Markus Hill

Research Paper

March 19, 2018

Is Religion Compatible With Science?

The controversy of religion and science began as early as the 16th century, dealing with

philosophers such as Galileo who opposed the idea that all planets orbit the earth. Due to

religious practices which taught otherwise, wouldn’t it make sense for the church to go against

that idea? It’s ironic how leaders of a religion use fear for people to gain faith in their religion,

has a fear of people losing faith in their religion. This would make sense on how the churches

back then would go to extreme measures or have strict laws for their people to abide and remain

loyal to their belief. Usually, this would be Christianity problems because of the way this

religion told the history and the evolution of science told history. And for having strict laws to

death would keep people faithful, the evolution of technology influenced a loss of faith. Clearly,

we can see that science and religion was not compatible during this period. What about the other

times?

For example, religion does fail to answer questions only science can solve. This is because

that religion is based on moral truths, ethics, and passed down stories. Based on the Burbank

Leader Opinion in Los Angeles Times “In Theory: Is There A Divide Between Religion and

Science” states that,

“Many believers are intelligent and well-meaning, but since religious practice itself often

employs deception and prejudice by denying scientific facts like evolution, preventing
life-changing technologies, denying women the right to control their own bodies, marginalizing

the LGBTQ community, etc., science should, as Steven Weinberg and others contend, help free

people from "religious superstition."

Religion has evolved so successfully that, there are, as the article pointed out, many who simply

reject scientific truth altogether and, even if science proves something as fact, they would

"...continue to hold to what their religion teaches." Some scientists themselves, inconceivably,

are "of faith."

Stated by this article, science is believed to free people from themselves. But when people are

free, what do they do? Science doesn’t necessarily teach morals and codes of conduct. Am I

wrong to say that science leads to creation, innovation, all destruction? From my understanding,

nations across the world used scientific innovation and ideas to develop threatening weapons of

destruction. One was used in Nagasaki and Hiroshima in World War II by the U.S. called the

Atom bomb. Used as a weapon of mass destruction, what were its original means of creation.

Forbes contributor James Conca explains this reasoning in his article “Why Did We Make The

Atom Bomb” by stating that,

“ The physicists saw immediately what might be done with the new reaction. Hungarian emigré

physicist Leo Szilard told his American patron Lewis Strauss on January 25, 1939, that nuclear

energy might be a means of producing power, and mentioned "atomic bombs"..."If one works on

the assumption," the two physicists wrote, "that Germany is, or will be, in the possession of this

weapon, it must be realized that no shelters are available that would be effective and could be

used on a large scale. The most effective reply would be a counter-threat with a similar bomb.”
This shows how innovation and creation can successfully lead to means of destruction even if

unintentionally. Would religion support those acts done? I hope not.

Religion is at fault as well. Even without science, Religious groups often clashed simply

because of beliefs and historical texts. The Christian-Muslim war also known as the Crusades

was a battle of two different religious group over a time period of 1500 years. Who was to say

that if they had possession of nuclear weapons, destruction wouldn’t take place? At the end of

the day, they battled for a century, which was years and years of bloody conquest. What about

the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? For people who have different beliefs but similar morals why

would they battle for land? Why not distribute it evenly? If your religion is for good, isn’t that

what God would’ve wanted.He would’ve wanted peace among his people. One similar belief

between most of the religions is that we should be grateful for what we have and that the land is

not ours. Religion was the cause the of this conflict. Doesn’t that mean that religion can’t lead to

chaos? Here is another example of destruction stated in the Bible, “And God said to Noah, “I

have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them.

Behold, I will destroy them with the earth” Religion is not innocent by any means especially

Christianity in particular which had many acts of prophets who killed another man. They were

children of God.

What about the times when religion actually did well for the world? Science did as well. It is not

like the both of them isn’t comparable. Religion led people to gain wisdom and knowledge of the

world. Science did as well. Both of them gives us an understanding of life and how the world

works in its own unique way. Without religion, famous scientists such as Isaac Newton, Kepler,

or Galileo couldn't find any of their discoveries. They would report their theories to the church,
which the church would encourage, even though the church exiled them at times. This doesn’t

mean science never existed. Certain discoveries were just funded by the church for the scientist

to do research. A commentary by Jim Walker “ A Myth of Christianity Founding Modern

Science and Medicine” states that,

“Just because Christians did scientific work has nothing to do with the founding of science. Not

only does it not follow, but science existed long before Christianity, practiced by the Ancient

Greeks and Romans...During the medieval period the little science that did occur progressed with

little religious influence or, in most cases, in spite of Christianity, but not because of it.

From its very beginning, the Church has served as a stumbling block against scientific progress.

Richard Carrier (through personal correspondence) puts it this way: "Even pagans, though

cherishing their scientific heritage (unlike Christians who generally did not), and applying that

heritage more avidly than their Christian peers..."

Therefore, science only had opposing views. That doesn’t mean that Christians never used

science to evolve or survive. But for a way solving situations, religion was part of the ethics

factor of determining decisions on what to do. For example, people with health problems, how

would you help them as a religious leader or a scientist? Wouldn’t you have a different

approach?

