Would you rather live in a world without science...or in a world without religion? Showing 301-350 of 12,463

[Michele]

I would rather live in a world without religion than without science.

[Eunice]

Jean wrote: "I think we definitely need both. As a religious girl, I have a strong faith in Deity and in His creations...science exists to prove His existence, for all things in this world and out point to Him..."

Agree. I science and religion come together.

[cerebus]

@Jean and @Eunice, this is a point I'm afraid I disagree on. If "science exists to prove His existence" does that not imply that you feel there is an empirical way to prove his existance? This would then render faith irrelevant, but in any discussion I have ever had with religious people, they have maintained that faith is one of the cornerstones of religion?

Science is based on empirical data, on experimentation, on being repeatable, on being testable, and on being changeable. When a repeatable experiment contradicts an existing scientific theory, it is the theory that is modified, not the experiment that is ignored.

Religion however relies on not changing. If science allows us to explain something that religion previously felt only it could explain then religion requires either that the experiment is ignored or that it is now something that can be taken out of religion's domain and into science, thereby eating away at what religion is required to explain.
The most obvious example of this is evolution. You either need to claim (incorrectly) that it is somehow not scientifically supported, or you need to say that it is scientifically supported and that the parts of the bible that support creationism were merely written in earlier times when people didn't have the required scientific knowledge....but of course all the other bits of the bible are still true! Until of course science has something to say about those parts, at which point the religious domain shrinks once more (god of the gaps).

It is at this stage that someone usually says "but Newton believed!" or "but there are religious scientists today!", which is of course true but irrelevant....to be scientific and religious requires that you exempt your faith from the scientific method you apply to your work or to your life. That is something I cannot do. If I do not believe in the tooth fairy due to lack of evidence, then I cannot ethically turn a blind eye when it comes to religion...to me that is hypocrisy.

[Deb]

@Brette; good to see there is someone else out there who has had a look at the way in which science developed. And wait, you study history? Well colour me unsuprised.

[Jesse]

i believe both are good servants and bad masters, they are both two edge sword. but i'd rather live in a world without religion citing recent events in Ghana concerning the activities of religious leaders which is in a very deplorable state.

[Svetlana]

I believe that we need both, but we shall not try to explain EVERYTHING with science. Some things in life are to be lived, we try to prove and explain everything to the point of telepathy. If you are one of those people who wants an explanation for everything, read "Biology of Belief".

[Aby]

I just believe that science and religion must go hand in hand :)

[AndrewP]

Meh wrote: "Eh, we just got stuck in a habit, and humans don't like change. It's like the English system of weights and measures that's still used in America. Not enough people want to change what they've be..."

Not really it's because Christianity would never have taken off if they had not adapted/stolen all the holidays, dates etc from the Pagan religions. Making the religions important dates the same made it really easy for people to do both and then gradually be converted.
The USA needs to convert to the metric system. I am sure that using the old system has some, probably not much, detrimental effect on trade and commerce.

As to the original question, I would be for a world without religion for sure.

[Ellen]

Science shows that what we believed to be the God(s) coming down from the heavens was actually the aliens. Ancients didn't have the scientific knowledge to understand what it really was so it became religon. So they do in fact go together.

[Destructo]

Ellen wrote: "Science shows that what we believed to be the God(s) coming down from the heavens was actually the aliens. Ancients didn't have the scientific knowledge to understand what it really was so it beca..."

-Plot of next Dan Brown novel.

[Travis]

So, do people that believe in Angels also believe in aliens?
Do religious folks snicker at the UFO believers?

Got to admit, if you think about it, add aliens to the bible and that book makes a bit more sense.

[M.A.]

What's that old saying 'there are more wars about religion than anything else in the world.'

I'm not a religious person, and to be honest I've been around very religious people throughout my life and found them to be VERY hypocritical. People of the cloth have carried out horrendous crimes over the years such as Priests sexually abusing children comes to mind, and the way Nuns used to treat children in Ireland in the 1900s!

