#Science and Religion

[gay-jewish-bucky]

One thing I wish more people understood is that being religious and believing in science are not mutually exclusive.

Throughout all of recorded human history, including over the course the last century, some of the most important scientific advancements came from religious people and religiously funded institutions. Often it was Jews and Muslims leading the charge of scientific progress, but despite what you might think: it was also Christians and Catholics (both separately and alongside each other).

An example of these contributions (though there are many more) is that in Medieval Europe, erroneously referred to as "the dark ages", the Church heavily funded scientific research; in fact, they were one of the only bodies in the region that had the kind of money to put into something like science on a major scale.

The idea they are two things that cannot coexist comes from the "enlightenment", and then later Victorian era, which sought to frame people in that past as inherently stupid and inferior.

More recently, a trend towards fundamentalism and anti-science rhetoric, found on the fringes of many religions, is used by antitheists to reflect poorly on religious people as a whole. The many more religious people who are able to make science syncretic with their religious beliefs just aren't deemed interesting enough to make the news or entertaining enough for a non-religious audience to challenge in debates.

Atheism is not more compatible with science than theistic belief is.

[didyouknowthemeaningoflifeis42]

“Science is the only truth!”

“God is the answer to everything!”

THEY CAN COEXIST!!!!

Ying and Yang

Black and white

AND BOTH people!! And both!

[jameslmartello]

Science and the Evidence of God - Fr. Robert Spitzer

[yogiurban]

Humanity’s purpose is to awaken to its divine origin through self-knowledge, compassion, and alignment with Cosmic Truth.

Helena Petrovna Blavatsky

[solarpunkpresentspodcast]

Although the battle lines have shifted down through the years from heliocentrism to evolution (and let’s not get started on the age of the Earth), it feels like there’s a fundamental conflict between science and religion, especially with respect to the Abrahamic religions like Christianity and Islam. I (Christina), the host of this podcast episode, as a scientist and atheist who tends to assume all scientists are atheists—because how could they not be?—am definitely guilty of thinking this.

Yet, there is a long tradition of curiosity, inquiry, and, yes, science within the Abrahamic religions and no shortage of devout scientists working hard to this day to understand the workings of the world and cosmos. I decided that it was time to confront my assumptions by talking to one of my religious colleagues. Thank you in advance to Dr Norm Nelson—an oceanographer whose Christianity is a core part of his life—for discussing whether or not there is a conflict between science and Christianity, and where the roots of that conflict might lie.

Don’t forget, dear listener, we need your support! So, recommend us to a friend and/or sign up for our Patreon or make a one-time donation via PayPal.

[maaruin]

What if we create Superintelligence (artificial intelligence with intellectual capacities way beyond what humans have) and besides eliminating poverty, giving us medical technology which makes us immortal, creating a Grand Unified Theory of Physics, it also tells us "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is His prophet." ?

[mycelestial001]

Interesting! Will Religion Ever Become Obsolete? Read More

[shakir2]

Morphic-resonance. 

(Entanglement – Synchronicity – Panpsychism).  This groundbreaking and radical hypothesis suggests that nature itself possesses memory. The fundamental question of morphogenesis—how things take their shape—remains one of the enduring mysteries in biology. What makes a rabbit rabbit-shaped? How do newts regenerate lost limbs? Why do molecules adopt specific shapes? Why do societies organize…

[pacificus-pacificator]

Science and Religion in Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

Credits: Bram Stoker’s Dracula (Francis Ford Coppola, 1992)

[nando161mando]

[astrovedawisdom]

What If Hindus Never Existed? A World Without Sanatan Dharma

Introduction Today, our world is home to approximately 8.2 billion people. Officially, around 1.2 billion, or 15%, identify as Hindus. Yet, if we look beyond formal labels and consider the reach of India’s ancient knowledge traditions, a startling picture emerges. One could argue that elements originating from the Indian subcontinent—its philosophies, practices, and cultural narratives—touch the…

[thechurchoftheatom]

Sermon for January 29th: Fusion of Faiths and Futures

Brothers and Sisters in the Atom, let us begin today by turning our attention to a humble yet extraordinary symbol: the hyphen. Often overlooked, this small mark carries profound meaning. It unites two separate ideas, forging a connection that transforms them into something entirely new. It is, in essence, a fusion.

And isn’t fusion at the heart of what the Church of the Atom stands for? At the most fundamental level, the atom reveals to us the beauty of connection. When nuclei fuse, they do not erase each other; they unite to create something greater than the sum of their parts. Fusion powers stars, lights up our skies, and gives life to our world.

In the same way, the hyphen shows us that we do not need to choose between one identity or another. We can honor the traditions, beliefs, and identities that shape us while embracing the Church of the Atom’s mission to safeguard the future. The hyphen is not a divider; it is a bond, a bridge, a celebration of unity.

Faiths in Harmony

To join the Church of the Atom is not to abandon your current faith. It is to weave it into the fabric of our shared mission. Perhaps you are a Catholic-Atomist, a Pagan-Atomist, a Buddhist-Atomist, or an Atomist who follows no specific faith but carries a deep reverence for life. The hyphen allows you to be both—to honor your past while looking forward to the future.

