Science and Religion
Introduction: We live in an age of
science. But religion is a belief in a higher unseen controlling power. They have
a reciprocal relationship. Science is the most in-formidable truth in human
history. Perhaps, this is the most obvious reason. Some people would like to
prove the authenticity of religion by illustrating scientific theories that
are otherwise completely incompatible with relation.
Science and Religion: Science deals with
the material world that we know, Religion is concerned with a divine order that
we imagine. Science depends on reason, religion, and institution. The scientist
bases himself on material facts; religion takes its stand on spiritual ideas.
The scientist works in the laboratory of the material world; the religion
teacher probes into the recesses of the inward mind. The goal of science is
achievement and that of religion is realization.
Basis of civilization: Modern
civilization is based on science. In every sphere of modern life, science is an
inevitable reality. It is beyond one’s imagination how many people are nowadays
under the influence of science and technology. In the material world, we cannot
remain isolated for a moment from science. But men have to lead a spiritual
life in addition to their material lives. To a human being, nothing is as true
as death. We do not know where we have come from and where we shall have to go.
History of theology: Scientific theories
do not have any paradox or contradiction. Unlike the philosophy of
science, religion is divided into a thousand ways of faith, based on millions of
different roots. The history of theology talks about monotheistic religions. All
old religions including Hinduism preached in their prime of many Gods and
Goddesses. But at present, almost all religions preach the oneness of God. The repercussions
of science such as the threat of global warming, depletion of the ozone layer, etc., and
modern lethal arsenals such as nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons,
ballistic missiles, etc. can be dead by science itself. The degeneration of
these curses of science can be prevented by more scientific research. Religion
brought peace in human souls which are, however, pathetically vulnerable to the
fears of death and other mysteries of life.
Man’s belief: It has to be admitted
that man believes in religion absolutely. It would be impossible for him to
take that material world seriously and life would cease to function. Fortunately,
a compromise is made; man pays lip service to religion and God, and then
gives himself up to worldly things. This leads him to practice unconsciously a
whole series of fraudulence. He lives a kind of double lie. He condemns worldly
goods and devotes himself to accumulating riches. He preaches love and goes on
making wars. He believes in mortality, yet continues to regard death as evil. His relation
teaches him to worship God within himself, yet he makes a display of it.
Fundamental opposition: Science and
religion seem to go on side by side but there is a fundamental opposition
between science and religion. Religion would be sought by men as long as there
remains a feeling of helplessness before the necessity of turning to something
for some sort of help and solace. Hence science and religion will maintain
their paralleled courses which, however, will never be covered.
Conclusion: At present religion
supports scientific developments. In Europe, churches executed many researchers
and scientists. There are other stories of science and religion together. A lot
of books have been written to balance science and religion.
