Are Science and Religion in Conflict

Document Type:Essay

Subject Area:Religion

Document 1

Science studies and investigates the natural world using scientific means while religion studies about the supernatural being and spiritual world. The difference between religion and science lies in matters of fact and values. Science is the scientific study of nature and the natural world using systematic analysis of truth and facts. Something is scientific if it is consistent with the body of knowledge that defines and directs scientific studies. Religion, on the other hand, refers to a set of beliefs, values, feelings, practices, and dogmas that explain the relationship between man and spiritual world. Popper does not believe that science is the true origin of undisputable truth. He questions the ability of the scientific method to prove or disapprove a theory (Pojma & Rea 569).

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He notes that scientific inquiries can be falsified to achieve specific objectives. The hardline difference between Popper and Gould view on science make it hard for them to work together. Gould believes in science and all its methodologies while Popper openly rejects scientific methods and theories (Schick 9). In the 1950s, chief Catholic priest, Pop Pius XII acknowledged that pseudo-science and told Christians that they could believe whatever science tells them about the evolution of the body but know that it is God who infused life or soul into the bodies (Gould 17). In human Generis, Pius permitted the Catholic faithful to entertain teachings about the evolution of the body as long as they believe in the creation of the soul. By so doing, Pius accepts the NOMA principles.

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In 1996, Pope John Paul II reaffirmed the NOMA principles (Gould 17). Gould has done great in characterizing religion. Pseudo-science, although include the term science, the inclusion is flowery. Like religion, pseudo-science comprises of beliefs, practices and statement CLAIMED to be factual and scientific while in the real sense they are not. The claims in pseudo-science cannot be verified using scientific methods. The foundation of religion is belief and faith that cannot be tested using scientific procedures. The dogmas and teachings contained in the Bible, for example, are taught as uncorrectable and in-editable truth (Gould 22). In religion, values and beliefs cannot be tested using empirical evaluations. Pseudo-science is the one that comes close to religion buts lacks merit because it uses unsubstantiated claims to support religious beliefs and values.

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