The Between Religion And Science

Natural science and religion are two areas of knowledge that perceive knowledge using ways of knowing differently to pursue its knowledge, an example of that would be Charles Darwin and his theory of natural selection and evolution. In natural science, the theory of natural selection is derived from studying the common features in the bone structure of vertebrate limbs despite its varied use. Therefore, using deductive reasoning, they established the evolution theory which states that humans evolved from apes due to the fact that human and apes have similar features and that human has evolved due to adaptation and survival of genes. However, religion, using not only intuition and emotions but also reason disagrees with the claim of evolution.

Recently, I have read Mars is Heaven (MIH) by Ray Bradbury and The Machine Stops (TMS) by E.M. Forster, which are both short story Sci- Fi books and a fascinating read. Both stories were published in the 1900’s and there are similarities between today’s society and the society of the past. Intriguing concepts, theories and ideas stem from both of these books. Much like in (TMS) the role of technology is seen as a god, today we could never see ourselves worshipping at our mobile phones however if you really think about it we check our phones a couple of times a minute. Is this a form of worship? And are we aware that it is evolving into something that is taking over our lives completely. After reading both novels I have decided to identify, analyze, dissect and expand on a range of critical approaches both authors have used in their books (MIH) and (TMS).

Technology is occupying more and more positions with every passing day in our everyday lives. They have a presence in numerous aspects of our being, serving as helping devices first and foremost. Mankind has been questioning the merit of such a way of development, when a human being starts relying on technology more than on oneself. Such questioning began as far back as the middle of the previous century. Ray Bradbury in his collection of short stories "The Martian Chronicles" makes numerous predictions regarding the future of technologies and their place within the society. Remarkably, he was not too far off in his assumptions. One of the primary ideas is that the technologies may occupy the role of the next deity that would substitute religion.

Being created under “his realm”, technology has to be considered purposed by God. Some of technology’s modern marvels, and consequently God’s marvels, have been created in the medical field. Specifically, heart rate monitors and contraptions to keep the heart pumping have revolutionized human existence. However, these technological devices cannot “choose” when to function and when to not, they either do or they don’t. This lack of human-based decision ensures that if a failure occurs then it is not down to anything but the technology, proving scientific application is inherently just and equitable to all people, including their religions as in has no way of deciphering this into a choice. As all forms of technology represent both exhibits of a possible God’s work and an ubiquitous effect on all individuals, syllogism parallels the two stating that God is impartial to all people, whether they differ in religion or not. Epitomizing the description of equitable technology, Brave New World surrounds all World State citizens in cutting-edge scientific application. Focusing mainly on the incinerators used to “recycle” citizens after they reach 60 years of age; no matter whether the individual is an Alpha plus or an Epsilon, after 60 all meet their demise to energy-saving machines.

John William Draper, in the History of the Conflict Between Religion and Science, states, “The history of Science is not a mere record of isolated discoveries; it is a narrative of the conflict of two contending powers, the expansive force of the human intellect on one side, and the compression arising from traditionary faith and human interests on the other.” John William Draper brings up a strong truth behind the progression of science. Human faith inevitably conflicts with the progression of science. One may think that religion is the moral part of human belief and science is the advancement of intellect. It is inevitable that morals and the advancement of intellect would. Emotions and morals sometimes may overpower what the advancement of science would lead to. This concept is present in the ethical controversy involved with the Catholic Church and stem cell research. The moral and heart of many members of the Catholic Church easily disables the acceptance and support of stem cell research. This is unfortunate because stem cell usage and research has tremendous potential in helping those that suffer from disease. Stem cell research will advance medical fields and assist in finding cures for deadly ailments. Many followers of the Catholic Church view the science of stem cell research as killing innocent lives, however a sense of the faithful needs to come into action in order to look passed tradition and history to

Blade Runner is no different, with Scott’s reflection of the explosion of technological progress during the 1980’s, including the rise of computing giants IBM and Microsoft, highlighting the dangers of such unrestrained progress. Most notable is the opening panoramic shot of blazing smokestacks which, together with the haunting synthetic pulses of the Vangelis soundtrack, establishes a festering miasma of technological overload, adding further semiotic weight to the film’s nightmarish dystopian agenda. Indeed, this portrayal of a decaying environment reflects the growing ecological awareness of the 1980’s, which, whilst different to Shelley’s Romantic values, is

