February 13, 2025

The Conflict between Religion and Science

Historically it is clear that society’s beliefs and outcomes have been impacted both by religion and science. To understand this better let us look at the beliefs of the two. Science and by extension a scientist believes that the structural behavior of

the physical and natural world can be understood through observations, and systematic studies. Religion on the other hand believes that the physical and natural world is governed by a superbeing force that determines the outcome of any action, and such an outcome can be altered through the process of worship. The two definitions have been interpreted differently by different groups and in several cases, it has led to conflicts. 

A common example of this conflict can be seen in the beliefs of Christians, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1). Scientists, however, using observations and reasoning, ascribe life to the big bang theory and the theory of evolution. This constant battle between religion and science affects our culture in different ways. Whereas in order to survive in a human society one needs peace, the reasoning of science ends up creating conflict as no hard evidence of heaven can be offered up.

An alternative method of thinking is reflected in the preaching of Martin Luther King who distinguishes between scientists, religionists, science, and religion. Dr. King was a pastor at the Memorial Baptist Church, and in his opinion, “There may be a conflict between softminded religionists and toughminded scientists, but not between science and religion. Their respective worlds are different and their methods are dissimilar. Science investigates; religion interprets. Science gives man knowledge which is power; religion gives man wisdom which is control. Science deals mainly with facts; religion deals mainly with values. The two are not rivals. They are complementary.” This is also an example of when even religious people would have different opinions amongst themselves.

Conflicts are also seen amongst scientists even though science is based on systematic studies and observations. The conflict of climate change was first brought up as early as 1896 by a Swedish chemist, Svante Arrhenius and there have been debates over a century about different scientific findings. Climate change is disputed by scientists around the world. Climate scientists Dr. James Hansen is concerned that there is a threat from global warming and climate change, while Dr. Richard Lizden believes man-made global warming is harmless and minimal.

Similar debates about scientific findings and religious topics like evolution, vaccines, the moon landing, life after death, or the existence of god will remain an ongoing discussion for human beings. However, both religion and science have values for human beings. Religion has been known to bring peace to its followers, whereas science over the centuries has always questioned and progressed by explaining conflicts. Religion has always prescribed a way of thinking for its followers, whereas science encourages thinking outside the box. A common belief for Christians is the idea that Jesus is always looking over them, whereas science differs with ideas stated in the bible and this strikes fear and poses a threat in the hearts of religionists.

In conclusion, it is clear that there is no agreement that science and religion are either contradictory or complementary. It is also unclear if one is more beneficial than the other, or if one has fewer drawbacks than the other. In general, while religion causes peace and continuity, science is perceived to cause disruption and conflict within societies and peoples. These conflicts will continue till religion or science either unify or if one of them fades away. Meanwhile, the relationship between science and religion is an ongoing debate in our world and the outcome is of course difficult to predict.

Credits

“Bible Gateway Passage: Genesis 1 – New International Version.” Bible Gateway, www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1.

“Climate Science Glossary.” Skeptical Science, www.skepticalscience.com/hansen-vs-lindzen-msm.html.

“Global Warming Controversy.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 8 Sept. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warming_controversy.

History.com Editors. “Martin Luther King Jr. – Pastor.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 20 Oct. 2017, www.history.com/topics/black-history/martin-luther-king-jr-pastor-video.

Knapp, Alex. “Martin Luther King, Jr. On Science And Religion.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 18 Jan. 2016, www.forbes.com/sites/alexknapp/2014/01/20/martin-luther-king-jr-on-science-and-religion/.

“Religion.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/religion.

“Science.” Dictionary.com, Dictionary.com, www.dictionary.com/browse/science.

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