Are science and religion in conflict Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Are science and religion in conflict - Essay Example Modern science began taking its true shape in the 16th century, while religion was around for a much longer period. The relation between these two great forces at times proved to be confusing, many-faceted and tumultuous.The real authority of religion lies on person or tradition or books. Truth behind religion is treated as universal and eternal, essentially a question of faith, and widely accepted and not challenged or questioned in general. In case of science, the authority is based on evidence and reasons. It is always open to challenges, it tries to arrive at a conclusion to a question by findings and evidences and application of pure logic. The most significant question that is answered in this paper is whether science and religion are at conflict or at concord. (Religion and Science, 2010)Science made it possible for human beings to have a different outlook, where questions are asked and attempts are made to answer them. But religion always remained unquestionable to all. For e xample, when it comes to the precious gift of life, it is argued whether it has been designed by the almighty or just emerged from evolution – that can be explained by science by putting forward various scientific theories. Christianity lies at the forefront of Western Civilization, which at times has been successful in discarding the scientific rationale behind the evolution of life. The undeniable and reasonable explanations of science often challenge religious ideas – the later is an expression of social emotion and as such much more sensitive. Science indicates advancement in terms of progressive thinking for the betterment of life but religion remains as a faith, deeply rooted in the society and the minds of many human beings (Padgett, 2007). In terms of the fundaments and the basic essence science and religion are in conflict. Part Two – Argument A number of philosophical, scientific and historical evidences demonstrate that the two concepts of science and religion are often in conflict with one another. Science is the study of the nature based mainly on evidences, whereas religion deals with faith, the powers of deity. So it can be said that one is dealing with faith and the other is dealing with logic often lead to contradiction of ideas. In the case of the â€Å"Galileo affair†, the acceptance of geocentric model by the Roman Catholic churches and their consequent opposition to heliocentrism which resulted in the death of the great philosopher and scientist is a burning example of the conflict between science and religion that occurred ages back. The concept clashed with the religious story of Joshua, but his antecedent Copernicus found more evidence and tried hard to prove it but little acceptance was possible at that point of time as this was a contradiction to the concepts preached by the churches (Levinson, 2006, pp.423-424). Another example that highlights this tension is the burning in the stakes of Giordano Bruno, be cause of his insistence on the correctness of heliocentric model of the universe. Again as per Charles Darwin’s epochal on the origin of the species, three important features were pointed out by him – common ancestry, specification through variation and natural selection. Being in contradiction to the preaching of the biblical authority, the theologians rejected to accept Darwin’s ideas. The concept of ‘survival of the fittest’ was seen as an undercutting to morality in human relation. Contrary to the popular opinion, it was found that the religious leaders were divided among themselves on the reception to Darwinism. A number of religious minded leaders supported Darwin as his theories were consistent to the Biblical teachings of mankind have a common ancestor. But the conservative theologian continued with their version, and could never agree to the concept that human race evolved from beasts. This conflict in accepting the