Reasons why Science is not a Religion - Essay Example

The relationship between religion and science is complicated. It is problematic because both Science and religion have changed over time, and neither holds a singular form of its original version. While Science does not have clear boundaries to state what is to be included and what not to be included, religion clearly can state what is religious and what is not (Cragun 172). I think religion has gained popularity recently because of its ability to allow new knowledge contributions and explain the world's mysteries.

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In recent times the debate whether Science is a religion has been famous among skeptics who do not prescribe to either of the two opposing theories. I can understand their reasoning, which is mainly along the lines of beliefs of the unseen like divine and gravity all are invisible by their presence can be felt. Another logic is both religion and Science are based on faith (Dietrich). Even though both Science and religion seek to explain the mysteries of life, these two are different. I think Science is changing with the environment and thus the need to change previously conducted experiments. Hence, the need to update with the prevailing conditions to get a better conclusion. In this sense, religion has no room for question or even proving why things happen the way they are.

I can not say Science is a belief system. Still, it is a systematic procedure with a laid down methodology to seek and achieve reality in an objective manner (Schweitzer, n.p). Humans undertake scientific research and explorations, and humans have shortcomings: corruption, longsightedness, ego, and greed. But contrary to religion, which is a belief system, Science has been over time backed by self-governing policies; competition among the scientists motivates them to support and build from others' findings. As for religion, nobody has ever tried to experiment with how Moses separated the Red Sea. But in Science, experiments have been done to show the earth revolves around the sun.

The widespread of the "Science is just a religion" view I can say is unrealistic. Religion has never cured any disease. It fails to give a useful explanation to a single physical fact: the origin of humans, the beginning of life, not even the universe. Religion cannot also explain how volcanos happened, thunderstorms, earthquakes, allergies, nor congenital disabilities. I think Science offers the solution in explaining all these happenings that otherwise could have been mysteries even if not conclusive. So there is no way a reasonable individual could think Science is just a religion. Over time, there is proof that it is a willingness to self-correcting with Science, whereas religious faith does not.

Science is not perfect, and scientists, like any other human beings, have faults. But the motivation to gain more knowledge, the desire to change orthodoxy, the consultation from other scientists all push Science to the understanding of an objective truth better or our best estimation of it; this understanding of the world is essentially different from faith. Given that faith cannot be questionable: I, therefore, believe that it is true. By nature, all scientific explanations are questionable and testable. We cannot merge Science and religion ever (Galadari 1). Science also is universal in that an experiment carried out and proven by others is testable everywhere with the same specimens. Everyone can experiment with the gravitational force, which pulls all things in space to the earth. Whereas in religious faith, you are just told to believe in the divine analogy that cannot be tested (Galadari 4).

I will address this issue by saying Science does not claim to be perfect or to have all the answers to natural occurrences. If this were the case, there would be no need for experiments nor research. On the other hand, religious faith claims that God is infallible and has got the answers for everything, and you do not have to question him (Schweitzer). Science, therefore, has given room for developments to deal with emerging trends. Like in the medical sector, the mutation of viruses and diseases becoming resistant to drugs calls for a change in the chemical composition of drugs for them to be effective. The dynamics that accompany pandemics call for scientists to work fast to develop vaccines and cure diseases. I believe nobody has ever experimented with how Methuselah lived for 900 years because there is no objective basis to compare different beliefs (Dietrich).

All religions have three properties, which are: all are social systems, believe in a supernatural being, and have something to symbolize holiness or sacred (Figueroa, n.p). Although sciences are also social, this only allows them to accomplish their work. Religions must be social to advocate and promote their beliefs in a supernatural being, which are not utterly true. Many of the significant scientific theories were developed by individual scientists working in their fields or labs like Einstein, Newton, and Charles Darwin. There is no single scientific theory that endorses anything supernatural or advocates for anything sacred (Sanda et al. 9).

I want to conclude by saying Science and religion are not the same. In my opinion, Science In changing to meet the dynamics with which life brings, and you cannot be static t change unless you what to be wiped away. Hence the need for changes and acceptance of new knowledge to help some serious emerging problems.

Work Cited

Dietrich, Eric. "Is Science a Religion?". Psychology Today, 2017, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/excellent-beauty/201710/is-science-religion.

Figueroa, Quinton. "Science vs. Religion - Which Is Right?". Slayerment, 2013, https://www.slayerment.com/science-vs-religion-which-right.

Sanda, Dragos Constatin, Luana Alexandra Smarandoiu, and Costea Munteanu. "The Dialogue between Science and Religion: A Taxonomic Contribution." Religions vol.8, no.3, 2017. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/8/3/35

Sweitzeir, Jeff. "Huffpost is Now a Part of Verizon Media." Huffpost, 2013, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/science-is-not-religion_b_3870282.