Premium Essay

Science Vs Religion Research Paper

Submitted By
Words 573
Pages 3
In understanding the universe, one must first see it as an incredible phenomenon and carefully consider approaching it with great humility. This incredible phenomenon is usually met with attempts to understand it from members of the religion and science community. Both religion and science have had its stake in determining things like the universe’s function, moral law, mankind’s purpose, etc. The two have heavily influenced humanity’s thoughts regarding life, but some would agree that they do not always see eye to eye. The questions that will be raised in this research are: Are science and religion mutually exclusive? Is there any overlap between the two? Can science plausibly support claims made by religion; and religion support the claim made by scientific discoveries? In due course, this paper is an attempt to provide plausibility for a coherent view that supports the idea of the two are compatible with each other. Webster defines science as: …show more content…
Therefore, it is deduced that on the fundamental level science is as John O’Dwyer describes, “an attempt to understand the world of reality in terms of basic general principles involving observation, intuition, experimentation, debate, and reformulation.” So the question left to ask would be then, what exactly is religion? First, it should be noted that there may be an array of ways to answer this question However, it is pivotal for one to understand, on the fundamental level, what religion should not be identified as. That is, religion should not be branded as a safe-haven for those who are anti-science. Moreover, it is not a place where those who chose to ignore empirical dwells; as many would contend that there are many who would prove themselves to be anti-scientific even within the scientific community, due to the denial of some principle of

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

The Existance of God

...unit. Regardless of the specifics, there is always been the argument and research/conversation about the existence of a universal God, and a continual search for evidence to prove once and for all if indeed God exists, or not. In this paper I plan to discuss the above topics, and provide evidence to support my assessment. The social influence on religion, the mind and science will be the primary area of focus. The Existence of God Statement of Research Problem Intuition can be defined as the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning (Wikipedia). I will also include a personal definition for intuition: Intuition is the inherent spiritual compass that is used by man to guide his/her steps along the proverbial pathway of life. Some to validate their reason for belief in religion uses this spiritual compass. Others believe it only exists on a personal level, independent of any internal or external spiritual influence. Some believe in a spiritual element of life, which is something we cannot see, taste touch or feel; a “God” component that allows us to understand the ethereal, because it is something we can feel, but not necessarily something we can explain. Philosopher’s Conclusion There are others that believe that the human mind is a never-ending opportunity for imagination. The idea that we invent and come up with innovative ideas and thoughts, religion and the belief of that external entity exist along the same plane. Jason...

Words: 1189 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Creationists vs Evolution

...of a church in the community. I was taught the bible and the book of Genesis. The different beliefs that were instilled in me were to believe that God created man and woman. In evolutionary or ecology classes, we are introduced to the theory of where man came from amoeba-like organisms, or even that we evolved from apes. How did life of origin arise? The components of evolution might explain how, but Creation gives a reason to believe why. Origin of life’s existence, as well as age of the earth is a question that is looked under a microscope and probed through both biblical theories, as well as scientific. Looking at difference evidence, acceptance of creation is growing even in spite of scientists trying to prove evolution. Within this paper, there will be different pieces of evidence and facts supporting each theory and there will be an argument, within my conclusion, on which theory I support. The theory of creation can be explained through various books in the bible. Creationists use the Bible as the truth for which they believe the origin of life came into existence. In bible studies and bible school, we were taught that God took clay from the ground which he shaped to a man that he called Adam. A verse in the King James Version, of the Bible, mentions “and the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Then, the Lord made a garden as Adam’s place of residency. There are pictures of beautiful...

Words: 2414 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Philippine Catholic

...Contrast Between Catholic and Baptist Religion - Ask most people today if they have heard of Baptist and Catholic religion and most would say yes. In many ways the two are very similar. For instance, both are based on the Christian faith, belief in the trinity, and that God is the one true God. The two religions agree that Jesus died on the cross and rose again to atone for our sins. They share a 27 book New Testament and insist that salvation comes from Christ alone. On the other hand, while the Baptist and Catholic religions do have similarities, they also have differences, such as their services, communion, and views regarding salvation. The Catholic Religion - The world has more than one billion Catholics and with the ever growing population, it will only get larger in number. To be a Catholic means to have complete faith in God and his divine grace. Having God's divine grace means to obey it and keep it holy as it was created by God and given to his people. The religion itself is based on this and the people take it very seriously. Catholics believe that all people are of good nature but when one commits a sin it not only hurts that one person but the people and the Church.... [tags: Catholicism, What Catholics Believe, informative] 1922 words (5.5 pages) $14.95 [preview] Catholic religion - CATHOLIC RELIGION To belong to the church one must accept as factually true the gospel of Jesus as handed down in tradition and as interpreted by the bishops in union with the pope...

