Is it possible for religion and science to co - exist?

        Isaac Newton created a philosophical idea called “God of the Gaps”, this idea shows one way in which science and religion can work together in harmony. Newton referred to the universe as a long – case clock with cogs, springs and levers all working together. To explain any aspect of the universe required only observation, it was no longer necessary to rely on an external authority. Newton proposed that Gods role was simply to make minor adjustments rather like the clockmaker returning to regulate the movement of his clock. God’s role was reduced to explaining only those things which science could not explain, hence why it is called “God of the Gaps”. Newton felt that this system fitted his Christian worldview. The mechanical order (science) of the universe reflected the perfections of its maker. This theory suggests that it is possible for science and religion to co exist. Even Albert Einstein believed that it was possible. He quoted that “After religious teachers accomplish the refining process indicated, they would surely recognize with joy that true religion has been ennobled and made more profound by scientific knowledge”.

        Keith Ward believed that religion aims to provide a theological explanation for the universe, rather than a causal explanation. The final explanation if why the universe should have come into being is beyond the scope of science. Scientific discoveries have added to the claims of theology by opening up an ever more complex explanation of the universe. Adam Ford agreed and argued that scientific theories were being discussed in religion long before the birth of modern science. While the universe appears to be subject to random chance, it is still a part of a game whose rules were formulated by God. Everything in the universe is subject to Gods will, not jus at the point of Creation, but throughout history. The more science discovers about the world, the more we discover about God.

        However Sigmund Freud disagreed with the statement that science and religion can co exist. In the Future of an illusion Freud argued that religion arises from a fear of a chaotic and un ordered world. A person’s resolution of this traumatic perception of the world is to project onto it their memory of their father, who provided a world of order and regularity while they were a child. Religious faith is therefore an illusion based on wishful thinking rather than reality. If this were true that would mean religion would be out of the picture and would leave science on top.  

        On the opposite side of the argument religion would fight back and argue that God gives humanity meaning and purpose. Science cannot do this. However some religious followers would argue that science is just evidence for the laws of nature that God has designed and created the universe. It proves that God created the universe as such design and togetherness in the world cannot be down to chance, as science believes it to be. If science accepted this, this would mean that science and religion can co – exist.  

         In conclusion science and religion are often not in conflict. Theologians don’t care much about the tensile strength of steel when they have church buildings built. Scientists are generally not particularly interested in the functions of a soul. But sometimes religion and science and religion overlap. Each then generally puts forth conflicting beliefs on the same topic. I.e. the beginning of the universe. One thing is common in both religion and science, which is they are both moving and evolving their theories to the changes and discoveries of today. So the answer to can religion and science co exist is left down to each individuals opinion and there is no right or wrong answer.