Atheists-should faith and science be mutually exclusive?

The Lightning Strikes2013-08-27T07:55:55Z

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Truth is nothing to fear, so there is no reason for a Christian to fear good science. Learning more about the way God constructed our universe helps all of mankind appreciate the wonder of creation. Expanding our knowledge helps us to combat disease, ignorance, and misunderstanding. However, there is danger when scientists hold their faith in human logic above faith in our Creator. These persons are no different from anyone devoted to a religion; they have chosen faith in man and will find facts to defend that faith.

Still, the most rational scientists, even those who refuse to believe in God, admit to a lack of completeness in our understanding of the universe. They will admit that neither God nor the Bible can be proved or disproved by science, just as many of their favorite theories ultimately cannot be proved or disproved. Science is meant to be a truly neutral discipline, seeking only the truth, not furtherance of an agenda.

Much of science supports the existence and work of God. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” As modern science discovers more about the universe, we find more evidence of creation. The amazing complexity and replication of DNA, the intricate and interlocking laws of physics, and the absolute harmony of conditions and chemistry here on earth all serve to support the message of the Bible. A Christian should embrace science that seeks the truth, but reject the “priests of science” who put human knowledge above God.

Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/science-God.html#ixzz2dBJxTVj4

Old Man Dirt2013-08-23T11:18:28Z

It depends on how one defines "Faith".
If faith means taking another persons word for something then science is a faith.
If faith means accepting things with out proof then science is a faith.
If faith means accepting some ones idea's about what has happened or what is going to happen then it science has a faith.
There just is not a lot of difference except in the words chosen between an axiom and a religious service where the Apostles Creed is recited.
Because science is built on axiom's, definitions and laws- does not mean that in fact that religion is much different. It is just that in religious organizations they use a synonym.
A rose by any other name is still a rose!

Wundt2013-08-23T09:28:42Z

Faith has no place in science. And science, which is a method of learning the truth of the universe through experimentation, is the antithesis of faith. If you are saying, should religion and science be mutually exclusive, then yes.

Religion says... We have an answer, and you must believe that answer even if you have no reason to believe.

Science says... We have an answer, and we have evidence to support that answer. If we cannot support that answer with evidence we must look elsewhere for the answer.

YY4Me2013-08-23T09:26:11Z

Sorry, but I just can't let things like this slide...

@Summa Rudis wrote "Any theory involves a certain amount of faith until it can be proven as law."

That's not true of scientific theories...

theory: "In science, a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that can incorporate facts, laws, inferences, and tested hypotheses." - National Center for Science Education (1)

"A theory never becomes a law. In fact, if there was a hierarchy of science, theories would be higher than laws. There is nothing higher, or better, than a theory. Laws describe things, theories explain them." - Not Just a Theory (2)
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B Knott Wildered2013-08-23T09:34:12Z

Former Atheist, asking permission to share.

According to the Scripture from the world's second-most widespread religion, the Baha'i Faith, any religion which denies scientific principles becomes mere superstition. Furthermore Baha'i Scripture states that there are three things that are required to sustain civilization, religion, science and education. Although apparently many people do not see it as I do, science is based on faith also, and there are many scientists who agree with me, including some who are both scientists and Atheists. But then, I have come to realize that most people do not understand the concept of faith the way I understand it.

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Some people claim all faith is blind, but my faith is a carefully considered, carefully reasoned and very reasonable, rational and defensible faith. Were atheist Stephen Roberts (1901-1971) standing in front of me this moment, I would say back to him, “I contend that we are both men of faith. I just have faith in one more thing than you do, and for very good reason. When you fully understand why I disdain all the devisers of superstitions and dismiss the gods of vain imaginings, you will understand why I believe in my God, and you will believe also." -- B. Knott Wildered (Not my real name, but the quote is mine.)

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