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Science and Religion : The Unbridled Truth

This paper delves into the nuanced relationship between science and religion, exploring NOMA – non-overlapping magisteria, and how both disciplines shape our understanding of the world. From deductive logic in religion to the scientific method, the text examines the subjective-objective continuum, contrasting the aspirational nature of religion with the peacekeeping role of legal systems. Through examples like Noah's flood and the rainbow, it challenges conventional interpretations, fostering a thought-provoking discussion. Ultimately, it addresses the hope for harmony between different worldviews.

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Science and Religion : The Unbridled Truth

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  1. Science and Religion: The Unbridled Truth G David Foster, PG Jackson, MI E-mail fosteg2@alum.rpi.edu

  2. Science and Religion: The Unbridled Truth INTRODUCTION: NOMA – non-overlapping magisteria “Due to its brevity, this paper uses broad generalizations…”

  3. Bronislaw Malinowski (1884 – 1942) “In every primitive community… there have been found two clearly distinguishable domains…”

  4. Bronislaw Malinowski (1884 – 1942) …the domain of Religion and that of Science.

  5. (1900 – 1980) “…any system of thought and action, shared by a group, that gives each individual…”

  6. (1900 – 1980) “…a framework for [cosmic] orientation and an object of devotion.”

  7. Johannes Gaertner(1912 – 1996) Art Historian From a societal standpoint, RELIGION is one of two stabilizing influences…

  8. Tillich (1886 – 1965) “The Ground of our Being” “Leap of Faith” Christian Existentialist?

  9. 1. exists to resolve conflict 2. jury determines “truth” INTRODUCING the LAW

  10. 1. both are subjective2. both are stodgy3. both employ deductive logic RELIGION and the LAW

  11. Deductive Logic: 3 example syllogisms

  12. (a) The Christian Bible says, “Love your neighbor.” Syllogism 1

  13. (a) The Christian Bible says, “Love your neighbor.”(b) I am a Christian, but Syllogism 1

  14. (a) The Christian Bible says, “Love your neighbor.”(b) I am a Christian, but(c) My neighbor is a jerk. Syllogism 1

  15. (a) The Christian Bible says, “Love your neighbor.”(b) I am a Christian, but(c) My neighbor is a jerk.(d) I have to respect him anyway. Syllogism 1

  16. (a) The Christian Bible says, “Love your neighbor.”(b) I am a Christian, but(c) My neighbor is a jerk.(d) I have to respect him anyway. ? True or False ? Syllogism 1

  17. (a) God does not make mistakes. Syllogism 2

  18. (a) God does not make mistakes.(b) The Bible is the word of God. Syllogism 2

  19. (a) God does not make mistakes.(b) The Bible is the word of God.(c) Therefore the Bible is totally accurate and every word must be taken literally. Syllogism 2

  20. (a) God does not make mistakes.(b) The Bible is the word of God.(c) Therefore the Bible is totally accurate and every word must be taken literally. True or False? Syllogism 2

  21. (a) The story of “Noah’s flood” is in the Bible. Syllogism 3

  22. (a) The story of “Noah’s flood” is in the Bible.(b) The Noah story says that God created the rainbow following the flood and put it in the sky. Syllogism 3

  23. Isaac Newton(1643 - 1727) Rainbow = refraction & reflection

  24. According to the rules of logic, all 3 syllogisms are TRUE.

  25. Contrasting Religion & Law Religion strives to provide meaning. Religion is aspirational.

  26. Contrasting Religion & Law Religion strives to provide meaning. Religion is aspirational. Legal systems establish minimum acceptable behaviors. Legal systems strive to keep peace.

  27. SCIENCE DEFINED a cohesive body of related knowledge which…

  28. SCIENCE DEFINED a cohesive body of related knowledge which… (1) possesses internal logical consistency,

  29. SCIENCE DEFINED a cohesive body of related knowledge which… (1) possesses internal logical consistency, (2) is advanced using the scientific method, and

  30. SCIENCE DEFINED a cohesive body of related knowledge which… (1) possesses internal logical consistency, (2) is advanced using the scientific method, and (3) seeks independence from human values.

  31. Characteristics of Science Scientists are predictors: F = ma; periodic table; double helix; plate tectonics Scientists use Inductive logic: to work from specific to general case absolute ”yes” or “no” not acceptable

  32. Comparing Science Religion and Law Science is collegial, while religion is prescriptive and law is adversarial.

  33. Comparing Science Religion and Law Science reasons from observation to conclusions religion and law reason from conclusion to observed facts

  34. Summary

  35. subjective – objective continuum Reading a scroll in worship Studying a thin section SUBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE

  36. subjective – objective continuum RELIGION SCIENCE stand at opposite ends Totally independent of human values Totally dependent on human values

  37. Summary NOMA doesn’t go deep enough. Science & Religion stand at opposite ends of subjective-objective continuum. Not like “apples & oranges.”

  38. Sharks & Chevrolets

  39. Is there hope?Perhaps it will be your creativitythat cuts through theGordian knot !

  40. Thank you for your interestG David Foster, PGe-mail fosteg2@alum.rpi.edu

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