Our Church does not demand exclusivity. We recognize that faith is deeply personal, rooted in family, culture, and individual experience. Whatever your path, we welcome you. Together, we form a constellation of beliefs, each shining brightly yet part of a larger whole.

The Hyphen as a Bridge

Consider the power of the hyphen in language. It connects "well" and "being" into well-being, "self" and "care" into self-care, and "long" and "lasting" into long-lasting. In each case, the hyphen does not erase the individuality of the words but enhances their meaning through connection.

So too does the Church of the Atom strive to connect rather than divide. We seek to amplify the values you already hold—values of compassion, stewardship, and responsibility. Your faith and ours are not at odds; they are complementary, like two sides of a bridge that meet in the middle.

Fusion for the Future

Fusion is not merely a scientific principle; it is a way of being. In the core of the sun, fusion gives us light and life. In our hearts, fusion enables us to find common ground, to build something greater together.

By embracing the Church of the Atom, you are not leaving your traditions behind. You are carrying them forward into the future, enriched by the knowledge and purpose that the atom inspires. You are joining a community that values diversity and seeks to unite people under a shared vision of stewardship for the world we will leave behind.

Closing Words

Let us take inspiration from the hyphen and its ability to connect without erasing. May we see in it a symbol of our shared purpose: to safeguard the future while honoring the past. And may we continue to build bridges, to forge connections, and to illuminate the path forward together.

Whether you come from a long line of faith, no faith at all, or somewhere in between, know this: You are welcome here. You are part of this fusion, this light, this future.

Brothers and Sisters in the Atom, let us go forth as hyphens in the story of humanity, joining what was with what can be, and shining brightly as we do so.

Go forth and be radiant.

[patheos123]

The Role of Self-Justification in Conflict Resolution and Communication

Self-justification is a powerful psychological mechanism that helps individuals rationalize their actions, beliefs, and decisions, often leading to the defense of one's choices even in the face of evidence to the contrary. This phenomenon plays a significant role in conflict resolution and communication, as it can both hinder and facilitate understanding between conflicting parties.

In the context of communication, self-justification often manifests when individuals are unwilling to admit fault or reconsider their position. People may cling to their beliefs, whether personal, political, or ideological, because admitting error feels like a threat to their self-image. This is particularly evident in debates surrounding deeply ingrained issues like science and religion, where individuals may justify their perspectives even in the face of opposing viewpoints. For example, in discussions about evolution versus creationism, people often cling to their pre-existing beliefs, rationalizing their stance to avoid cognitive dissonance.

In conflict resolution, self-justification can escalate tensions by preventing open dialogue. When individuals are focused on defending their actions rather than listening and empathizing with others, it becomes difficult to reach a compromise. However, understanding the role of self-justification can be an essential tool in mediation. By encouraging parties to acknowledge their biases and motivations, mediators can help break down barriers, foster mutual respect, and promote collaborative problem-solving.

Ultimately, while self-justification can create obstacles, recognizing its influence in communication can enhance conflict resolution efforts, leading to more productive and empathetic interactions.

[spiritualdirections]

For some background on Richard Feynman and his religious views, see this article that I wrote:

https://www.firstthings.com/article/1998/11/002-questioning-everything

When a physicist falls in love :)

Richard Feynman's love letter to his deceased wife, 1946.

[tedstimely]

Religious Perspectives on Playing God: A Theological Debate

The concept of "Playing God" has long been a topic of intense debate, especially when it intersects with advancements in science and technology. From genetic engineering to artificial intelligence, the ability of humans to manipulate life and nature raises profound theological questions. Many religious perspectives argue that "Playing God"—in the sense of altering or controlling the natural world to a divine extent—poses ethical and moral dilemmas. This debate centers around the belief that only a higher power possesses the ultimate authority over creation, life, and death.

In Christianity, for example, some theologians assert that humans, made in God’s image, have been given dominion over the Earth but are not meant to assume the role of God. The Bible emphasizes stewardship rather than domination, urging humanity to care for creation rather than manipulate it according to personal desires. From this viewpoint, any attempt to alter life fundamentally, such as cloning or genetic modification, is seen as an act of "Playing God" and an overreach of human authority.

However, other religious interpretations acknowledge that scientific advancements, when used responsibly, can align with divine will by improving the human condition and alleviating suffering. Proponents of this view argue that science and religion need not be in opposition. Instead, science and religion can work together to enhance human understanding and bring about positive change, as long as ethical considerations guide the progress. For example, medical advancements like organ transplants or gene therapies, though controversial in some circles, are viewed by some religious thinkers as part of humanity’s role in bringing healing and hope to the world.

Ultimately, the debate surrounding "Playing God" reflects the broader tension between science and religion. As scientific capabilities expand, the question remains: where should humanity draw the line between advancing knowledge and respecting the divine order?

[thewordenreport]

Biologically, experiences of awe, whether religious, moral, or in Nature, can render a person less self-centered.