“Science and religion will always conflict.” Is this always true?

Introduction“One of the greatest tragedies of our time is this impression that has been created: that science and religion have to be at war." - Francis Collins

Religion Faith is belief in the absence of supportive evidence and even in the light of contrary evidence. No one disputes that religion is based on faith.

Organised Religion

Religion as a socio-institution. A system of religious leaders with followers (Eg. Papacy)

Science System of enquiry, which helps us to understand phenomena and natural occurrences.

A brief history

Scientific revolution and the Age of Enlightenment first led scholars such as John William Draper to postulate a conflict thesis.

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Systemic ConflictAntagonism between Science and Religion

- Religion puts faith in things that cannot be explained - Science is constantly questioning, and scientists are always trying

to find the truth and reason behind a phenomenon

The very key concepts of religion and science are already at polar ends and are difficult to reconcile.

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Systemic Conflict in modern times

• Stem Cell Research

• Vaccinations

• Abortion

Historical Conflict → Foreboding

Religious communities insist on absolute truthfulness of statements recorded in religious text

Galileo vs the Catholic Church - Proposition of the heliocentric theory was against what was stated in the

Bible - “Confrontation” of science and religion in the 17th century

- Continual scientific developments and theories may lead to even more conflicts

Historically Complements

Science and religion coexist peacefully

- ancient Egyptian technology applied to monotheistic ends - flourishing of logic and mathematics under Hinduism and Buddhism

Actual conflicts arose due to extremists in science and religion - Geocentric theory was based on the literal understanding of the Bible

Different Spheres of Influence

Science and religion cater to the different needs of people

Science Explains different phenomena

Religion Provides spiritual comfort and assurance on a personal level

WHERE IS THE REAL CONFLICT?

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Conflicts between People not Institutions

Religious Lobbies

• Scientology

• American Israel Public Affairs Committee

• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops