Can Science and Religion Coexist?
Can science and religion coexist?
The contention between science and religion has been an issue of debate for decades. The relationship between religion and science has been a focus of the demarcation problem. Somewhat related is the claim that science and religion may pursue knowledge using different methodologies. The scientific method relies on reason and empiricism while religion acknowledges revelation, faith and sacredness. Some scholars said that science and religion should be separate as one is a fairy tale and the other is backed by evidence. Thus, they cannot be united in harmony. However, for me, science and religion can coexist as they actually do different things. Also, both work for the betterment of human and thus, interconnection can actually form between science and religion. Furthermore as long as people can compartmentalise and separate spiritual beliefs from empirical facts, science and religion can actually coexist. Some extremist scientists argue that science is based on observation and supported by lots of evidence which cannot be clouded by spiritual beliefs. A lot of things that are considered right under religion are later being debunked by science. However, some religious groups claim that science is merely a bunch of wishful temporary theories waiting to be debunked and cannot hold a candle to the truth of divine revelation. Genetic manipulation is such a prominent example which demonstrates how science and religion contradict each other. Some years ago, what was almost a dogma was that God create human beings and the environment shapes one’s personality. However, the genetic science is trying to replace this theory as our genes actually create us and determine our personality a lot. Some religious groups criticize that scientists are playing the God and they warn that the wielding power to alter human nature by genetic means is dangerous and human beings will face disastrous consequence for their inconsiderate behavior . *
The contention between science and religion has been an issue of debate for decades. The relationship between religion and science has been a focus of the demarcation problem. Somewhat related is the claim that science and religion may pursue knowledge using different methodologies. The scientific method relies on reason and empiricism while religion acknowledges revelation, faith and sacredness. Some scholars said that science and religion should be separate as one is a fairy tale and the other is backed by evidence. Thus, they cannot be united in harmony. However, for me, science and religion can coexist as they actually do different things. Also, both work for the betterment of human and thus, interconnection can actually form between science and religion. Furthermore as long as people can compartmentalise and separate spiritual beliefs from empirical facts, science and religion can actually coexist. Some extremist scientists argue that science is based on observation and supported by lots of evidence which cannot be clouded by spiritual beliefs. A lot of things that are considered right under religion are later being debunked by science. However, some religious groups claim that science is merely a bunch of wishful temporary theories waiting to be debunked and cannot hold a candle to the truth of divine revelation. Genetic manipulation is such a prominent example which demonstrates how science and religion contradict each other. Some years ago, what was almost a dogma was that God create human beings and the environment shapes one’s personality. However, the genetic science is trying to replace this theory as our genes actually create us and determine our personality a lot. Some religious groups criticize that scientists are playing the God and they warn that the wielding power to alter human nature by genetic means is dangerous and human beings will face disastrous consequence for their inconsiderate behavior . *