Science refers to the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world through a systematic methodology that is based on verifiable evidence. Religion has reference to the service and worship of a deity or the supernatural, as well as to a personal or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs and practices. The relationship between science and religion has been a topic of discussion since antiquity. Theologians, philosophers, scientists and politicians have long addressed the subject, some characterizing science and religion as being incompatible or in conflict with one another, with others insisting that it is a harmonious relationship, while others have insisted on a complete separation, or of little interaction between the two. The interdisciplinary field of theology and science, also known as science and religion, studies historical and contemporary interactions between these fields, and seeks to provide an analysis of their relationships. This category presents a collection of sites whose topics concern both science and religion. These may include those whose focus is on the determination of a scientific base for (or against) religion, as well as those that seek to reconcile the two.
Feature Article
The God of Science or the God of Religion
Nearly every scientific
society in the United
States has issued statements rejecting intelligent
design and, so we are told, nearly every scientist in America, and
throughout the world, believes that God
had nothing to do with the origin
of species, specifically the human species.
U.S.
courts have repeatedly ruled in favor of teaching evolution
in public school classrooms, and against teaching creationism, even as an
alternative theory.
Yet, a 2012 Gallup poll holds that 46% of Americans believe that mankind
was created by God. Additionally, about one-third of Americans believe
that humans evolved, but with God's guidance, while only 15% hold that
humans evolved with no help from a deity. These results have remained
largely unchanged since Gallup first asked these questions thirty years
ago.
Approximately eighty-five percent of Americans believe that God was
involved, in some manner, either in the direct creation or in the
evolution of man. Only fifteen percent believe that God had no part in it.
In fact, between 2010 and 2012, the number of respondents who believed in
direct creation went up by six percent, while those who believed that God
made use of evolution went down by the same number, and one percent fewer
people believed that God had no part in the process.
"All in all, there is no evidence ... of a substantial movement toward a
secular viewpoint on human origins," states the Gallup report
Why is this? Are Americans ignorant or is there some other reason why they
don't trust their scientists?
Apart from the fact that scientists have been caught lying to us about global
warming, I believe the answers are simpler than that.
The vast majority of Americans reject atheism,
and thus, naturalism as well. A solid majority of Americans are Christians,
and many more believe in God. It should be no surprise then, that when a
choir of experts insist that evolution is incompatible with a belief in
God, people are forced to choose one or the other.
If science is the enemy of God, then only those who do not believe in God
would choose science over God.
It should also be unsurprising that many Americans are reluctant to have
evolution taught as fact to their children in the public schools, which
their taxes support. Protestants
don't want Catholic
doctrine taught to their children, yet the distance between Protestantism
and Catholicism is far less than the distance between Christianity and
naturalism. For that matter, Christianity has far more in common with Judaism
and Islam
than it does with naturalism, as naturalism stands in direct opposition to
theistic religion.
Thanks largely to declarations made by the experts, whose gains have
largely come through the court systems rather than by persuasion of the public,
evolution is seen as being central to naturalism, and naturalism is viewed
much like a competing religion.
Claims by members of the scientific community that religion and evolution
are incompatible does harm to science
because it forces people to choose between science and a belief in God,
and most believers are not going to choose science over God.
The tactics of members of the scientific community of going to court in
order to prevent the teaching of creationism or intelligent design, has
led to suspicion and mistrust of the scientific experts.
The perception that the scientific community has allied itself with a
specific political
faction, on this issue as it has with global warming, has served
only to exacerbate feelings of misgiving.
If there is anyone who Americans distrust more than their scientists, it
is their politicians.
Recommended Resources
Coverage of the faith versus reason debate includes an overview of Christian spirituality, as well as the spiritualities held by non-Christian world religions, as well as the theories of evolution taught by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace, concluding that the claims of spirituality can be respected as valid without dismissing the contributions of science. Included are world religions statistics and links to additional resources.
https://www.age-of-the-sage.org/
Established in 2007 by Dr. Francis Collins, once the director of the Human Genome Project, and author of a book recounting his movement from atheism to Christian belief, the organization is now under new leadership, but it continues to engage in dialogue with Christian organizations and individuals who are skeptical of evolution. The beliefs that are advanced by the organization, as well as its core commitments, are defined. A general discussion forum and a homeschool forum are available.
http://biologos.org/
Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences
The goal of the CTNS is to advocate for the creative mutual interaction between theology and the natural sciences, which it works to carry out through research, education and public service, with a scientific focus on physics, cosmology, evolutionary biology and genetics, with additional topics in the neurosciences, technology, environmental science, and mathematics, while its theological focus is on Christian theology, ethics and spirituality.
http://www.ctns.org/
CIS is a network of scientists, teachers, and students who are concerned about the relationship between science and Christian faith, and about the harm that may be imposed by the common misperception that there is always a conflict between science and faith. Its membership policies, levels, and subscriptions rates are set forth, and a calendar of conferences and other events is included. Its publications, brochures and newsletters are highlighted, and many of its resources are available free.
