Conflicts between science and religion

A brief overview

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Why is there a conflict?

Actually, science and religion are often not in conflict. Theologians don't care much about the tensile strength of steel when they have church buildings built. Scientists are generally not particularly interested in the functions of a soul. But sometimes science and religion overlap. Each then generally puts forth conflicting beliefs on the same topic. 

Typical conflicts:

Perhaps the earliest known conflict between science and religion occurred in ancient Babylon in what is present-day Iraq. The priests had taught that lunar eclipses were caused by the restlessness of the gods. They were considered evil omens that were directed against -- and threatened the lives of -- their kings. Then, local astronomers discovered the 18 year and 11.3 day (223 synodic month) interval between lunar eclipses. This suggested that the eclipses had natural cause. The discovery did not affect the superstitious beliefs of the priests; they still regarded eclipses as a time of great danger to their kings. However, armed with an accurate prediction of the next eclipse, they were able to substitute a temporary king during the interval around the eclipse, thus giving protection to the real king. The substitute was killed afterwards, so that omen was always fulfilled.

Two current examples of conflicts between science and religion are:

Creation science & evolution: Many conservative Christians believe in the inerrancy of the Bible. Although they have are many competing theories over details, many conclude that a literal interpretation of Genesis in the Hebrew Scriptures indicates that God created the world during a six day, 144 hour period, sometime between 4004 and 8000 BCE. Cosmologists have reached a near consensus that the universe is about 14 billion years old and that the Earth coalesced about 4.5 billion years ago. The Bible seems to imply that all of the species of plant and animal life were created during this six day interval. Essentially all biologists believe that the various species evolved over billions of years

Homosexuality: Human sexuality researchers and therapists have reached a near consensus that homosexuality is a minority sexual orientation, one of three natural, normal orientations, mainly caused by genes; it is unchosen and unchangeable.  Many religious conservatives believe that it is an unnatural, abnormal lifestyle, mainly caused by inadequate parenting; it is chosen, and can be changed.

Why do conflicts exist:

Disputes arise because science and religion are two very different disciplines. They are based on different foundations:

Science is ultimately based on observation of nature. Scientists assume that things happen because of natural causes. Some scientists do not believe in the existence of one or more Gods or Goddesses. Others personally believe that one or more deities exist, but assume that he/it/they do not interfere with nature. In any given area, from astrophysics to medicine to zoology, a general consensus exists about most fundamental beliefs. Arguments among scientists exist at the frontiers of each area of science, where new discoveries are being interpreted and hotly debated. The debates are eventually settled by evidence, debates, dialogue, and consultation.

Religion is largely based on faith. There are over one thousand religious organizations in the U.S. and Canada. By one account, there are 270 large religious groups in the world, and thousands of smaller ones. They hold diverse and often conflicting beliefs concerning deity, humanity and the rest of the universe. Many consider that their own faith is the only completely true one. Many believe that God revealed their faith to humanity, while other religions are all man-made. They believe that the consensus of scientists, and the beliefs of all other religions are at least partly false.

There is no simple way to resolve these conflicts:

	Religious beliefs are typically based on faith. Most religious folks believe that, through revelation, God has taught them absolute truth. Any compromise with the beliefs of scientists would require them to reject their own religious beliefs. Very few are willing to do that.
	Since different religions trace their beliefs back to different revelations from God, it is common for different faith groups to conflict with each other concerning humanity, deity and the rest of the universe.
	Scientific beliefs are generally based on observation. Any compromise would require a scientist to reject hard evidence.

Reaching a consensus is generally impossible. Sometimes, debates are settled by a conscious decision to tolerate each other's beliefs. This is difficult to achieve  between two groups who are certain of the validity of their own beliefs.

Copyright © 1999 to 2009 by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Originally written: 1999-NOV-28
Latest update: 2009-OCT-17
Author: B.A. Robinson

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