Let’s take a look at the perceptions scientist have toward religions and religious societies. Based

on the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, famous philosophers such as Sigmund Freud have

their virtue on what religion is.

“The sociologist Émile Durkheim (1915) considered religious beliefs as the social glue that

helped to keep society together. The psychologist Sigmund Freud (1927) saw religious belief as
an illusion, a childlike yearning for a fatherly figure... Freud also considered “oceanic feeling” (a

feeling of limitlessness and of being connected with the world) as one of the origins of religious

belief...Philosopher and psychologist William James (1902) were interested in the psychological

roots and the phenomenology of religious experiences, which he believed were the ultimate

source of institutional religions.”

Stated in the article shows that these philosophers don’t believe in science and only show

concern for how religious beliefs develop behaviors and acts. Still, even in the 19th century, a

scientist who believed in religion utilized religion to guide their work. Although, there was some

doubt. Majority of the scientist didn’t. The 2016 study from the Stanford Encyclopedia of

philosophy states that, “A survey among National Academy of Sciences members (all senior

academics, overwhelmingly from elite faculties) found that the majority disbelieved in God’s

existence (72.2%), with 20.8% being agnostic, and only 7% theists (Larson and Witham 1998).”

The Christian perspective has more of a two-way approach to science. At the beginning of

modern science, the pioneers of it were religious. Therefore science did help religious people.

Based on the website article by Daniel Peterson “ Unite Against Global Warming”, he states that

“Climate change needs to be put first to be solved.” You may be thinking what does this has to

do with religion. Well, many religious groups united to develop sustainable ways to combat

climate change. Many religious believers feel as if climate change is more of “God’s Plan” and

that us as human beings shouldn’t play a role. If we don’t take action on the problem this conflict

can solve, this can most definitely shorten our life on earth. Even the bible says that God himself

let us humans make our own decisions. Since climate change is an ongoing problem many

people are taking a stance to find a resolution. According to “Greening the Gospel” by Sarah
Tony “ The green religious movement is gaining momentum to preserve Earth’s natural

resources” Therefore these religious groups are noticing environmental problems and is using

science to solve them.

Earlier in this article, my findings show that religion is declining due to the rise of technology

in the future, but in my more recent articles, it seems neutral. People are actually accepting

science and following their own beliefs. It is like having a two-way guided system. One is used

to give you wisdom and the other is to teach you about the earth and your body. Religion for

many people deems to be of a virtue and less tangible than science. It is spiritually there and you

can only hold a mental grasp of it. Science is more tangible than religion. Being that these two

things are completely opposite of each other, wouldn’t that create some kind of Yin-Yang effect.

Everything in this world needs a balance. Take good and evil for example. We would say that

they do not match each other but what would the world be like without one of the other? Could

this be relative to science and religion?

I find that the more relevant and consistent a subject is the stronger its influence. Nothing new

historically religion wise hasn’t been documented in the last 100 years. Technology feats.

continue to be achieved constantly. That is also our major turn and face of the nation. We as

humans are only focusing on advancements. This could probably be why people current interest

in religion is declining. No one ever talks about religion except for Sundays or any religious day

due to church. Science or technology, in general, seems to be a current topic. When you and your

friends are all hanging out what do you talk about? What are your chances of talking about

religion over technology? Everyone wants the new phone or TV that is out but what about a holy
spirit? Consistency is key to keeping people interested. Sooner or later someone will begin to

take heed of the frequent pressure.

As far as I am concerned, generational development is a factor as well. Different generations

have or had different motives. Some had revolutionary changes and others had none. I noticed

the newest generation is more focused on technology without a doubt. Many children don’t

really express themselves or are concerned with the religious influence mainly implemented by

their parents. Adults 30 and older are more influenced by the religious aspect of their parents. I

believe it is because of the revolutionary battles, depression, civil rights movements, war, and

racism. Matters that would believe to only be solved by non-violence acts and prayers. Recent

conflicts fail to be part of a civil matter but only an environmental and political matter. This is

where you see a push and a battle for technology. As you can see the country that is more

technologically advanced would dominate the world in a sense. You can see how our focus can

be the difference on why science would lead to the decline of religion.

Compatibility between the two is possible. There is a religion between the two called

Scientology. Nonetheless, good is meant from that religion. If religion was implemented on

technological devices it would definitely do a turn around on the way use everyday devices.