http://www.cis.org.uk/
This study seeks to offer logical, practical, pragmatic proof of God's existence from a purely scientific perspective. Featured topics speak of a practical man's proof of God, an understanding of what God is, questions of God's own creation, the cause of the beginning, and why the author left atheism. Other resources include charts, children's material, pamphlets, video, online correspondence courses, and journals.
http://www.doesgodexist.org/
Focusing on Christian apologetics, the site seeks to argue for the existence of God using scientific methods. Topics include answers for atheists, design versus evolution, Biblical creation, Bible authenticity, Christian theology, aberrant theology, Christian tribulation, and Christian life issues, as well as a discussion forum, book and movie reviews, and links to sites covering supporting topics. Discussion guidelines and advertising policies are included.
http://www.godandscience.org/
Intelligent design is a scientific-religions compromise viewpoint that seeks to marry common theories of evolution with the Christian evolution story. The Intelligent Design Network is a non-profit organization that strives to achieve institutional objectivity in the teachings of origins science, and for what its proponents view as objectivity in the institutions of science, government, and the media. Its publications, science standards, teaching tools, and press releases are featured.
http://www.intelligentdesignnetwork.org/
Interdisciplinary Encyclopedia of Religion & Science
Edited by the Advanced School for Interdisciplinary Research, operating at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, INTERS strives to help scientists frame their work within a philosophical and humanistic context, and to aid those training in theology to approach the rationale of scientific activity through the humanistic reflections of scientists. Included is an interdisciplinary encyclopedia, anthology, and supporting documents.
http://www.disf.org/en/
International Association for the Cognitive Science of Religion
The objective of the IACSR is to promote the cognitive science of religion through international collaboration of any scholars whose research relates to the subject, arranged through biennial conferences as well as interim local meetings, the encouragement of research projects, scholarly publications, and the exchange of information online. An overview of the organization is presented, along with a calendar of scheduled meeting and activities, news, and external links.
http://www.iacsr.com/
International Society for Science & Religion
Established in 2002, the ISSR was formed for the purpose of promoting education in the fields of science and religion through the support of interdisciplinary learning and research, generally conducted in an international and multi-faith context. A list of members is presented, along with books authored by its members, society news, project reports and other topics, such as intelligent design, hybrids and chimeras. A blog is included.
http://www.issr.org.uk/
Written by David Allan, the book offers insights into the questions about science and religion, defending the Christian faith through scientific investigation, and arguing for the harmony of science and religion. A biography of the author, including his qualifications and credentials, is presented, along with the foreword and table of contents of his book, articles from the book in PDF format, a blog, and an online shopping area where the book may be purchased.
http://itsabouttimebook.com/
Established in 1987, the Templeton Foundation is a philanthropic organization that funds interdisciplinary research into human purpose and ultimate reality, its core funding areas being science, character development, freedom and free enterprise, exceptional cognitive talent and genius, and genetics. Its funding areas, grants, partners, and affiliated programs are posted, along with a calendar of event.
http://www.templeton.org/
Metanexus is a global interdisciplinary institute, organized for the purpose of promoting a trans-disciplinary approach to questions of nature, culture and the human being. Comprised of a network of scholars, researchers, teachers, students and others interested in conducting research, hosting conferences and lectures, and publishing an electronic magazine, entitled "Global Spiral", which is available here, as well as an online shopping area featuring topical books.
http://www.metanexus.net/
Developed by Faraday Schools. A project of Learning About Science and Religion (LASAR), a cooperative project between the Institute of Education, Reading University, and the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion, the program conducts research into what secondary students think about science and religion, the factors that influence their decisions, and how their beliefs may change over time. Curriculum materials and approaches for teachers are presented, helping them to engage students.
http://www.neverofftopic.com/
A project of the Faraday Institute, Science & Belief encourages proactive conversation about science and faith, and includes guest authors, videos and podcasts, as well as the writings of Ruth Bancewicz, who initiated the project. An introduction to the Faraday Institute is offered, along with articles demonstrating how science enhances faith, as well as reviews of a book by Ruth Bancewicz, entitled "God in the Lab: How Science Enhances Faith."
https://scienceandbelief.org/
Edited by people who have edited portions of "Science & Spirit," the electronic magazine features news, opinion, book reviews, and other information on the subjects of science and religion, and particularly the ways in which the two either diverge or relate, and also includes links to other source of information on these topics. Readers may find topics by keyword search, browse the magazine by topic, or subscribe to its RSS feed.
http://www.scienceandreligiontoday.com/
Science & Religion: Exploring the Spectrum
Seeking to develop an understanding of the social and cultural contexts of public perceptions of the relationship between science and religion across all faiths and none, the site explores ways in which evolutionary science has been viewed historically and today, why people might take an anti-evolutionist stance, the nature of differing positions on evolutionary science, and whether the perception of a link between atheism and evolutionary science has been damaging to biological science.
