Is it possible for religion and science to co – exist?
Scientific findings and religious beliefs are normally quite separate. Science deals with the study of nature, its forces, processes and development. It is based on the analysis of evidence. It assumes, as a working hypothesis, that processes and events happen due to natural causes, not through divine intervention. It rarely intrudes in matters of morality, the existence and nature of deity, spirituality etc. Religion deals with matters of faith. Its main basis is often revelation from a deity, morally transmitted from generation to generation, recorded in sacred text or revealed to individuals through prayer. Most faith groups teach of the existence of one or more deities who created the universe and continue to play a major role in managing it sometimes bypassing the laws of nature to create miracles. A main function of religion is to teach moral principles, mankind’s relationship to the gods or goddesses, behavior towards other human, spiritual matters etc. The main battles between religion and science are in areas in which they overlap. Generally speaking in these areas of overlap: when religious claims are evaluated using scientific methods they are found to be false, when scientific claims are evaluated using the methods of faith, they are also found to be false. Religion relies on authority from a person, book or tradition and its truth are supposed to be universal and eternal. But in science, the authority is in the evidence and reasoning, which are always open to challenge, so sciences truth is relative and tentative. A scientific investigation starts with a question and tries to reach a conclusion by finding evidence and applying reason. A theological investigation, though, starts with a conclusion and tries to wiggle around any impediments of evidence and logic in order to justify that conclusion. But the question is: is it possible for religion and science to co exist?