As long as humans have differentiated science from religion, there has been tension between the two. Perhaps this should come as no surprise. Summarily, science endeavors to describe the universe as it is, while religion endeavors to find meaning and purpose in existence. The word ‘science’ comes from the Latin scire, meaning ‘to know.’ Thus, science is the process of collecting information and knowing what that information tells us. In contrast, the word ‘religion,’ according to one theory, also comes from the Latin religare, meaning ‘to tie back,’ reaching beyond what we can physically perceive in order to establish a connection to what is not physically perceived. Instead of knowledge, religion deals with belief. According to this word study then, science and religion are, by definition, opposed.
The great American paleontologist, Stephen Jay Gould, carefully defined science and religion as two separate spheres that never touch. He called this opinion Non-Overlapping Magisteria, or NOMA. This is the safest of all opinions regarding science and religion- as separate but equal ideas. On the other hand, science and religion offer different perspectives for explaining our reality. Each act as a different thread of human understanding. We can tie them together to answer both the materialistic questions of life and the larger questions of living. Some of the greatest scientists in history were deeply religious. Newton, Galileo, Einstein and more found a way to bring religion and science together in their own minds. Maybe we can bring that same idea into the larger discourse of science and religion.
Hence, this blog. We are a preacher and a teacher, representatives of religion and science respectively. But both of us are simultaneously men of faith and men of science. We intend to propose that our corresponding fields are not necessarily so conflicting as many might believe. We intend to open both our minds as well as our hearts to what the human experience, in all of its rich diversity, can teach us.
We plan to bring the issues of science and religion to you from a variety of sources. Our posts could be reactions to news articles, blogs posts, videos or entirely original pieces. We will have some reoccurring posts. For instance, the Lyric of the Day will contain part of a song that we enjoy or at least have stuck in our heads. As musicians, we believe in the power of music to heal and its relationship to the spiritual. Another post will be a TED Talk each Tuesday. The people at TED are committed to improving society and discussing the big, important issues of the day. All types of articles require your comments and response as we attempt to tie these two threads together.
In the interests of self-preservation and career security, we must be clear about what this blog is not. This blog is not a credo; it is not a statement of our beliefs. Instead, we will discuss possibility. Likewise, this blog is not a soap box, or some authoritative pulpit from which we ‘preach’ whatever ‘truth’ we decide upon. Instead, we will attempt to consider truth’s grand spectrum. And finally, this blog is not an agent of division. Our most important, indeed sacred, objective is to be agents of reconciliation in a place and time yearning for peace, however peace may be manifest. While we may express thoughts, concerns, and even opinions, we never seek to alienate any perspective. Quite the opposite, in fact. Perspective is what we seek. And a little more perspective never hurt anyone.
Our most fervent hope is that both knowledge and meaning may grow from our humble discussions. Today, we begin this journey of science and religion with you. Without readers and commenters, this exercise remains two friends talking (which is not such a bad thing). In that spirit, we hope you enjoy reading!
A Preacher & A Teacher
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