Reconciling Religion and Science possible?

Question

Renowned Scientist, Henry Eyring has said:
 "I have been announced as a student of science. But I also like to think of myself as one who loves the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For me there has been no serious difficulty in reconciling the principles of true science with the principles of true religion, for both are concerned with the eternal verities of the Universe. . . .
..... to those who find themselves troubled by an inner conflict between the traditional teachings of the Christian faith on the one hand, and on the other the challenge of modern education to explore, to dissect and to test in the cold light of fact and demonstrated proof. I believe that many of our young people have impoverished their lives by a thoughtless denial of all aspects of the faith of their fathers in their desire to be what they call scientific and objective.

Now I am also of the opinion that some theologians have unwittingly assisted in this rebellion by taking positions so dogmatic as to stifle the honest and thoughtful inquiries of youth when they needed help and sought it. . . .

Apparent contradictions between religion and science often have been the basis of bitter controversy. Such differences are to be expected as long as human understanding remains provisional and fragmentary. Only as one’s understanding approaches the Divine will all seeming contradictions disappear. Such complete understanding is to be approached as a part of the eternal progress which will continue in the life to come. In the meantime, we can only continue our quest for the balanced view that comes from weighing all evidence carefully in the search for enduring values. The road is a long one, but the outcome is assured if we are willing to travel it. . . . 

Some have asked me: “Is there any conflict between science and religion?” There is no conflict in the mind of God, but often there is conflict in the minds of men. "

I FIND THIS most remarkable, what do you think?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I find it a prime example of the kind of cognitive dissonance (disassociation) required to work in science and maintain religious belief.  Some people are capable of doing so, others aren't.

When, to resolve 'conflicts between science and religion,' you have to appeal to the 'mind of god' (when there's no evidence of any kind any god exists), you've basically admitted failure.  In effect, this person has thrown up his hands, admitted that he can't personally reconcile the conflicts, and so left it in the hands of his imagined god.  I find that rather sad, not 'remarkable.'

The simple fact is that there is no "conflict between religion and science."  Science doesn't care about religion -- not one bit.  Science uses the scientific method, for everything, and doesn't take "faith" into account for anything;  for good reason, since "faith" is worthless when it comes to determining what's real and what isn't.  There is no conflict in science with religion, science doesn't care about religion.

Religion, on the other hand, cares very much about science -- simply because many facts discovered by science using the reliable scientific method show many religious claims absolutely false.  When that happens, religious systems really only have three choices:  ignore science facts, deny science facts, incorporate science facts into a modified religious belief system.  The fist two options are what religious usually choose, to the detriment of themselves and the world.  The third is very painful for them, and takes a very long time, though it does happen now and then.  In any case, the "conflict" is entirely WITHIN religion and its own dogma, not between science and religion.

Peace.

hiott · Answer

Reconciling Science And Religion

quophetikenica · Answer

I believe that the 'conflict' is within perception and the inner person, rather than with respect to 'knowledge' or wisdom understandings; at many times.

The nature of science is such that it grows with added bodies of knowledge.

We know that things are 'good', when one handles them properly.

Science seeks that the scope is 'limited' so that one can undertake to understand the orderings of things; which is viewed by many to be boring or rigorous or dogmatic.

Anonymous · Answer

Eyring is assuming that as we learn more, we will gain more knowledge to support religion. That has clearly not been the case.  The more we learn, the more it is obvious that today's religions are simply mytholgies that people still believe in.

? · Answer

Sure, but it requires you to admit one or the other is flawed, because scientific theories often directly contradict major parts of the Bible.

This is known as the practice of "apologetics" and consists of finding excuses why the Bible fits with scientific ideas.

travis · Answer

w/o any knowledge or education in science, I can only voice an opinion.  My answer is YES.

Anonymous · Answer

If one translates the Bible back to the original Manuscripts for themselves, one should have no problem with scientific endeavors.

? · Answer

Science  and   religion  are  irreconcilable . Science  deals  with  truth  while  religion  deals  with  fallacy .

? · Answer

Sure, you can make anything up.

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Reconciling Religion and Science possible?

9 Answers