Introduction
Debates between religion and science have been ongoing ever since both disciplines have co-existed in society. Can one accept scientific understandings of the world and still preserve their faith in a higher being? In order to analyze the compatibility of religion and science we should define each discipline. In this essay, science is knowledge of the natural world based on facts learned through empirical evidence, theories and data, while religion is the belief in a higher being without need of proof. I will only focus on one aspect of religion which is the belief in a higher being and not the specific elements of respective religions such as the Bible. Religion and science serve different purposes; religion is used to answer …show more content…
Therefore, religion and science can exist together without conflict if it serves the correct purpose.
Explication
The compatibility of religion and science has been an ongoing discourse for as long as methodologies of science has been introduced in human civilization, as discussed by David Hume in “Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion”. Hume explores whether existence of a divine being should be through rational experience or religious philosophy. He attempts to reconcile the conflict of scientific methodology to religious philosophy which is relevant to the coexistence of faith and science. He presents three characters to create a dialogue concerning natural religion. All three characters believe in God. However, they have different views on natural sciences and its relationship with religion. Philo has a pessimistic view on natural science and demonstrates skepticism, an attitude of doubting the truth. He argues that certain knowledge is impossible and finds science inexplicable and contradictory but is mostly against superstition. Meanwhile, Demea comments that students require knowledge on sciences first and theology last in order to expose the mind to the “ridiculous …show more content…
To begin with, religion and science are not mutually exclusive, many religious dominations accept evolution. For example, institutions such as catholic schools teach science and religion as requirement. Also, religious institutions support scientific research endeavors. This shows that faith in a higher being and science can work together to help educate and expand people’s minds. As opposed to choosing one from another. Therefore, a person can have knowledge of science and keep their faith. Secondly, both can serve complementary purposes since each covers one field and mostly stays out the other. For example, without knowledge of chemistry, biology, physics our convenient modern lives wouldn’t be possible such as electricity, transportation and communication. It explains the mechanics of how our universe works. On the other hand, concepts such as the ultimate reality is a question that only religion offers answers. Also, the psychological and social roles that faith brings because religion fosters a sense of belonging in a community and comfort. Neither science nor religion independently holds the answers to everything but together they can complement and strengthen each other. Furthermore, as human beings we are always searching for existential questions, both attempt to answer
Debates between religion and science have been ongoing ever since both disciplines have co-existed in society. Can one accept scientific understandings of the world and still preserve their faith in a higher being? In order to analyze the compatibility of religion and science we should define each discipline. In this essay, science is knowledge of the natural world based on facts learned through empirical evidence, theories and data, while religion is the belief in a higher being without need of proof. I will only focus on one aspect of religion which is the belief in a higher being and not the specific elements of respective religions such as the Bible. Religion and science serve different purposes; religion is used to answer …show more content…
Therefore, religion and science can exist together without conflict if it serves the correct purpose.
Explication
The compatibility of religion and science has been an ongoing discourse for as long as methodologies of science has been introduced in human civilization, as discussed by David Hume in “Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion”. Hume explores whether existence of a divine being should be through rational experience or religious philosophy. He attempts to reconcile the conflict of scientific methodology to religious philosophy which is relevant to the coexistence of faith and science. He presents three characters to create a dialogue concerning natural religion. All three characters believe in God. However, they have different views on natural sciences and its relationship with religion. Philo has a pessimistic view on natural science and demonstrates skepticism, an attitude of doubting the truth. He argues that certain knowledge is impossible and finds science inexplicable and contradictory but is mostly against superstition. Meanwhile, Demea comments that students require knowledge on sciences first and theology last in order to expose the mind to the “ridiculous …show more content…
To begin with, religion and science are not mutually exclusive, many religious dominations accept evolution. For example, institutions such as catholic schools teach science and religion as requirement. Also, religious institutions support scientific research endeavors. This shows that faith in a higher being and science can work together to help educate and expand people’s minds. As opposed to choosing one from another. Therefore, a person can have knowledge of science and keep their faith. Secondly, both can serve complementary purposes since each covers one field and mostly stays out the other. For example, without knowledge of chemistry, biology, physics our convenient modern lives wouldn’t be possible such as electricity, transportation and communication. It explains the mechanics of how our universe works. On the other hand, concepts such as the ultimate reality is a question that only religion offers answers. Also, the psychological and social roles that faith brings because religion fosters a sense of belonging in a community and comfort. Neither science nor religion independently holds the answers to everything but together they can complement and strengthen each other. Furthermore, as human beings we are always searching for existential questions, both attempt to answer