Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Science vs Religion


I have heard many people say that they compartmentalize science and religion separately. I think that this is done because both are different ways that man uses to explain our surrounds and often times they conflict. Why should these two fields of thought be compartmentalized? Assuming that there is a God who controls this whole world like the majority of the world population thinks, the two should go hand in hand. Science should confirm the things of religion. When science and religion don't see eye to eye on certain things then it can only logically lead to one conclusion; at least one of them is wrong. Both of them could be wrong, but both cannot be right. So where do we put our trust? Many view God, the leader of their religion, as an all knowing, all powerful being that far surpasses our intellectual capability. This view, assuming their religion actually is led by god, has caused many to reject science concluding that man's finite mind cannot understand the things of God and therefore we should trust only our religion and be very skeptical of science when a conflict arises. Who is to say that God doesn't have his hand in science? Assuming that god is the source of all truth, he has his hand in anything that presents truth. So which can and should be more trusted? I believe science, and here are some reasons why.

First lets get some definitions as to what science and religion actually are:

Religion: An organized collection of beliefs, cultural systems, and world views that relate humanity to the supernatural, and to spirituality. -Wikipedia

Science:  A systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe. -Wikipedia



Reasons why science should be trusted over religion:

  1. Science will admit that they are wrong Sitting a pharmacology class a few years ago the teacher emphasized that only about 50% of the things that he would be teaching us was true. He went on to point out that the problem was that he didn't know which 50% it was. Compare this to religion where people will stand up and say, "I know my message is true". Science is a process of hypothesis and tests. Hypothesis are basically logical guesses as to why something is the way it is. Hypothesis are always followed by tests that either confirm or reject them. Science isn't ever presented in a black and white view but rather as a probability to be further evaluated. Being unable to accept the fact that the way you see things is wrong creates a system that is extremely vulnerable to falsehoods. 
  2. Science welcomes critical examination. Before a researcher's work can even be published in a credible journal it must be reviewed by multiple experts in the field. They ensure that the information that is presented is built upon principles that are supported by previous research and that if a concept isn't supported it is clearly stated to be an unsupported assumption. They present the exact method of how they performed their test, a discussion on how they interpreted their results and their conclusion. Once published this information is invited to be tested by other researchers and built upon. If the test included bias' or errors they are discussed publicly. Religion on the other hand completely discourages and avoids doubtful questioning. They focus only on information that supports their case and promotes faith. Not allowing critical examination and refusing to admit that they are wrong opens up religion to conformation biases which produce false information. 
  3. Science is a worldwide effort not lead by one person or group. There isn't one person or organization that dictates what science should look into or accepts and rejects things. Science is a worldwide effort. Ideas are presented, evaluated, confirmed, repeated and build upon by completely separate organizations. Religion on the other hand is most often lead by one group or person. This person claiming to be closer to god that all others because they were chosen to be some sort of mouthpiece for god or enlightened. Allowing someone to be a leader and not critically questioning what is being said makes one extremely vulnerable to false information and abuse.
  4. Science is testable. Science is a process that quantifies information. The process of science is used to investigate everything, including aspects of religion. My belief is that this world is controlled today by the same laws and powers that have existed since the beginning. Claims from long ago can, and should be, tested today. Religion is based on things that are not testable, not verifiable and stated as truth. Testing things of god is discouraged in many instances. Religion is based on happenings that were recorded long ago in limited detail from unknown sources at unknown times. Not being able to, or allowed to, test aspects of religion makes one vulnerable to accepting false information.
One can reject religion while not rejecting the concept of God. However, when it comes to learning about our universe (which in doing so should help us better learn about God) I believe that placing our trust in only religion puts people at great risk for rejecting or avoiding information provided by science that helps us better understand our surroundings. For those who continue to include religion in their life the balance can be difficult and I wish you the best. 

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