Christian Concerns
For The Environment
As the Bible states that we have the occupation of maintaining the earth, ‘and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth’, Christians might have some extreme views concerning the environment. If their requests aren’t met, they might resort to violence/aggression to protect the atmosphere. If any person had similar views to that of the Bible, they would most probably opt to follow and aggressive route if their demands aren’t met. Even though religion generally teaches forgiveness, etc, they usually oversee these traditions. A religious person would treat the world with great respect and care, not harming. They would believe that it’s their responsibility because the Bible states we have authority and accountability over the whole planet. Religion does have quite an impact on the opinion of environmentalists; they would have to use non-violent methods to carry their message; God forbids violence/murder. Although there are many other forms of expressing feelings towards the environment, the focal technique is protesting. These aren’t always effective and generally break down in ot violence and arrests, but they do play a significant part in the way the rest of the world sees and treats the planet. Other ways of practising their beliefs are distributing leaflets, holding meetings, mentioning matters in Church, etc. Back to the protests, there are organisations, which are designed specifically to defend the milieu. Examples of these administrations are, Greenpeace and the Rainbow Warriors. In the past, such assemblies of people have put a stop to pollution and use of nuclear power/weapons. They have managed to sustain ‘green-belts’ and prevent damage of e.g. rainforests. These sort of groups don’t require subscription/membership; you aren’t lumbered to follow every beck and call of leaders.
Are Science and
Religion Opposite?
Science is the study of the Universe. It searches to explain anomalies using theories and hypothesis’. It deals with elements of the Cosmos which can be proved; things which are verifiable. To sum up the meaning of the word science, it explains how.
Religion also teaches about the Universe, but in a different perspective. It uses faith and belief to explain what happens to us during life, death and the afterlife. A religion usually has a God, with the exception of Buddhism. Although many of its teachings can’t be proved, billions of people choose to follow them.
Some people believe that you have to believe in either science or religion, not both. The main reason for this, is that in most cases, religious and scientific perceptions seem to clash. The best example for this issue, is the Theory of Evolution. Science has used this very probable theory to explain the existence of living beings of today. Charles Darwin’s hypothesis says how creatures have evolved to suit environments, etc. Religion states that a Supreme Being created the world. To quote the Bible, ‘God saw that it was good.’ This urges the question, why would God create something, which He saw was perfect, and then change it to improve it. Therefore, either religion or science is accurate, not both.
As previously stated, people think it’s sensible to choose either of the two routes, as some of their ideas clash. If you broaden your perspective, however, it is possible that religion and science are closely linked. For example, the founder of the Theory of Evolution, Charles Darwin, also believed in God. We know this due his publication of Origin of The Species, ‘
It is possible that God intended to make this creation at a certain stage of development, and he might have wanted the world to develop under it’s own rule. It is possible, therefore, that religion and science are concurrent. Many famous scientists believed in God as well, e.g. Albert Einstein. It is understandable.
Personal Conclusion
I personally regard religion and science to be contemporaneous. This is because I have been brought up in a Sikh household. Therefore, I have a Sikh perspective. However, as we are always faced with science, it has become a major element of my thinking, especially when concerning the Universe and it’s origin. To put my outlook manifestly, science explains how, religion explains why.
By Surjeet Mann
