Are Science and Religion in Conflict

Are Science and Religion in Conflict?

Introduction

The relationship between science and religion has been a center of debates and arguments since many decades. It is still a subject of study addressed largely by various scientists, philosophers, theologizes and others. The relationship that exists between the two has been categorized keeping in mind the various characteristics of the two. The clash of theories pertaining to the two has led to complex relationships in the history, (Brown, 1986). The various kinds of interactions that exist among the two are; conflict of the disciplines, dialogue between the two in areas where they over lap one another, integration of science and religion into one field and their independence.

Science is the study of observable things which is empirical in nature. Religion on the other hand relates to things that can't be detected by the human senses. Theology, Philosophy and science of the nature, at one time coexisted as an important platform for understanding the world and the environment. In short, it served an important role for understanding life. Religion goes against science, and with science it is the same, (Pyysiainen, 2001). Religious preaching is not in favor of what science preaches. Science questions the credibility of the religion itself. In the view of many, science can be helpful in understanding the religion.

However, religious scholars argue that it is not possible that what science says against the religious believes is true. For many, science and religion are useful in understanding one other. They believe that both support each other, while others hold the opinion that both don't affect each other. They believe that both these disciplines have their own areas of concerns and should not be interrelated. For them Science is a field that studies things and phenomena in details, while religion is a vast field that explains the very purpose of life, though different religions may conflict in their very concepts, however, to them science finds answers, and it goes to extreme ends to search for the right answer. In the discussion, the paper focuses on the relationship that exists between Science and Religion. For this purpose the paper looks into the arguments and criticism that the major scientists and philosophers have faced.

Discussion

Definition of Science

Science tends to provide a complete understanding of the world around us. Propositions regarding objects, ethics and supernatural world must not be taken into account of science. Likewise, not all the scientific claims refer to those objects that are empirical in nature. However, claims that are not empirical don't go in favor of the natural objects.

Definition of Religion

It is widely understood in terms of its content and practice. Religious systems focus on their rites, rituals and behaviors which it accepts its believers to observe. Followers of a certain religion are united in a disciplined manner, thus making religion different from Science. It is however not very common to see both conflict. The propositions of religion are defined as metaphysical, and that of science ...