Companies would take a different approach to how they operate. Schools would have fewer

problems with negative actions and disciplinary issues. How about the recent issues with police

officers? What would’ve been different about the suspect’s murder if they ask themselves, “What

Would Jesus Do?” Religion can change someone’s everyday decision on how they operate

through the day and with science being a part of everyday life, smart decisions are needed.
For example, the U.S. is at war with Syria. Without science, there wouldn’t be any bombs or

dangerous terrorist acts that would be successful. I know that or hypothetically that that specific

terrorist believes in the Islamic religion which is ironic. But for the U.S standpoint, our actions

matter as well. With the Christian religion being the major influence on us in our country,

wouldn’t a deeper diplomatic approach be necessary? Why do we reimburse violence upon

those without considering any of the consequences? Both countries have innocent civilians. The

only reason we are at controversial issue with one another is that our leaders are not considering

their actions. If religion was well thought out to be part of our political and legislative laws,

would bombs or materials of mass destruction ever exist? As far as compatibility, I feel as if our

nations should have an equal understanding. We only fail because of greed and a constant battle

of power. Science is a major factor. The country once again that is more advanced holds all the

power. Even if we are protecting another country’s people, would violence only solve that issue?

According to biblical history and even recent history, violence has taken place but for the most

part, usually, both sides take a considerable loss and short-term solutions. Whereas non-violent

actions made take a longer course but is sure to achieve something permanent. The battle over

slavery versus the civil rights movement is something we can take into aspect. The battle over

slavery only achieved two things, the combining of the south and the north and the ending of

slavery. Even though that was achieved, violence still took place between the north and south

and the blacks and the whites. Black people were free but issues were terrible. Now that the

non-violent civil rights movement took place, laws were changed, racial oppression began to

decline, actions were less violent towards one another, and the issues until this day are getting
better and better. A perfect unison between the two would make a guaranteed better life for us

and those around us.

On my recent survey of religion and science, sixty percent of the individuals considered

themselves a religious individual. Twenty percent claimed to be non-religious and the rest wasn’t

sure. Majority of the individuals also accepted the role of science. Being that science can

possibly help religion and religion can help science, only thirty-three percent believed it was

possible. Fifty percent believed it was not possible. Based on previous articles claiming that

science is leading to a decline of religion, many people selected that religion has a bigger

influence on them. Fifty percent said that science has the greater influence. Thirty percent

claimed science has the greater influence. Twenty percent couldn’t select between the two.

Ninety percent believed that science and religion is an ongoing controversy. Fifty-four percent

believe science gives them a better understanding of life. Fifty-six percent said that religion also

helps them on an everyday basis. Based on my survey science is more of a convenience to those

who believe in religion. Religion seems to play a bigger role in these people lives than science.

Even though majority accepted the role of science and its findings, many believe that this

controversy is ongoing.

My random survey amongst my peers shows to contradict my cited articles, stating that religion

is becoming a decline due to science. Also that more and more individuals find themselves less

interested in religion. In contrary, things seem to be the other way around. For a generation that

is solely powered by technology and science, religion seems to help them get through their

everyday lives. How is that? What if those individuals who claim to accept the findings of
science, utilize a perfect blend between the two to get by on everyday life? Wouldn’t it let them

think twice about the actions they may perform?

Nonetheless, religion and science do have a deep history and their own versions of similar

conflicts and problems. The background between the two may be different, but that doesn’t mean

neither one can’t go hand to hand with one another. I feel as if as long as society is accepting of

both to be utilized in everyday life that maybe the world can solve and get rid of ongoing

problems we still face today. According to research, both of them show signs of consistency in

everyday lives. Many people consider themselves religious and accepting of science. If so, that

should be a perfect balance between common logic and morals. All in all, both religion and

science are deemed compatible.

 Citations

Burbank Leader Opinion “In Theory: Is There a Divide Between Religion and
Science”​http://www.latimes.com/socal/burbank-leader/opinion/tn-blr-me-intheory-20151103-sto
ry.html

Conca, James. “Why Did We Make The Atomic Bomb?” ​Forbes​, Forbes Magazine, 8 Dec.

2013,

www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2013/12/07/why-did-we-make-the-atomic-bomb/2/#1669720

24537

Cruz, Helen De. “Religion and Science.” ​Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy​, Stanford
University, 17 Jan. 2017, plato.stanford.edu/entries/religion-science/#ScieStudReli.

Cruz, Helen De. “Religion and Science.” ​Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy​, Stanford
University, 17 Jan. 2017, plato.stanford.edu/entries/religion-science/#ScieStudReli.

Cruz, Helen De. “Religion and Science.” ​Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy​, Stanford
University, 17 Jan. 2017, plato.stanford.edu/entries/religion-science/#ScieStudReli

Genesis 6:13 So God Said to Noah, "I Am Going to Put an End to All People, for the Earth Is
Filled with Violence Because of Them. I Am Surely Going to Destroy Both Them and the Earth.​,
biblehub.com/genesis/6-13.htm.

National Geographic​, National Geographic Society,

news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/10/1018_041018_science_religion_2.html.

The Myth of Christianity Founding Science and Medicine​, nobeliefs.com/comments10.htm.

Peterson, Daniel “ In Jerusalem, Abrahamic Faith Leaders Unite Against Global

Warming”​Jerusalem Post (International)Feirstein, Isabelp.g. 6Jul 27, 2017Lexile: 1310SIRS®
Issues Researcher
Tory, Sarah. “Greening The Gospel” ​High Country NewsTory, Sarahp.g. 30Sep 18, 2017Lexile:
1430SIRS® Issues Researcher