Things To Consider Today

Philosophy 101 : True Science And Religion Are In Harmony With Each Other 

Many people today see a conflict between science and religion. In simple terms, here is how they think. If you have a scientific perspective, then you can’t be a religious person too. After all, science is based upon physical evidence and experiments to demonstrate truths. This makes it easier for people to accept its conclusions or results. Religion on the other hand is based on beliefs. It is harder to demonstrate or prove things in religion. Thus, there is more diversity in religious thought and beliefs. Therefore, science should be accepted when it’s in conflict with religion on any particular point, law or principle.

Science has more credibility than religion for several reasons. It is taught in the schools. Young people learn about science while growing up and see its application in the world around them. It has a direct impact on their thinking and the lifestyle they live. Science is used in business to produce new and better products. It is used in fields like medicine to come up with new drugs and new cures for diseases. Governments will spend money on scientific projects. In contrast, religion is not tolerated in the schools of most secular societies. Many children are not exposed to religious training while growing up. Religion is not linked to the production of new products, nor to new cures in medicine. Secular governments do not support religious projects nor get involved with the religious beliefs of its citizens.

As I look around the world today, I can seen many good things because of scientific advances. Many advances have been made through science and technology each year. Any country that expects to keep up in a competitive global economy must stress scientific advancement and the educational achievement which supports it.

Personally I like science. I got good grades in both math and science classes in middle school and high school. I got a college degree in engineering and worked in that field for many years professionally. I like the scientific method. If anyone wants to talk to me about science, I have an open mind and am willing to learn.

Now let us talk about religion. I have many religious beliefs and they have just as much impact on my life as science. Why is this so? Let me explain it this way. Science deals with the physical and natural world in which we live. In other words it is limited to this realm or it has boundaries. Unfortunately for science, life also has a spiritual dimension as well as a physical one. Religion deals with the spiritual dimension and science deals with the physical dimension. One does not rule out the other. Instead they actually support one another and this is how they should be viewed.

The problem is that errors and mistakes enter into both science and religion. In science there are theories which are accepted now and later proved false. There is evidence gathered and misinterpreted. This leads to wrong conclusions, even with the scientific approach. In religion there are beliefs that are true and beliefs that are not true. The challenge in religion is to sort out beliefs that are true and can stand the test of time, and then discard false beliefs and traditions. In essence, both science and religion have truths, as well as false concepts and teachings.

The keyword to focus on is truth. Truth is a knowledge of things as they were, as they are, and as they will be. In other words, truth does not change with time. It is not based on culture, race or gender. Truth is independent to stand in its own sphere. If something is true in science, it never conflicts with something that is true in religion. Likewise if something is true in religion, it never conflicts with something that is true in science. Something that is true in one scientific field does not conflict with something that is true in another scientific field. Something that is true in one religion or one church, does not conflict with something that is true in another religion or another church. Unfortunately, people are exposed to some false scientific ideas and false religious beliefs which are in conflict with each other. This leads people to think that science and religion are in conflict which is not the case.

Once truth is understood and accepted, then it’s up to each individual to seek after it. This will result in more advancements in science and less arguments and contention in religion. It would reduce, if not eliminate, the competitive relationship in the minds of some people between science and religion. You can and should have both in your life.

My religion stresses both the spiritual and physical dimensions of life. It stresses learning and education. Science is welcomed. There is no conflict between true scientific laws and principles, and the spiritual truths, laws and principles taught in my religion. This gives me a great deal of freedom to learn without having conflicts in my mind. This harmony between science and religion provides peace of mind.

Now let me ask you an important question. Which is greater, true science or true religion? The answer is true religion. Here is why. Science deals with the physical world only. True and complete religion deals with both the spiritual and physical dimensions of life. This means that true science is really a part of true religion. However, there are aspects of true religion that are outside of true science. True religion is broader and includes true science under its umbrella or sphere of influence.

I do not know how much science plays a direct role in your life. Nor do I know if you have any religious beliefs and how strong they are. But I would challenge you to open your mind to both science and religion. Seek truth in each of them. If there are any untrue scientific concepts or religious beliefs in your mind, discard them and replace them with more truth. Let both scientific and religious truths work for you in good, constructive, positive, and righteous ways. As you do this, you’ll produce many good results in your life. You will become a more intelligent individual. Intelligence as used here refers to learning truth and then utilizing it or living it in your life. In the process you become a more enlightened or spiritual person who can then radiate more light to others. This is the gaining of pure intelligence. Seek this above the material possessions of this earth life and you’ll never regret this decision.

Here are a few simple suggestions to help you seek truth and utilize it in your life. Seek learning in many areas. Listen to other people as they express their opinions and viewpoints because you never know when you can learn something valuable from them. Read a lot and ponder what you read. Use good logic as you compare one idea to another. Look for evidence wherever it can be found to support what you accept. Do not be narrow minded nor too opinionated. Instead be open to viewpoints different than your own and listen to both sides of the debate. Test out in your life the practical application of what you learn. Does it work or help you in some way? As you utilize these and other suggestions, you will learn more truth and increase its application in your life. Improvements will take place. You will become more enlightened and thus be able to radiate more light to others.

Ultimately truth will help you become a better person and a happier one. You will be more capable of helping others and willing to do so. Your sphere of influence for good will increase because you’ll have more truth to offer others, and through your positive radiation of light and good example, they’ll open up to you and let you into their lives to help them. As more people do this, love increases and society improves.

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Copyright 2009 Leland Pulley