Is it pointless to try to mesh science with religion?

[CryptoLutheran]

The two can coexist without any problem. However any attempt to "mesh" the two is ultimately theology, not science. Creationism isn't science, it's theology. And even for those who examine evolution through a theological viewpoint are, ultimately, doing theology, not science.

As long as we understand that, that we are doing theology and not science, then I think it's fine. At that point the issue ultimately becomes whether it's good or bad theology.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[gluadys]

The two can coexist without any problem. However any attempt to "mesh" the two is ultimately theology, not science. Creationism isn't science, it's theology. And even for those who examine evolution through a theological viewpoint are, ultimately, doing theology, not science.

As long as we understand that, that we are doing theology and not science, then I think it's fine. At that point the issue ultimately becomes whether it's good or bad theology.

-CryptoLutheran

Exactly!

 

[Socratic Spelunker]

Science and religion fit together just fine. While I don't think any scientific fact can be a substitute for faith, I do think that showing that science doesn't confirm religion, but can and often does confirm religious claims, can be a powerful first step.

 

[gluadys]

Science and religion fit together just fine. While I don't think any scientific fact can be a substitute for faith, I do think that showing that science doesn't confirm religion, but can and often does confirm religious claims, can be a powerful first step.

I don't think science can confirm genuinely religious claims. A claim made on behalf of religion that science can confirm would have to be a historical or scientific claim.

For example: that a man named Jesus of Nazareth lived and taught in Palestine in the first century could be confirmed scientifically. That he was the Messiah could not be. That he was crucified could be confirmed. That he rose from the dead could not be.

As things stand, however, even many historical claims related to Christianity have not been confirmed and are not likely to be, because the evidence necessary has long been lost.