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God and Science
The art of philosophy, demonstrated throughout history in all its arguments, present certain obstacles and contextual distortion for the state of humanity. There is no doubt it is worthwhile then, to examine some of the most troubling and difficult philosophical issues of the day. The idea of God and its role in humanity and its science will probably never be settled however the discussion itself helps create new attitudes and expressions of empathy that teach us about our time here on earth. The theory of evolution, sciences explanation for natural law, and the heart of many of these arguments, needs to be understood as a theory in this debate. Intelligent design, a scientific way of explaining Christian dogma in evolutionary terms, is also a theory. Both of these theories fall extremely short of explaining how and why humanity is reached the point that it has, but understanding the differences between them are useful and eventually identifying and reaching the potential of understanding such questions require.
The purpose of this essay is to explore the complex issue of God and science and their relationships with one another. The relative stance of every individual's relationship to God does not provide a simple positive and negative stance. I will attempt however to present this issue in two sides. I will break down the argument as whether God can exist with science or cannot exist with science. This coexistence seems important with all the technology and scientific breakthroughs occurring throughout the world each and every day. Additionally, the entire globe predominately believes in some sort of God and these beliefs need to be peacefully reconciled with science and its processes as well.
To help set up the argument, I will identify key, important points pertinent to this issue of God and science. God and science are continually at odds within academic, political and social arenas. The quest for the source of all authority seems to stem from this historical and often violent dispute and all the power and righteousness that accompany this information. Some key differences between God and science should be highlighted here in noting that science and its findings are nothing but
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First let's take a look at those who of an atheistic nature renounce the idea of God and science coexisting. Van Biema (2006) explained how scientists in today's world are upset about intelligent design and the possible political motivating factors that Christian lobbyists may hold. This is a valid concern, as the politicization of God has been occurring since the first governments and social constructs. He continued to explain how the scientific world is dogmatic in its opposition to including God within science. Dean (2005) explained how Nobel Prize winner in chemistry, Herbert Hauptman, claimed good scientists cannot believe in god. This is quite a supportive statement or those wishing to keep God out of science.
These arguments are supported by the unprovability aspects of religion inherently holds. Can you prove the existence of God using scientific methods? The actual proving of the Creator threatens the entire stabilization of the scientific and academic communities. The scientific committees should feel threatened, and react accordingly. Science needs to be focused on proving what is provable and not defining what is unprovable. This hypocritical approach leaves many without opinion uneasy about joining this devout side of the argument. It seems that the criticism of religion is the same reason as to why religion is not included in scientific discussions.
On the other side of the argument we have those preaching Christian dogma and intelligent design as the way of our arrival. Larson & Witham…
Bibliography
Dean, C. (2005). Scientists speak up on mix of god and science. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://personal.bgsu.edu/~edwards/NYTimesCSL.pdf
Larson, E. & Witham, L. (1998). Leading scientists still reject god. Nature, 394, 313-314. Retrieved from http://www.stephenjaygould.org/ctrl/news/file002.pdf
Preston, J. & Epley, N. (2009). Science and god: and automatic oppostion between ultimate explanations. Jornal of Experimental Social Psychology, 45, 238-241. Retrieved from http://faculty.chicagobooth.edu/nicholas.epley/Preston%26EpleyJESP.pdf
Russel, B. (2006). From science to god: the journey of a devout skeptic. New Spirit Journal, November. Retrieved from http://www.newspiritjournal.com/Issues/Nov06/Nov0607.pdf
Van Biema, D (2007). God vs. science. Time. Retrieved from http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1555132,00.html
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