Words: 9141 - Pages: 37

Free Essay

Research Process Paper

...Research Process Paper Andra Lou Lewis University of Phoenix Research and Evaluation I RES/341 Robert Katz August 1, 2010 Research Process Paper The "levels of measurement", or scales of measure are expressions that typically refer to the theory of scale types. All measurement in science is conducted using four different types of scales Nominal, Ordinal, Interval, and Ratio Nominal scales when measuring use names or categorized responses and are the lowest scales of measurement. Gender, zip codes, area of country, favorite color, and religion are examples of variables measured on a nominal scale. The essential point about nominal scales is they do not have any impact on the data. In the Ordinal Scale type, the numbers assigned to objects or events represent the rank order (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) of the entities assessed that represent a quality measurement and can tell whether a case has more or less. An ordinal scale defines a total preorder of objects; the scale values themselves have a total order. Ranked preferences only tell what one preference is over another, not how much more is preferred. Quantitative attributes are all measurable on interval scales, as any difference between the levels of an attribute can be multiplied by any real number to exceed or equal another difference. A highly familiar example of interval scale measurement is temperature with the Celsius scale. The thermometer represents equal volumes of mercury between each...

Words: 458 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Inherit the Wind

...| Research Paper | Inherit the Wind | | Ronald Ma | 103945967 | | Research Paper: Inherit the Wind “Inherit the Wind” is a film that addresses the age old debate on evolution vs creationism, and is based off of the Scopes Trial back in 1925. The film takes set in a fundamentalist town, Hillsboro, where a teacher, Bertram Cates, is being held on trial for introducing some of Darwin’s theories of evolution to the kids in his class. Although being a very old film, it reveals a lot of the crucial problems and issues with society that is even apparent in today’s societies. The town of Hillsboro is depicted as a place filled with narrow minded people who blindly follow their statesman, Matthew Brady. Throughout this film, many reoccurring themes are seen. The many themes including but not limited to: individualism, fundamentalism, free speech, critical thinking and progress. When watching this film, the audience is immediately presented with two clear sides that are at conflict. During the post discussion held in class, a classmate pointed out that many problems in today’s society stem from religion, and that many international conflicts are caused because of religion. While this argument certainly has it merits, I do not believe this is the main focal point the film is trying to depict. There is no doubt that religion causes a split in the community but that is only because of how the individuals choose to interpret and relay their sacred and biblical readings....

Words: 1629 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Creationism vs. Evolutionism

...In the history of science vs. religion there has been no issues more intensely debated than evolution vs. creationism. In the age old debate of creationism versus evolution, many people have given their lifelong work to supporting one side of this debate. But what we must consider are the facts. Theories will only get us so far in life, but the facts, the hard evidence, will convince a doubting person to believe if they will only consider the evidence. Through my research I hope to uncover that very evidence to show those who still doubt the real truth. Creation and Evolution are two major beliefs that people follow as a guideline. The two philosophies have different effects on our lives and the make-up of who we are and what we believe. Creation is a belief followed by many people and generally speaking the Holy Bible serves as a guideline and a set of instructions to show how the earth was formed and to guide us through life. Science backs up this Holy Book it is a very reliable source of the history of the world. There are many questions in life that man has always longed to find the answers to and the questions are: Who am I, why am I here, how did everything get here, and where will I go when I die? Well if you believe in evolution then you came from non-living material that all came together from the big bang. There is no purpose to life, you have no one to answer to, so if it feels good than do it and when you die then you will be recycled into a plant. We supposedly...

Words: 1598 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Sunni and Sj'Ia: the Branches of Islam

...Sunni and Sh’ia: The Branches of Islam By Kendra Craig March 5, 2010 Strayer University Abstract The paper is focused on Sunni and Sh’ia, which are two branches of Islam. The paper will compare the different religious belief that is practiced throughout Islam. It will also show the laws and the cultures of each religious branch. The paper will show the major dispute that caused separation of these religions in Islam. Sunni and Sh’ia Sunni and Sh’ia are two of the most dominate cultures in Islam. In my research, I learned that these two branches were among the worst enemies of the Islamic culture. In this paper I will show the differences in the belief of each religious group. I will also show the division within the Islamic community between these groups. Sunni Muslims are individuals that were firm believers in the prophet Muhammad. The words that were spoken through Muhammad influenced and provided them with strong religious belief. Sunni means “customary practices” (Macmillan Reference USA 2001-2006) which referred to the teaching and preaching of Muhammad. The Sh’ia Muslims are individuals that believe that the political leader position should have gone to Ali (Penay). Sh’ia means “group” or faction”. After the death of Muhammad is when things began to turn for the worst between these communities. The main belief of the Sunni Muslims was those that came after Muhammad were true believers of Muhammad teachings. This allowed them to become comfortable with...