I believe in an afterlife as I've experienced some phenomena, friends visiting after they've passed over etc, but I don't believe there is a God.

At least most of the time scientists come up with answers!

That's my two cents worth anyway. ;-)

[Becky]

As an atheist my answer is simple. I would much rather live in a world without religion than without science.

[Brendan]

I think sometimes we could all be better off without religion because it has caused so much misery, but it was not the religion that was the problem, it was the people. I guess that's like saying "Religion doesn't kill people, people do." Spirituality is a great part of the cultural makeup of people and so the world would be a sadder places without it, but I would certainly die without my Quantum Physics! So, gee, I don't know which would be worse...

[Travis]

Again, people keep acting like religion, faith and spirituality are interchangeable terms.
Religion is the big, organized thing, faith and spirituality are the personal aspect. The belief part.

If you get rid of the holy books, buildings and preachers, people will still have faith.

[Kshitija]

Religion and science go hand in hand. We cannot have an organized society without either of them. Agreed that more wars are fought in the name of religion than any other cause, but without ethical boundaries provided by religion, society will become unchecked.

[V.]

I'd definitely choose a society without religion, over one without science. I think most of the things I highly value are facilitated by technology- my health, my education, participation in civil society and government. While science and technology cannot guarantee a safe, equal, fair society, it would be much, much harder to have one without them.

As for the argument that religion is the moral bastion of society, I think that claim needs some long and hard consideration. Religion often provides a very simplified moral framework, which is easily adopted by those who are unwilling or unable to independently develop their own ethics- however it is precisely those people who are likely to apply a simple moral code in an inflexible and unsophisticated way and thus generate unjust outcomes. I don't see why it is impossible to develop a nuanced moral system outside the context of religion. It's not as if the threat of hell (or other divine punishment) is the only thing that can coerce people into 'correct' behaviour.

[Dasha]

I believe that both religion and science can have their vices, as some have already mentioned in these responses. Everything in moderation. That also is to imply that the complete absence of either could lead to chaos, in that some need religion to guide their moral compass and others need science to guide their quest for knowledge and truth. Myself, I lean towards a preference for science, but as a hardheaded atheist, I still acknowledge that religion is a necessary feature of humanity and that its existence serves a much needed purpose.

[Deb]

I think there is a major problem in trying to equate and compare a "belief" system and a "methodology." Religion is something we choose to believe about intangibles in our experience. The scientific method is a structure for discovering any "constants" in a question or theory through repeated studies and observations over time. Both exist in our world experience. Each serves a purpose.

[Sandy]

I dont beleieve that we can exsist with out either . Science has found cures for illness etc but the scientist needed faith to believe him self to begin the quest x (if that makes sense)

[Joshua]

Religion keeps Science in check and vice versa. Religion is one of the few things that keeps us from total anarchy. Science without Religion would bring Humanity to such an analyzed point that we forget what differentiates a Person from an Animal, or a Biological Machine. I, for one, identify myself with Langdon when he says "Faith is a gift I have yet to receive." I am an atheist and find my comfort in Philosophy, where Humanity is analyzed instead of the cells that make us up or a mythological being in which's hands we choose to place our lives. My Faith does not come from Divinity but from Wisdom.

[Jessaka]

We can do without some sciences and some religions.

[Travis]

What science can we do without?

[Yuliya]

"I don't see that it actually does help society in a moral sense. Quite the opposite in fact. It provides people with a false sense of security and provides a haven for many who intend to do purely evil things and don't want scrutiny.
Religion bad, but spirituality is a different story" - ...say Kristal
and I agree. You don't need religion at all to be a good person and have a moral. Religion is just a lie to make someone rule a world by keeping religious persons under control and making money from donations. Yes, world would be cold without spirituality, but it's nothing to with religion. You don't have to believe in certain God to save a world, but respect, love, accepting, understanding and humanity to each other, to different races is important in this world. Religion it's just zero.

