The ongoing debate between creationism and evolution is really about a deeper question:can religion and science peacefully coexist? Can they be reconciled to each other?
Some people have tried to marry science to religion, or else to draw a treaty line between them. Examples of these approaches are Theistic Evolution, Intelligent Design; and NOMA, or Non-Overlapping MAgisteria.
Can religion ever be reconciled to science? Let us look at the facts.
| Religion | Science |
What is the Basis? | Unproven assumptions | Evidence |
Bases? | Assumptions: scriptures, dogmata, fatwas, experiences, feelings, etc. | Evidence: data, experimental results, photographs, fossils, etc. |
What is Basic Process? | Make unproven assumption, claim as Truth; retrofit evidence to assumption. | Examine evidence, draw conclusion; adapt conclusion to evidence. |
| Assumption <- Evidence | Evidence -> Conclusion |
Can it be Corrected? | No. | Yes. |
How to Correct? | --- | Present new evidence. |
Can it Change? | Not by debate. Must internally change. | Yes. |
How does it Change? | Reinterpret assumptions. This happens only when religion must adapt to society, or go extinct. | Present new evidence. Debate, examine evidence, draw new conclusion. |
Binding on Everyone? | Yes. | No. |
Results of Disagreement? | Debate, division, persecution, torture, etc. | Debate, search for new evidence. |
Results on Humanity? | Ignorance, superstition, magical thinking, prejudice, persecution, warfare, disease, sexual suppression, etc. | Longer life span, healthier children, freedom from disease, clean water, improved food, sexual freedom, etc. |
You may draw your own conclusions. If you would like further information, or to learn about Scientism, please contact: jegarbillings@yahoo.com
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