in human history, following the Neolithic Revolution – moving from hunter-gathering to farming – and the Industrial Revolution.” - King Charles What is most important in resolving such issues is our mentality and responsibility. We cannot exclude ourselves from the healing process that is needed and have to think we are part of the problem and have a collective responsibility toward our fellow man and our vital environment. Economic growth and development shouldn’t happen by means of vital environmental violations and disrespectful practices towards our planet. Our well-being and health are more important than economic indexes and development.  

In regard to modern technology and today's efforts to minimize the use of fossil fuels by replacing them with environmentaly friendly resources, humankind is facing new challenges and impasses. Let's take the example referring to the introduction of electric cars whose batteries are produced by the use of rare earth elements which contain complex components like nickel, lithium, graphite and cobalt. All these materials are very difficult to find and mine from the earth. When the goal is to reduce the levels of pollution in the air, water and soil this goal cannot be achieved if the processes to extract such materials are causing increased pollution to the environment in order to separate these materials from the soil. Τhe result is a complete fiasco. Sustainable development is a must and the way to achieve it should correspond to human principles and values and not jeopardize the prosperity of future generations and the planet. The same is true with the use of wind turbines at a time when a lot of cities around the world are planning to build a large number of them at the city limits or at the mountains surrounding the cities. Some of disadvantages of wind turbines are that cause low-level noise affecting people's health headaches etc., are harmful to wildlife causing thousands of deaths to birds, are aesthetically displeasing etc. So, renewable energy sources should be implemented with care and caution. “Anything else you're interested in is not going to happen if you can't breathe the air and drink the water. Don't sit this one out. Do something. You are by accident of fate alive at an absolutely critical moment in the history of our planet.” - Carl Sagan.

Science and modern technology are tools which can contribute to improving human life conditions and creating more environment - friendly products, technological and industrial equipment. Unfortunately, we experience every day that humans behave as if this planet is their property and thereby ignore the fact that this planet is God’s Creation and a gift to us which includes the meaning of a good and dignified administration and respect towards people and all goods and assets. As long as the leading nations of this world act independently, and not in unison with them in terms of resolving the increasingly challenging issues of the world; there is no hope for improvement with lasting effects. The world community should be in the position to tackle any challenge with success and offer a hope that we can guarantee a secure future for the generations to come. The huge gap between the rich and the poor should no longer be so threatening for those in need who cannot survive and live a decent life in a world that is dramatically changing through the amazing effects of the application of modern technology.  “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.”   — Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States

Our world needs indeed an ethical and moral philosophy that links to the religious values that have nourished the people throughout history and have been able to advocate and establish profound values like brotherhood, solidarity, peace and cooperation. This is the quintessence that can unite the world despite our religious, cultural and social differences. The world or world village is a unified body, and if one small part of the body is hurt and feels ache, the holy body aches and feels unconfortable. This might show together we can face all challenges and create a world community where everybody feels connected, accepted and above all welcome to participate as a member of the same big family in which we are all included despite all our differences.

Conflict Resolution

     

Conflict Resolution

 

Ever since the beginning of humankind, conflict has been a part of human experience and a daunting task as for the way to resolve it in a peaceful manner. What is actually the origin of conflict and what can be done in order to avoid that to happen? According to the Scriptures the first conflict appeared in the Garden of Eden, since Adam & Eve failed to follow God’s Commandment and disobeyed God. God had to expel them from Paradise and they were alienated and separated from God. The story of Cain and Abel is the first serious conflict situation and crime  that was not resolved peacefully and ended dramatically and tragically in fratricide. Actually, the conflict starts with me as an individual and expands exponentially within human society and the world. As long as the problem is not resolved in oneself i.e. in its root, there won’t be any solution to the problem. 

Potentially good people with integrity of character and mature personality are not vulnerable in getting involved in conflict situations and can master such situations successfully. Usually people who grow up in bad environments like broken families, ghettos or gangs are susceptible to developing violent characters and evil habits. In contrast, people who are born in good loving families and receive affection, attention and value tend to be well equipped in front of challenges that involve violence and conflict. A conflict won’t necessarily lead to a fight or confrontation, if the two parties know how to negotiate and are willing to find a solution. It’s always imperative to respect your opponent and be eager to look at things from a higher point of view. It is always within our reach to avoid conflicts or resolve them, provided we are inclined to make a concession and compromise. “Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

The reason we often fail to find a solution or agreement is personal or national interests, arrogance and lack of understanding as for the other side. Under the surface is usually selfishness that causes a conflict to arise. Therefore a self check about our motives is always the best method to prevent such a development and avoid any conflict on its outset. One major factor of conflicts has to do with communication, mistrust and misunderstanding. Often we take things for granted and do not confess or communicate our thoughts and plans to the people directly associated with us. Frankness and honesty are two very effective approaches to bring about harmony in our relationships. We need to be aware of our weaknesses and admit our deficiencies and if possible confess them, then we are qualified to improve and stride forward to new lands. “When you have a conflict, that means that there are truths that have to be addressed on each side of the conflict. And when you have a conflict, then it's an educational process to try to resolve the conflict. And to resolve that, you have to get people on both sides of the conflict involved so that they can dialogue.” – Dolores Huerta