https://sciencereligionspectrum.org/
With membership open to people of any religion or none, the SRF began in the early 1970, and currently exists to promote discussion between scientific understanding and religious thought on issues at the interface of science and religion. The organization host a number of activities, including an annual conference, and publishes two editions of its Review. Membership policies, levels and benefits are defined, and information about its essay competition, and a call for short papers are featured.
http://srforum.org/
Science and Religion in Schools Project
Set up in 2002, the Project has produced a large suite of materials for secondary and primary school to support the teaching of science and religion. Its materials are available for purchase as books and CDs, and for free here, which is divided into three age groups: 7-11, 11-16, and 16-19. Teacher's materials can be found through a topic menu, with each unit containing a number of lessons and teaching resources. Developed for the UK, its materials are useful for any English speaking curriculum.
http://www.srsp.net/
The Templeton Press was founded as a program of the Templeton Foundation, a non-profit foundation established by Sir John Templeton. It focuses on the publication of books on topics such as altruism, business and spirituality, character development, church history, forgiveness, inspirational virtues, psychology, public policy, science and religion, spirituality and health, many of which are available in electronic editions.
http://www.templetonpress.org/
Presented by the Templeton Foundation, the Templeton Prize is an annual award given to a living person who, in the estimation of the judges, "has made an exceptional contribution to affirming life's spiritual dimension, whether through insight, discovery, or practical works." It purpose, criteria, judges and past winners are identified, with an overview of the prize, and biographical information about Sir John Templeton.
http://www.templetonprize.org/
Offering introductory resources from The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion, the site presents a series of informational articles and video on science and Christianity for adults and young people, with contributions from leading scientists and theologians. A book review and trailer for the book and film, "Test of Faith," is included, and a course by that name is available for purchase, to help small groups explore the issues raised in the film. Study guide samples are available.
http://www.testoffaith.com/
The Rev. Michael Dowd is the author of "Thank God for Evolution: How the Marriage of Science and Religion Will Transform Your Life and Our World," which is the subject of this site. In his book, the Rev. Dowd shares the creation story and the epic of evolution in a manner that melds the two. Biographical information about the author is presented, along with an introduction to the book and a free chapter, excerpts, and informational videos. The book is offered in print and electronic format.
http://www.thankgodforevolution.com/
The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion
The Faraday Institute is an interdisciplinary research enterprise based at St. Edmund's College in Cambridge. The Institute conducts academic research and offers courses, conferences, lectures, seminars and media designed to enhance the public's understanding of science and religion. Current projects are highlighted, along with a list of available resources, news, and an online shopping area offering books, video and other papers.
http://www.faraday.st-edmunds.cam.ac.uk/
The Realist Guide to Religion and Science
Written by Fr. Paul Robinson, the book creates a framework for appreciating and understanding the major questions about reality, human knowledge, and the positions of religion and science, then clarifying what makes for trustworthy religion and trustworthy science, both of which have to be realist. A synopsis of the book is given, along with a video introduction by the author, endorsements, and the ability to purchase it online.
https://therealistguide.com/
The Reluctant Messenger of Science and Religion
Using fiction as a platform, Drs. Stephen W. Boston and Evelyn McKnight attempt to reconcile the world's faiths and science in order to answer the big questions about life and purpose. The authors' disclaimer states that the story is biographical in the sense that thirty years of spiritual experience is condensed into a one-year story that is itself part fiction, and the story a personal experience cloaked in fiction. The book may be read online, or purchased through the site.
http://reluctant-messenger.com/
Rejecting the4 idea that science and religion are opposites, irreconcilable by definition, the site advances the idea that science and religion can reinforce one another to allow for a more profound and rewarding experience of the world and the place of humanity in it. The Project offers fellowships, in which Fellows participate in three intensive workshops focused on developing, writing, marketing, and publishing creative non-fiction stories about the harmonies between science and religion.
https://scienceandreligion.thinkwritepublish.org/
Understanding Science: Science and Religion: Reconcilable Differences
Made available through Understanding Science, a program of the National Center for Science Education at the University of California at Berkeley, the authors suggests that science and religion do not have to be at war with one another, but that they can be complementary, as science investigates the natural world, while religion delves into the spiritual. People of several different faiths and levels of scientific expertise do not see a conflict. A teacher's reference is included.
https://undsci.berkeley.edu/article/science_religion
Yes, Science and Religion Can Coexist
Authored by Elena Iam, an educator and speaker on topics related to debates between science and religion, the book discusses such topics as the possibility of proving the existence of God, whether science and religion can coexist, whether atheism is a scientific viewpoint, and if there is an objective right and wrong, as well as the logic to beliefs, and how to reconcile opposing beliefs. An introduction to the author, speaking schedule, press resources, and an online shopping area are featured.
http://scienceandreligioncoexist.com/
Zygon Center for Religion and Science
Hosted at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, the Zygon Center is focused on the study of religious traditions and scientific knowledge in order to gain insight into the origins, nature and destiny of the human race and their environment, and to bring together scientists, theologians, and other scholars to discuss and carry out research on questions and issues of human concern. Site topics include the origins of the universe, life and the human race, schedules, and symposiums.
http://zygoncenter.org/
