Science and Religion
-Allan Raj
We are living in the age of science. Science has provided new ideas about the world nature and man. Before the advent of science religion played a dominant role in moulding man’s mind. The process of agriculture, the food we eat, the clothes we wear and our social relations were all at one time under the domain of religion. Gradually, they have passed out of its control and become subjects for scientific study.
In early civilizations societies were controlled by religious heads. Their authority was supreme. As science advanced and civilizations progressed, religion started loosing its control on the society. Different power centers started developing in the society. Now, the present day society is controlled and run by economic, political, legal and administrative powers. Religion though not dead, has lost its supremacy.
Some of our earliest scientific discoveries were in fact made by religious men or saints. The learned men of ancient times, due to their scientific attitude of mind, questioning and reasoning gave rise to new ideas. The earliest works in the Vedic Mathematics were the ‘Sulva Sutras’, which deal with geometry related to the construction of altars. This one example of scientific invention by religious person. The construction of Pyramids, though based on religious beliefs, is very scientific. So we can think that science and religion were not contradictory to one another.
As science advanced it started contradicting most of the beliefs in all religions. The discoveries made by Copernicus and Galileo gave new ideas of the sun, the planets and their movements. Their theories suggested that the sun is the centre of the solar system, which contradicted the supremacy of the earth as believed in most of the religions. They were tried and punished for blasphemy. With the invention of the Galilean telescope these theories were proved, shaking the very foundation of religion. With this a long conflict between science and religion started, which has not been resolved even today. Later Darwin’s theory of evolution clearly questioned the idea that god is the creator of man and the universe. All these conflicting views gave rise to doubt and pessimism, and the people started regarding science as the enemy of religion.
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Religion has greatly helped in the development of humanity. It has laid down values and standards and has pointed out principles for the guidance of humanity. But with all the good it has done, it has encouraged ceremonies and practices which soon loose their original meaning and become mere routine rituals. Science, on the other hand has made the world jump forward with a leap to build up a glittering civilization. It has opened up innumerable avenues for the growth of knowledge.
The method of science is entirely different from that of religion. The scientific method is that of objective enquiry, search for truth and knowledge, the refusal to accept anything without testing and trial and the capacity to change previous conclusions in the face of new evidence. It encourages rationalism and develops a broader outlook. Religion, on the contrary, relies on emotion and intuition and in mainly concerned with regions beyond the reach of objective enquiry. It naturally produces narrowness, intolerance and superstition. Science which has discovered the real nature of the forces of nature has banished all the old superstition, the idea of demons, ghosts and witches and all the other creations of fear and ignorance.
Science does not encourage beliefs in supernatural forces. This makes us doubtful of the existence of god. Now we are able to question the existence of heaven or hell. Now the scientists have also proved that they can create new life in the laboratory by cloning. But in spite of this we have not been able to shed our fear of supernatural forces. Darwin, who proposed the theory of evolution which was against the Bible, turned out to be very religious towards the end of his life. The great scientist Sir Isaac Newton strongly believed in the existence of god. The great thinker Mr. C Rajagopalachari has said that, “God is behind all sciences.” In spite of the progress in science, some faith seems necessary in things of the spirit, which are beyond the scope of the physical world, some reliance on moral and spiritual conceptions are required or else we will have no objective in life. Religion, therefore, is the refuge of man. As long as this limitation of science will remain, there is bound to be a place for religion in human life.
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Contrary to the common belief, science and religion are not opposed to each other. They are one and the same. Both are based on the pursuit of truth. Science presents the truth about the universe. Religion reveals the truth about life and spirit. Science works in the visible world, while religion works in the invisible world. Science deals with material world and religion with the spiritual. Science feeds the body and religion feeds the soul. Thus, both complement each other. Both are necessary for the welfare of man.
Science has its impact on every field of life. It has provided us with many facilities and conveniences, new machines and medicines. If man does not utilize the blessings of science for the welfare of mankind, it will ruin the world. Religion is the only way to save the world from the disaster and the ruin caused by science. Religion makes man use the immense power given by science in the interest and welfare of mankind. Thus, both science and religion are needed together.
Just as man has misused the fruits of science, he has misused religion also for his selfish motives. For some religion is a way to earn money and power. All over the world a number of god men have been cheating innocent people. There have been wars in the name of religion. Religious fundamentalism has become a way of life. The spirit of religion is on the decline.
Along with the good things, science has done a lot of harm to mankind. Science has shattered his faith and peace of mind. There is much that science has to explain. Science has given man a lot of anxiety and tension. It has destroyed his faith in himself and in god. Feeling helpless, man turns to god and religion for solace. Science is not a war between the values and ideas taught by religion. Science brings worldly treasures, while religion gives us spiritual pleasures. Science brings prosperity, while religion peace. Both of them are complementary to each other
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