Science And Religion: Where The Debate Really Is

Let’s keep this simple. Science (the scientific method) is a tool available for anybody to use to help decide which explanations of observable events are the best so we can accept them as true. Religions are human organizations whose members hold an allegiance to statements of belief which they accept as true.

Right off, you can see that a scientist’s role is one of discovery and a gradual uncovering of the unknown, however, religious leaders are bond to certain doctrinal explanations of the unknown. Scientists have faith in explanations of truth that are rational and verifiable. Members of religions can also be scientists and have faith in many rational explanations of truth, but if a rational explanation conflicts with any of their religious beliefs, then their religious doctrine takes precedence, even if it is irrational. In fact, members may be expected to accept on faith some religions dogma (such as virgin birth, bodily resurrection, etc.) because they are irrational.

At this point I would like to suggest there is no real debate between science and religion because they are what they are. I think these first two paragraphs present what is perceived as the tension between science and religion.  I, personally, am even willing to concede to each perspective whatever one would wish to claim. If you see truth as defined by science, I will accept that. If you see truth as defined by your religious beliefs or any mix of science and religion, I will accept that, too.

So where is the debate? I think it resides in our minds. I think the internal debate each of us has begins emerging when we first become aware of questions that don’t appear to have clear, final answers. What is life? What has meaning? What happens when I die? Why do bad things happen? Each of us faces these questions and one way or another has to decide how to answer them.

When we have that debate within ourselves we face a major question. How well can I handle not knowing all the answers at the end of all my questions? If you realize that most of life is beyond your capacity to understand, but still you stand open to learn all you can, then science could become an exciting and fulfilling part of your life, including your religious life. 

       If, however, not having answers to some fundamental questions makes you feel uncomfortable, unsettled, or even fearful, you might decide you need a life perspective that has greater certainty. Religions were designed and created to do that, so religion may provide you more of that confidence than science. Most of us simply strike a tolerable balance between what we see as rational and irrational thinking.

Yes, there is a debate, but it’s not on the outside between science and religion. It is an inner debate between those ideas in your own mind that make you feel confident in the face of the unknown and those other ideas that make you fearful of the unknown. However, neither science nor religion has individual consciousness. You do. So, the decision is yours to make. In the meantime, the activities of science and religion will continue on just being what they are, no more and no less. 

Whatever you decide will be your reality. May it include love, wisdom, knowledge, and happiness.