The opposite of conflict is the pursuit of peace. If we experience peace in ourselves, there is no room for conflict and confrontation. A person that has grown up in a loving family and has experienced this life-changing experience of affection, appreciation and warmth by his parents and siblings has learned maybe the best lesson in his life and feels secure and confident to resolve whatever problem comes across according to this peaceful formula that has to do with sound human relations and strong mutual bonds. To violate such a concept of being and becoming would be as choosing to be self-destructive and a rejection to human identity and value. If you don’t want (hate) evil and relate to it or have developed an aversion against it, then it would be most unusual to get involved in critical and confrontational situations. Even if you were  engaged in such a conflict, you would know how to handle and master it without resorting to violence and arguments. “Conflict forces us to be fully present because it shatters our ego—stripping away all hope of escape or sugar coating. It removes everything that is nonessential to our authentic being; it removes all superficial layers. Conflict is painful because it wakes us up out of our created illusions. And if we lean into it, conflict can be the catalyst to our enlightenment.” – Alison Hutchinson

We should never allow ourselves to be dominated by evil feelings and emotions like anger, hate, revenge and retaliation. We do have the ability to reconcile opposite forces in ourselves and create peace of mind. Our pursuit should lead to acquisition of good and moral traits, integrity, truth, sincerity and overcome selfishness. Such qualities can harmonise our character and personality and attain a state of internal equilibrium and balance. The final stage of internal growth is to feel joy and happiness which lead us to peace and fulfillment. There can be nothing more valuable and precious than that.  

Religion vs Philosophy

              Religion vs Philosophy

Religion is based on God’s Dispensation for the Messiah and His revelation through the means of religion and it also includes religious practices, and a life of faith and prayer. In contrast philosophy is more or less the pursuit of higher knowledge or truth and a general awareness about life. Philosophy takes a critical and analytical viewpoint towards belief systems, because its approach is rational and seeks to prove and justify everything in existence. Religion  is supported by followers who are believers and usually have adopted their belief from their parents in a traditional way and haven’t been seekers of truth themselves. However, true believers are those who accept other people’s beliefs as their own and don’t want to be fanatics or hostile towards other beliefs. With philosophy there is no such antagonism and there is more respect towards other philosophies as they all have commonalities that are generally accepted without serious objections and malevolence. 

The content of a religious belief has an impact on our life because it conveys profound  values and principles which are general guidelines for a religious life. Morality and ethics are closely related to a religious lifestyle. A lot of people distinguish between religion and church, because they think church is only an institution and they see priests not necessarily as God’s representatives. The issue with christian denominations is that the pluralism of faiths contradicts its own nature that brings division instead of unity by creating antagonism and separatism. Claims that” I am the only one who is right '' and have the monopoly on truth do not help, but instead bring disunity and hostility. The fact that there are more than 400 different denominations within Christianity shows that the concept of religion is extremely subjective, strict and controversial as far as “religious correctness’’ is concerned. Jesus Christ’s thorough teachings and love concept  should serve as a catalyst that would bring unity and integration among all christian denominations. However, even though there is a willingness to converge and follow the same direction, there is a long way to go to achieve harmony and cooperation by today’s standards of a mutual endeavour. What should be learned from philosophy is the effort to express critical views without polemic and confrontation, but in respect towards other approaches to life and the theory of reality as well as ontology. 

Religion is quite knowledgeable about the situation in the world and has an answer for it. It is trying to explain why the world experiences conflict and war, immorality and suffering as well as unhappiness and despair. According to the Holy Scriptures the sin came into the world through the Original Sin or Fall of Man, a deviation that occurred in the Garden of Eden at the beginning of Human History. It is difficult to deny or dispute such truth since what happened afterwards shows exactly the contemporary miserable situation of the world. Adam and Eve failed to follow God’s Commandment (Genesis 2:17)))) and as a result were expelled from Paradise and were separated from God and continued living in alienation from Him. This failure is visible in their failed parenthood which led to bad education, self-centred love instead of true love, and as a consequence the murder of Abel by his brother Cain. This Biblical account is not a fantasy or utopia: it’s real, visible and touches upon each one of us, as members of a society from time immemorial. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, came actually to restore Adam’s failure and is therefore called, the second Adam. The mystery is we don't have clear evidence about the result! Theologians offer different and often controversial opinions about this.   

