Religion and Science

The relationship between religion and science can be considered to be one of the most debated topics in the world. Some of the arguments on the relationship between science and religion create a conflict, while others think it is two different institutions that deal with the two different human experiences. Some religious and scientific organisations state that there’s no need for such a conflict between religious faith and scientific perspectives. Religion and science are complex social topics that may vary according to different cultures and traditions. This article lets us see different concepts of science and religion and how they relate to each other. The relationship between science and religion is characterised by ‘harmony,’ ‘complexity,’ and conflict. The role of science and religion in society to shape up thoughts of an individual is substantial.

What is religion?

Religion is a collection of beliefs, customs, and traditions. It is also referred to as worship towards a controlling power. Religion cannot always be centred on God. It can be the devotion to any kind of force. Like science, the term religion too did not have a proper meaning during mediaeval times. It attained its current purpose through the literary works of anthropologist EB Taylor. He is said to be the one who used this term worldwide to represent religion. Religion contributes significantly to the action of a society and a person. It also influences one’s physical as well as mental health. 

What is science?

Science is defined as the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding the world through experiments, observations, and proper evidence. The meaning of science in the olden period was natural philosophy or experimental philosophy. Its exact reference came and was used in the nineteenth century. William Whewell standardised the term scientist as those who are practitioners of science. In short, science can be considered a curiosity towards the world and its behaviour. Science is always a mystery. Every examination and discovery leads to more questions in science. 

What is the relation between science and religion?

The connection between science and religion can be studied by analysing the natural world, history, philosophy, and theology. Science investigates and analyzes the natural world, while religion analyzes the world spiritually or supernaturally. Many scientists, theologians, philosophers, etc., have stated that there is an interdependence between science and religion. It is also true that religious facts influence many scientific facts. The best example is that some people still reject the theory of evolution by natural process and believe in the religious belief of human existence. Discussing the relationship between science and religion ends up in a conflict. As already mentioned, the words science and religion emerged in the 19th century and were considered inner qualities of a person and did not refer to practices or knowledge. Religion and science have different roles in shaping our understanding, thoughts, and even our future. When religion contributes to the sense that the human mind cannot capture, science explores through limitless ideas and experiments of the mind. 

What are the differences between science and religion?

The role of religion and science in society is impactful. One of the crucial differences between science and religion is that the former is concerned with the natural world while the latter is concerned with both natural and supernatural entities. Science explains facts with proper evidence and proof. It always presents logical explanations to answer the questions. Religion makes people depend on power, and this power can either be natural or supernatural. It is always dependent upon beliefs and faiths. According to religion, everything happens due to the influence of unknown power. Whereas science always depends on logical facts and proofs. When religion paved the way for different cultures and traditions, science paved the way for discoveries. 

Being a scientific believer does not necessarily mean that a person may not be spiritual. There are many scientists and religious people who believe in religion and science, respectively. One cannot deny that science and religion are two essential aspects of human life. The discussion of the relationship between science and religion is extensive but will end up being unfinished in the end. In reality, we can state that science and religion can be both complementary and dynamic at the same time. When compared to religion, Science is considered more systematic and logical.

Conclusion

Science is an objective thought, whereas religion is a subjective thought. Science and religion are interconnected very closely in different aspects. Science always depends on facts and logic to show up their statements, whereas religion depends on people’s beliefs and power. Science is focused on developing experiments and observations to solve an answer. Religion addresses the questions that cannot be answered with accurate data. Science and religion can be called the two ruling factors of the world. The phrase ‘science and religion‘ was first structured together in the 19th century. Both these terms originated as different perceptions of reality.