Religion vs. Science

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Religion vs. Science

This paper will examine the scientific view verse religion. I feel their support for the big picture is shallow and untenable. I believe in science but I also have faith.

Scientific research has lead to dramatic and more humane treatments of persons suffering from mental disease, depression, and physical injury. The reputation of scientists has reached an all-time high. Majority of Americans have said they trust the scientific community more than almost anyone, including the Supreme Court, organized religion, Congress, teachers and the U.S. military. Many of these Americans believe that these scientific advances are leading them to a better world.

The questions: What is man? What am I to do? What am I to hope for? A number of scientists and their fans seem to consider these questions to be the clearest manifestations of the human spirit or our nescient childhood. The scientists said " Now that we are scientists, we can put away childish things, including the concepts of God, the human soul and the moral responsibility."

An advocate of this view, M.I.T. Professor Steven Pinker, argues that science is itself an evolutionary development of the brain. He claims the mind evolved to provide just experimental accounts of the world. He believes that questions of religion and philosophy about the meaning of the world and human existence, are not truly meaningful ones. Pinker said, " religion and philosophy are but the primitive responses to the unknown." (Common Wealth p15)

There are alternative theories that involve science and religion. For example, Raymo's "new creation story." According to this story, nature did its own creating through unintelligent material processes...

... middle of paper ...

...oing to die or this a sign from God. The next day, I felt better than I had ever felt. I felt strong and had a desire to improve myself. I will never again question the power of the Supreme Being. I have been filled inner peace, that science could never replace.

Bibliography:

Works Cited

Bennett, J (1998). Neuroscience and the human spirit. National Review, V50 pg32 (1).

Coyne, P (1993). God on our side. New Statesman & Society, V6 pg42 (2).

Cauthen, K (1997). A doctrine of God. University Press of America, Pg77-107.

Johnson. P (1998). Overestimating the power of science. Commonwealth, v125 pg15.

Polkingborne, J (1994). Alone is never enough: seeing the world through both eyes. Omni, v17 pg4.

Raymo, C (1994). Science vs. religion. Commonwealth, v121 pg11.

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