It’s wrong to believe that Religion and Philosophy cannot co-exist, because they have a different concept of the ultimate character of reality and their image  of God’s existence. Actually they are mutually inclusive as far as the pursuit of wisdom is concerned, which is a commonplace in their teachings, and if they differ in other concerns, this is their way to seek for awareness and truth. In religion revelation, worshipping and prayer practice are a source of spiritual experience and the pursuit of truth, while philosophy is using the path of intellectual research and rational reasoning in their search for truth. Philosophy by its own nature is not concerned with the existence of God or his essence and its purpose is not to attack religion, but there is a connecting point between them which is their awareness about morality and ethics. More than anything, I believe, that the connecting link between religion and philosophy is their pursuit for a higher perception and wisdom.“Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.” Albert Einstein

In conclusion, ever since the beginning and in the long course of history there have emerged a large list of religious philosophers like Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas and Leibniz along with Hegel, it proves the connection that exists between those two concepts of thought and insight. Their common link is moral values and ethics which are core elements in education and spiritual growth as well as the pursuit of maturity and integrity of character. Unless we stress those spiritual and moral core values in our education systems, there is no hope to create a sublime higher education that puts human character and integrity at the centre of their value system. It is then a matter of higher priority for our world community to work together in order to achieve the goal of a holistic educational system and approach for the sake of a sound and value oriented society for the generations to come.  

Health is Wealth

                                        Health is Wealth 

            A group of young women on a sand beach doing exercise in front of the splashing waves

Health is Wealth 

Firstly, we need to become more sensitised about health issues like wellness, medical awareness, prevention, a balanced diet, regular exercise, etc. What is your health worth? Health is priceless and invaluable, and there is no comparison to its value. Actually, a lot of people realise it after they have been sick or have some serious health issue. Health is such a crucial issue in our life that we should be more aware of its importance for the sake of our well-being. We live in an environment which is becoming increasingly polluted and insecure, if not unstable and perilous. Four important factors that greatly affect our lives are food, environment, diseases and stress. 

The ancient Greek philosopher Thales (Miletus, 624 – 546 BC), from Miletus stated a famous quote:’’A sound mind in a sound body” which signifies the sound relationship that has to be cultivated between the mind and body. Health is complete only if it relates to both: mind and body in oneness and in harmonious balance creates joy and happiness. In order to appreciate ourselves and the profound meaning of life itself, we need to feel its immense value with gratitude and not to take it for granted. Life is such a gift, and it was granted to us by our Creator God for free, of course through our own parents as His tools. Furthermore, the benefits that come with the application of such a healthy lifestyle, both mentally and physically are amazing if we only think how valuable it is to enjoy an increased self-esteem, better mood, mental alertness and an overall wellbeing and performance. The mind should be in a position to dictate and have the body follow and apply the mind's commands. An educated mind with high moral standards and ethics would be the guide to implement such values in life and society. 

To pursue and achieve mind-body unity and balance is a cherished goal that, when attained, fills a person with confidence and a sense of achievement. Of course, this is a process that requires several stages of growth to reach the expected standard of mental, emotional and physical completion and maturity. “If you want to feel connected to your own purpose, know this for certain: Your purpose will only be found in service to others, and in being connected to something far greater than your mind/body/ego.” Wayne Dyer   In order for our mind to spiritually grow, it needs the parental attachment that is expressed through parental love, warmth and acceptance. When you embrace your baby as God’s entrusted gift to you, expressed through his divine grace, then there is no doubt that this child will grow in the most ideal place, under the best possible conditions to achieve maturity and excellence in life. Any of us who haven’t had such profound emotional, affectionate and heartwarming experiences are surely deprived of such touching, life-changing experiences. And it’s absolutely true that we cannot give what we don’t have. Simply put, you cannot give love if you haven’t received or experienced love in your life, especially as a kid. Education starts at home and within the family, which is the school and beehive of emotional health, love and acceptance. 

Ηealth is a unique gift from Heaven and we should cherish it and not take it for granted. Our body is a holy sanctuary and God’s Temple according to Jesus Christ. And we have an explicit command not to abuse it. 1 Corinthians 6:19 “You know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God, don't you? You do not belong to yourselves.” Unfortunately, the majority of people spend their lives without the awareness of value and identity that defines a true human being as God’s creation whatsoever. Even though our purpose and value is given and set by the Divine, we are those who are supposed to have the awareness of self value and give value to our actions and especially raise the value and status of the people surrounding us. “To get rich never risk your health. For it is the truth that health is the wealth of wealth.” – Richard Baker 

How grateful one should be to have been born without any serious health problems and be happy to enjoy life as a physically unimpaired and wholesome individual. How many of our fellow men cannot enjoy life because they are crippled, disabled mentally or physically? We should always have a good attitude, empathy and understanding towards such people. They should feel accepted, embraced,  understood  and equally treated by all members of society.  

Religion vs Science

  
  Religion vs Science

Medieval wall painting displaying the glory of Heaven with angels and other spiritual beings

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)