[Robert]

this is probably the easiest question ever asked. what does religion give the world? fear, ignorance, hatred, war, and death. oh, and some art. so it isn't ALL bad, i suppose.

[Kevin]

World without science. Science is interesting and very fascinating and wonderful we can be sure of things, but i'd prefer a world where we have hope and love and religion. I feel science tears us aparat easier than religion...just my opinion :)

[Joshua]

Sabore wrote: "World without science. Science is interesting and very fascinating and wonderful we can be sure of things, but i'd prefer a world where we have hope and love and religion. I feel science tears us a..."

My opinion is that we do not kill for science. We did not kill in the Race to the Moon. You may say we killed for the Atom Bomb, but its not like that, the Atom Bomb was a weapon to fight for Ideas. Religion has killed, you may remember scientist like Galileo Galilei, or the Inquisition, or the Crusades, among others. Religion would be good if it came with Tolerance.

[Sharon]

For me personally a world without religion would be preferable, however, religion was invented by and for those people who believe they must have rules and guidelines in order to maintain their morality.

[V.]

Sabore wrote: "World without science...I feel science tears us apart easier than religion..."

Consider that in a world without science child mortality would be high, and you probably wouldn't live much past the age of 50. Lack of sanitation and disease can be pretty devastating to the fabric of society as well- the plague managed to wipe out almost 1/3rd of the population of Europe more than once in history.

[Fadi]

"Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind" Albert Einstein

[cerebus]

Fadi wrote: ""Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind" Albert Einstein"

"The word god is for me nothing more than the expression and product of human weaknesses, the Bible a collection of honourable, but still primitive legends which are nevertheless pretty childish. No interpretation no matter how subtle can (for me) change this." Albert Einstein

[Bunnie]

Nadir wrote: "Actually, this is a question on the reading group guides. I like the topic so I bring it up here.
I'm an atheist myself so I'd rather live in a world without religion. But, I'm not implying that r..."

Nadir wrote: "Actually, this is a question on the reading group guides. I like the topic so I bring it up here.
I'm an atheist myself so I'd rather live in a world without religion. But, I'm not implying that r..."

Nadir wrote: "Actually, this is a question on the reading group guides. I like the topic so I bring it up here.
I'm an atheist myself so I'd rather live in a world without religion. But, I'm not implying that r..."

[Bunnie]

nadir--i'm with you on that one-too much misery has been caused in the name of religion. humans are too believing-they don't question-just accept what ever they are told especially by their parents, ministers,priests. if you teach a child when they are very small it is very difficult to overcome those teachings-early man had no explanation for events so they concocted tales to explain-trouble is over the years too many are still stuck in primitive thinking. on the other hand being in a group that believes the same way is comforting-expecially in the case of some tradgedy.some people need the belief that they will see their loved ones again-to take that away would be cruel.it is difficult to understand how anyone can believe in imaginary beings whose existance can't be proven.

[Bunnie]

Jean wrote: "Have you ever noticed that even babies have distinct personalities? How is this explained scientifically? I ask this with no guile."

[Bunnie]

jean,

genetics!

[Bunnie]

Terri wrote: "Some Religion is still corrupted every day.

Ethics/Morals -- they are more than defined by Religion, they are defined by society. For instance, the Polygamists in Texas' religion says their p..."

[Bunnie]

terri--you notice that the polygamists such as Warren Jeffs seem to love the young girls(and boys) -of course this is Godly love isn't it-why does the congregation give him the power to be their prophet?just because he said so-or because they are kept ignorant.talk about morals--did god tell them to throw the young boys out at a certain age to lessen competition for the older men?

[cerebus]

Bunnie wrote: "on the other hand being in a group that believes the same way is comforting"
@Bunnie, this is truer than most people realise, which leads to the Illusion of Asymmetric Insight....I highly recommend reading http://youarenotsosmart.com/2011/08/2... which is a real eye-opener, and goes a long way to explaining the vitriol we see in a lot of disagreements, from religion to politics and so on....