Words: 1784 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Impact of Quality Service on Customer Satisfaction in Banking Sector

...Strategies for focusing a broad research topic Are you overwhelmed with how much information you are finding?  Try the suggestions below: * Develop a tentative focus  List what you already know and questions you have about the topic and focus on those you find most interesting. * Find background information on your topic   Check our Electronic Reference Collection for an article in an online encyclopedia you can trust.   * Look for magazine articles  Magazine articles tend to be shorter and can provide a general idea of key issues or controversies related to your topic. Try: * Academic Search Complete * Academic OneFile * Search CQ Researcher This is a great source for finding background information and overviews of a wide array of topics. * Choose a particular perspective on the issue How do scholars from different subject fields approach your topic? Finding different points of view can provide you with a better sense of direction. Look through our subject-specific databases listed on the Find Articlespage like:  * Education Full Text (EBSCO) * Worldwide Political Science Abstracts (ProQuest) * PubMed (National Library of Medicine) * Limit your search to a specific time period  Look for date limit options when searching a database. * Need more help? Ask a Librarian for assistance.   Finding research topic ideas You'll be spending a bit of time on your research paper, so be sure to choose a topic...

Words: 812 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Spirituality

...Abstract This paper is written to provide education about cultural diversity in the health care field. The goal was to investigate the faith beliefs of Baha’ism, Sikhism, and Buddhism, and compare their spiritual perspective on healing, as well as the critical components of healing. These were compared with Christianity to determine the similarities and differences. This will be reviewed to better educate caregivers as they minister to various cultures in the hospital and community. Introduction Religious faith and beliefs of the patient must be integrated with the scientific medical care in order to provide holistic care to the patent. Religion and the health of individuals and populations play an important role in the social, behavioral, and health sciences. Coping strategies, health behaviors and attitudes are influenced by one’s religious believe. Health care providers caring for patients from different religious traditions must understand the diversity in faith in order to provide religious and culturally sensitive high quality care. Over 1200 different religions are practiced in the USA (Bryan, 1999). This paper will discuss the brief background of the three religions, address obstacles according to the religion that are being discussed but not all religions have them and the important component of healing process of three religions. These religions are frequently met in healthcare are Baha’ism, Sikhism and Buddhism. First faith: Baha’ism Baha’u’llah is...

Words: 2625 - Pages: 11

Free Essay

Print Media vs Electronic Media

...Print Media Vs Electronic Media We are living in a rapidly developing and modernized era where technology is taking charge in every walks of our life. This technology may come with many advantages and disadvantages as well. Every development is due to rapid modernization, improvement of old administration methods and the use of new technology to make things even better. However with the growing modernization human demand for knowledge is also increasing. Media serves an important role in keeping people informed about the events and innovations around the globe. This information may reach us in two forms, either through print media which is the oldest method, or the other one can be electronic media. With the improvement of electronic media during past few years and daily reports on achievements, electronic media has dominated over print media during past few years. Print media is the oldest form of Mass Media, and still not outdated. Daily about 70% of people start their day by reading newspaper, which is the oldest media around the world. Newspaper gives us information about whole world within few minutes of reading session, with a choice to skip the topics that we are not really interested about. Print Media still forms an important part of Media Industry which has been given a competition by electronic media and a new technology called e-newspaper applications. But still newspaper holds its value even today and is competing strongly with technology backed media. Basically...

Words: 2974 - Pages: 12

Free Essay

Factors

...History of Politics A Research Paper Presented to The class of Miss Rhoda Mae R. Navasquez Southern Cotabato Academy, Inc. In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Subject English IV by Jeison L. Omandam December 01, 2011 INTRODUCTION Political history is the description and analysis of significant political occasions, movements, thoughts, and leaders. Typically it is developed around the nation states. It is distinguished from but relevant to other areas of history such as economic history, social history, and military history. Usually, political history discusses events pertaining to nation-states and the political process in particular. As per Hegelian doctrine, Political History ‘is a perception of the state with a guiding force beyond the material benefits of its subjects: it meant that the state was the root factor of historical change’.  This differs with one, for example, social history, which predominantly discusses the events and lifestyles of common folks, or people’s history, that is historical account from the view point of a lay person. A study of political history typically centers on a single nation and its political change and aggrandizement. A few historians highlight the ever increasing drift toward confined specialization in political history over the course of recent decades: ‘wherein a college professor in the 1940s resorted to identify himself as a “historian”, by the 1950s “American historian” was the designation.’ Political...

