Science and Religion Summary BBS Second Year

Science and Religion

- Alfred North Whitehead

With the publication of Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking book Origin of Species in 1819, science and religion got conflict when it was written in the book that human beings were evolved from monkeys. At that time, religious leaders thought that humans were made by God.

According to Whitehead, there are similarities and differences between science and religion. With the change of time, both of them get changed. For example, at the time of Galileo, pope and religious gurus believed in Geo-Centric concept (The earth is at the centre, and the sun revolves around it). Later, Galileo made a powerful telescope and proved that the sun is at the center, and the earth moves around it (Helio-Centric). His idea became controversial, and he was sentenced to jail by religious people. Now, religious people also believe in Helio-Centric concept.

Science also believes in changes if the pervious claim and truth becomes false by doing experiments and research. In comparison with religion, science changes fast. For example, initially, scientist believed that earth was in rectangle shape, but now they believe that the shape of the earth is oval. Similarly, the idea or theory upon the same thing can be true in different time. For example; Newton's concept of physical nature of light was believed in 18th century while Huygens's idea of nature of light was also believed in 17th century.

The writer also finds differences between them. Science believes in fact and objective truth whereas religion believes in outer world. He thinks that science and religion should believe in changes. If they do not believe in changes, their existence can be collapsed.

Science and religion have the same base of beliefs. In history, science is criticized by religious beliefs, and religious beliefs always reject to accept scientific. We always see the contradictions of religion and science. Theology exhibits gradual development, and it has its own contradictory ideas. Science is more changeable than theology. Science even takes help from religion to make its beliefs more conveying.

The conflict between science and religion is always fruitful to brig valuable changes. When religion changes in the same spirit of science, it gets the old power of religion. The truth of science and religious are separate. In our society, we always try to avoid clashes between the forces of science and religion. The writer says that the clash of such doctrines brings positive results and new understanding, so both principles are equally important for everything.

Q) Alfred North Whitehead in “Religion and Science” discusses how science and religion are related. To what extent do you agree with his views? (2079 Board Exam)