Tuesday, 09 October 2007

• Can science and religion co-exist?

  Yes, science and religion can coexist.  Religion is a means of explaining the unknown.  Science is an investigation of the unknown through the developing of new knowledge derived from formulating hypotheses and using observation and experimentation to test those hypotheses.  If the two conflict in certain areas I believe that science takes precedence over religion.

  The Dalai Lama in his book “The Universe in a Single Atom” states, "my confidence in venturing into science lies in my basic belief that as in science so in Buddhism, understanding the nature of reality is pursued by means of critical investigation: if scientific analysis were conclusively to demonstrate certain claims in Buddhism to be false, then we must accept the findings of science and abandon those claims."  As long as people do not insist on holding stead fast to religious beliefs that have been clearly shown to be false by science, I feel the two can live in harmony.”

  I completely agree with the Dalai Lama’s statement and find it a shame when people feel that science and religion are incompatible.

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