Words: 1803 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Religion and Spirituality in Medicine

...Vincent Coughlin PATHE 200 Final Project Spring/15 RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY IN MEDICINE THESIS STATEMENT: Patients with multiple religious beliefs are treated everyday by emergency care workers which creates a void in respect towards the patient and their beliefs if the proper training and knowledge are lacking. INTRODUCTION When the subject of religion and spirituality come up in conversation in the governmental arena most people will argue that they are both on separate planes and should remain that way. But when people were asked if there is a place for religion in the medical field, the majority of those asked will say that they would prefer their physicians inquire about their individual faith and beliefs. In fact, polls indicate that the U.S. Population is highly religious; that most people believe in Heaven and hell. The same people also believe in the healing power of prayer and the capacity of faith to aid in the recovery from disease (N.E.J.O.M. 342). Religion and Spirituality have become an intricate part of patient care in the last 20 plus years. Religion is understood as a set of beliefs, rituals and practices usually embodied within an institution or an organization. Religion is more generalized and all-inclusive. Spirituality is more defined and specific to each individuals Religion. Spirituality is thought of as a search for what is sacred in life, one’s deepest values, along with a relationship with God...

Words: 5942 - Pages: 24

Free Essay

Space (and Time) for Culture

...Thora Tenbrink (tenbrink@uni-bremen.de) SFB/TR8 Spatial Cognition, Bremen University, Germany Lisa Hüther (lisa.huether@psychologie.uni-freiburg.de) Department of Psychology, Freiburg University, Germany Space is a fundamental domain for cognition, and research on spatial perception, orientation, referencing, and reasoning addresses core questions in most of the disciplines that make up the cognitive sciences. Consequently, space represents one of those domains for which various disciplinary interests overlap to a substantial extent. For instance, the question of whether and how spatial cognition and language interact has been one of the core questions since early on (e.g., Clark, 1973; Miller & Johnson-Laird, 1976), and yet, consensus between psychologists and linguists is difficult to achieve (e.g., Li & Gleitman, 2002, vs. Levinson et al., 2002). Perhaps most controversial in this dispute is the extent to which spatial cognition is culturally variable (for linguistic variability, see also Evans & Levinson, 2009, and comments there-in). Expanding the space of cognitive science research to ‘nonstandard’ cultures (Henrich et al., 2010; Medin et al., 2010) is thus crucial for the advancement of cognitive science. For this very reason, cross-disciplinary...

Words: 1607 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Christianity vs Catholicism

...Christianity VS Catholicism HUM130 October 10th, 2010 Regena Weatherford Christianity VS Catholicism Christianity and Catholicism are two very different religions. Any person who has not studied these religions closely might be tempted to say that they are the same, or at least share most of the same beliefs, but this is simply not true. Take for instance the foundation that these two religions are founded on. Christianity was founded solely upon the Holy Scriptures, whereas Catholicism was based on the doctrines taught by Popes and Bishops. With foundations so different it can only be assumed that the beliefs would be different as well. There are several main differences between Catholicism and Christianity: how they perceive the Bible, Salvation, Baptism, the Holy Trinity and evolution. “The Bible is the sole authority for Christian beliefs and practices. The Catholic Church stresses a balance between Biblical support and the tradition of the Church itself.” (Robinson, June). This difference is based on the foundations of the religion itself. Christians believe that all rules of faith have to come from the Holy Bible, which is the written Word of God. They also believe that the Bible is authoritative and clear, and it can be read and understood by anyone who chooses to read it. In the Catholic faith, knowledge is passed down from Popes and Bishops through the church which is then taught to the people of the religion. There are scriptures with these subjects in them...

Words: 2068 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Document

...premarital sex is wrong. People base their opinions on what the Bible has said. When the Bible is used to justify any means of behavior, it usually becomes a moral issue. The main issue at hand is whether premarital sex is classified as morally right or wrong. The Catholic Church claims that premarital sex is wrong and immoral. Premarital Sex Pre-Marital Sex During the twentieth century, premarital sex has become an important issue. Sexual abstinence was the normal society lifestyle until the late 1950 s. Most men and ... Not only does the Catholic Church believe this, so does nearly every other Christian faith. In many other countries, premarital sex is not as huge of an issue as it is here in the US. The basis for this is unsure, but religion and culture seem to play into it largely. In the 1990 s, the teaching of abstinence is beginning to be implemented into the public school systems. The enthusiasm for the just-say-no Premarital Sex Pre-Marital Sex: Is It Worth The Wait? Pre-marital sex, young Catholics know it is wrong. So why do they do it? Most teenagers have heard or coined the phrases ... approach began with the G.O.P....

Words: 1704 - Pages: 7