I ask this question for a particular reason. The basis and the pursuit of religious and scientific endeavors is based on the same false promise of a deeper understanding and knowledge of the universe. We have people in both the religious and scientific communities each scratching their heads over how the other is approaching the promise and failing.
While both religion and science offer the same promise, they do it very differently. Religion offers a promise of a better way of life that will ultimately end in being “saved”. The problem with the religious promise is twofold. First it’s difficult to tell if they really keep it, second, it has spawned all sorts of fanatics that have killed millions in the past centuries. We don’t need to look to far to find a religious conflict, there is one in every country costing people their lives. Science on the other hand offers a better way of life right now and unlike religion it actually produces answers. The problem is the answer usually brings up more questions which will only be solved by more science, etc. We all know what a bounty it was for humans to unlock the secrets of the atom providing nearly unlimited access to power. Unfortunately, like pandora’s box, it also unleashed an unlimited amount of destruction and death to millions through nuclear war, not to mention countless waste that we still really don’t have an answer for. As science looks for answers they continually produce more problems.
It is clear to me that unless people realize the promise is false we are ultimately doomed.
This isn’t me either.
Would this be an attribution error in the midst of remodeling this site?
“Oooh, Unlocking the Atom had some scary side effects!”
Yeah, and walking across the street can get you killed.
I’m reminded of the serenity prayer - Serenity to accept the things that cannot be changed, strength to change the things that cannot be accepted, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Religion is great for accepting things that cannot be changed. Science is great for changing things that cannot be accepted. It’s never a wise choice to bet on the guy who says it can’t be done - he’s usually being passed up by the guy who is doing it.
Damning the torpedoes,
Rival
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The Jesus Myth said,
February 17, 2007 @ 3:45 pmNot entirely. The methodology is quite different in both. While science does indeed try to explore and understand the world and the universe around us, that understanding continues to evolve and is allowed room for error. Generally, science never evokes an absolute answer, but continues in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Religion (especially fundamentalism), on the other hand, is born out of absolute statements. Religion promises some sort of eternal life. Science simply promises a better understanding of the world around us.
Both have caused havoc with the world, but only one of the two tries to clean up its own mess.