Technology improves our life and made it easier for individuals. However, when do we acknowledge that it is time to stop making improvements to our lives and enjoy the beauty of being human. When will our lives be so perfect that we do not need any more advancements and we will be able to live freely through the world. Are we so consumed in improving we have lost sight on what we are enhancing on as individuals and as a society. Paul Tillich argues for a different understanding of religion that conflicts with the understanding of ourselves and our technological experiences in the world. While Martin Heidegger makes a similar claim that we are disattach from our spiritual side. By putting Tillich in conversation with Heidegger, we will gain

technology in the same way they approach religion, as if they are seeing religion within

‘Blade Runner’ depicts a domain where it would appear the Gods have bestowed a constant flow of rain to the earth, adding to the dark atmosphere of this futuristic landscape. Similar to Genesis, when the Christian God decided to make the rain fall for 40 days and 40 nights, in order to wipe every living creature he had made. Thus, shows allusion to the Holy Bible, when the rain falls down for a long time in order to purify everything. When people do not obey God’s laws, rain falls as a punishment to the moral faults of humanity. The disposition of the film suggests a sense of panopticon and the feeling of always being watched.

According to this philosophy, a society which has advanced technologically further than another is inherently better and therefore has a right to rule (Wilkins). The most visible philosophy found in Blade Runner is that known as existentialism. The film brings forth many questions surrounding the meaning of human life, and exactly what constitutes human life to begin with. Within existentialism, a human exists first, and determines for him or herself what the meaning of that existence might be. Even though the replicants appear to be fully human, and are even capable of developing complete human emotion given a long enough lifespan, the fact that they are created for a purpose, thereby having an essence before their existence, could be what excludes them from being truly human according to existentialism.

The relationship between religion and science is indubitably debated. Barbour describes four ways of viewing this relationship (conflict, independence, dialogue--religion explains what science cannot, and integration--religion and science overlap). Gould presents a case in which religion and science are non-overlapping magisteria (NOMA), that the two entities teach different things and therefore do not conflict. The subject of this essay is Worrall, who says that religion and science does conflict, and that genuine religious beliefs are incompatible with a proper scientific attitude. The former half of the essay will describe his argument, while the latter will present a criticism of his argument.

Technology and belief have a great deal to do in making a good science fiction novel. Frank Herbert's Dune and Isaac Asimov's Foundation Series give excellent examples of this. Belief systems are defined as religious beliefs in a society. Technology is defined as the level of science achieved in a society. These two factors play separate roles in a society.  Yet, at times, they fall into the same categories like in the book Dune where science reflects religious aspects or in Foundation where the society depends on religion and social behavior to survive the onslaught of advanced technology. Religion might be a fuel to achieve a specific level of technology. Such as

Individuals in modern society use technology religiously, almost sanctimoniously, and place as much faith in technology as they do their religion, maybe even their God, then they worry about whether their idolized technology will suffice for them and keep their documents and other information secure. Some opposing

I remember it well as if it were yesterday, but it over 40 years ago when I walked into Dr. E’s. Office asking for his opinion about something; that I needed help having to do with correctly responding to the interrelationship between Science and Christianity. I had my own discernment and interpretation on this topic, but I wanted a practical, realistic way to approach this discussion when asked, even if it was a couple days later, or during a confirmation class. Though I did not have Dr. E as a professor, or took one of his courses in geology, I knew that he could help me in a constructive way. Dr. E. was my mentor and sponsor and he was always receptive to anything that I had to ask whether it was a simple or complex question of the day. On that day, I wanted to know his understanding of God’s creation of science, its separation from, but more so to its correlation to the theology of Christianity. At times, I was puzzled by some people’s insistence that the two shall never meet. Where I was coming from the standpoint and still hold true, that Jesus, Son of God is the Great Physician as recounted in the healings parables and based and John 5:1-9. I also believed and have no problem seeing that science and medical advances were beneficial and true blessings from God. Another vital point of understanding that I base this reflection upon is the profound belief that that God works his power and purpose through the means of science as wisdom and hard work is expressed

What is the relationship between religion and science? In his book, Consilience, Edward O. Wilson aims to find a unified theory of knowledge. Consilence also seeks to show how science is superior to and can replace religion. In this paper, I intend to show how Wilson understands this relationship and science as well as how. as well as show John Stuart Mill would agree or disagree with Wilson.