[Travis]

Religion.

Though, God's a bit of a trouble maker too.
If he promises to behave and stop giving people crazy ideas, he can stay.

[cerebus]

Noran wrote: "God gave humans the freedom of choice in the Garden of Eden. Much of our sufferings are due to choices we have made as a society and as individuals."

"Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able?
Then he is not omnipotent.
Is he able, but not willing?
Then he is malevolent.
Is he both able and willing?
Then whence cometh evil?
Is he neither able nor willing?
Then why call him God?"
- Epicurus

[Travis]

Then you also get into all those people who say god speaks to them or declare everything 'god's will'.

It creates this weird circular argument.
If it's all us and not god, then why do we need him in the first place and if it is 'god's will/plan etc' then why do we need religion, as it's going to happen anyway.

[Travis]

But, if people are saying god is speaking to them, then god holds some responsibility for what occurs.

and if we can't deny those that god has spoken to, some of those people have done some horrible things and we are back to god is a bit of a troublemaker.

It just goes round and round and you either have to stop questioning and go with it, or accept 'because' as an answer.

I think I'm happier just taking the world as is.

[cerebus]

Noran wrote: "Why should God clean up our mistakes and messes?!? If We made the right choices, the world would be better off. I am not quoting anyone, but myself here."

But even if we make the right choices we can suffer because of someone else's choices, or even some random natural occurence. As an atheist that makes sense to me (some people are selfish, sick, psychopathic etc, sh*t happens), but if I were to believe in a deity that allows these things to happen (I'll give http://www.news.com.au/national/child... as an example) then I would have to believe in a malevolent deity, and (besides all the other issues I have with the concept of deities) that to me is morally offensive. If there is a god and he is malevolent then he is not worthy of worship, and I would put my morals up against his any day of the week.

[cerebus]

Noran wrote: "Do not deny those that God has spoken to them-many could and are real"
And those of us who god hasn't spoken to? Those who say god told them to kill people? How do we know that those people aren't telling the truth if we also believe those who say god told them to help people?

[Jason]

I am a Christian and I believe we need both. As Albert Einstein (who was neither Christian nor Aitheist) said "Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind." I agree that people who take it to the extreme - on either side - is a big problem. We need an even balance, in my humble opinion.

Jason J. Cross
His Calling

[V.]

Cerebus wrote: ...Illusion of Asymmetric Insight..."

Really interesting article, thanks!

[Nina]

religion...hands down

[Bunnie]

Cerebus wrote: "Noran wrote: "Do not deny those that God has spoken to them-many could and are real"
And those of us who god hasn't spoken to? Those who say god told them to kill people? How do we know that those ..."

[Bunnie]

cerebus--show me the proof that God exists and i'll go along with you-those people that hear voices should stop drinking.

[Noran]

hey you all, GOD did talk to me once-asked me if I believed in him-while I was in church. I said yes, for I knew I was not insane. He told me some thing, that started that very day--all choices I made last minute lead to something I had stopped praying for in my life. I do not drink nor drugs. have a masters degree from Purdue, and I am not a bible carrying going to church all week, like my BBF. I feel guilty, for I did not deserve the blessing I received, then I realized, my actions were answering the other persons pleads to God. I deleted my comments for fear of being attacked here-but so did Jesus. If he could, so should I be able to tell all you strangers--God spoke to me, he did not tell me what to do. he even asked what I wanted, if he said did not happen to me. I replied nothing-for if you are God, and not my brain. I am thankful enough for my life and friends, and my career.

It is choice the power God gave Humans in Eden.
Just to let you all know, as soon as I back up my lists-I leaving this site.

I never look down on anyone for their religious beliefs, even those that do not believe. I only can speak for my personal beliefs and experiences. So throw your stones at me.