Science vs Religion

Dreon Ballard, Nina Carrol, Aundreya Chandler, Sydney Cline, Jason Curran, Aidan Emory, Spencer Foreman, Cameron Hall, Kaitlyn Hill, Taylor Horton, Taylor Kaelin, Hope Turner, Devin Watkins, Lauren Williamson, Kurtis Wolf, Ashley Ways, Eastern High School students October 2012

Abstract

The purpose of comparing science to religion concerns learning how science works, so that future scientists will continue to base their decisions on experimental evidence. If science fiction or unproven principles begin to be taught as theory or law, then science becomes religion and this is very dangerous to science. The goal is to prevent this from ever happening.

 

What is the difference between science and religion?  Science believes in evolution and religions believe in various origins from Adam and Eve. For example, Jewish scrolls teach that Adam was created first, followed by Eve from his rib. Buddhism teaches an origin according to the Aggañña Sutta (DN.27), humans originated at the beginning of the current kalpa as deva-like beings reborn from the Ābhāsvara deva-realm. They were then beings shining in their own light, capable of moving through the air without mechanical aid, living for a very long time, and not requiring sustenance.  Over time, they acquired a taste for physical nutriment, and as they consumed it, their bodies became heavier and more like human bodies; they lost their ability to shine, and began to acquire differences in their appearance. Their length of life decreased, they differentiated into two sexes and became sexually active. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_beings_in_Buddhism) Religion comes from absolute statements that neither can be proven nor disprove, and science evolves from relative truth and statements that can be testified or proven false.

 

Chemistry is a branch of science that involves the study of matter and changes that it undergoes. A common principle of chemistry is polarity where covalently bonded molecules are either polar or non polar. Molecules that are polar, like water, will dissolve in water. Molecules that are non polar will only dissolve in non polar substances. Polar and non polar molecules are opposites. Many scientific laws are proven with mathematical equations to support them. The goal of science is to prevent waste, by determining the best method to use the resources available on the planet. Science will examine a problem and change a theory or a law to explain how the problem was solved.

 

Religion is left open for you to interpret. The miracles of Jesus Christ can never be reproved unless you are an eye witness. Religion is an unproven theory that is practiced and believed. Religion does not change its principles because of the events associated with the details that involve life and death. All religions have common beliefs, moral values, deities, and sacred texts of books that they go by. Religion is a way of life that promotes accountability. When a crime occurs we call the police and they investigate using forensics. Police use the scientific method to try and determine who committed the crime and the evidence is used in court to try and convict that person. If the criminal does not get caught then no punishment has occurred and the criminal got away with the crime. The meaning of science is knowing attained through study or practice. Thus, science tries to continue to improve, so that the criminal will always get caught.