The Key Contrasting Aspect between Religion and Science - Essay Example

Unlike many other religions that teach man is inherently a sinner unless cleansed, Scientology upholds that man is good. It teaches that man is his own soul that is immortal, and it is not a virtue that he possesses, but rather, he is that virtue. Among the many appeals of Scientology is that the faithful believe what they please. It is also an applicable technology that answers questions on life, enabling people to have an insight into who they are (Lewis, 2007).

Question Two

            The key contrasting aspect between religion and science is that religion presents statements that are absolute, while science develops from relative theories and truths of the forces and processes of nature. Religious statements can neither be proved right nor wrong, while scientific theories can bear their own evidence of falsehood or truth. Religion, unlike science, claims to have absolute knowledge of all arguments presented to it. While religious arguments are faith-based, an authoritative, scientific theory will demand evidence. It seeks to employ rational and realistic methods to gather the information that helps to answer human curiosities and all its claims are open to criticisms that can prove otherwise. On the other hand, religion does not welcome criticism because of its faith foundation. It is mainly based on revelations from a divine being, and criticizing religion is considered a sin since faith does not seek proof.

Question Three

            Globalization is the interaction and integration process between governments, organizations, and people of different countries promoted by international investments and trade and encouraged by advances in information technology. It affects the culture, environment, and economic trends of communities in the world, while also impacting the political systems of all countries trading together. Technology and policy developments have led to tremendous increases in international trade volumes, making them cheaper and moving faster to more destinations. In the same sense, the failures and shortcomings of humans are exhibited and exchanged among the trading partners because of the increased interconnectedness. In other words, atheism is spreading values that do not contribute towards the flourishing of human moral life. For example, technologies available can be used to sell pornography without easy detection. Human trafficking can also be conducted alongside trade as atheism poses long-running challenges to the freedom of cultures around the world. Demeaning and false ideas are spread faster than wholesome values and the poor, disabled, and elderly become marginalized as atheism does not uphold the value of human life.

Question Four

            Secularism can be viewed in two aspects. First, it is the governing principle that gives the right not to be oppressed by any religious group by one. Secondly, it is the separation of the state and its institutions from religious institutions and dignitaries. In the second sense, it thus implies that citizens are free from state-imposed religions and the state takes a neutral stand on belief matters. The political activities of that state are not biased by religious manipulations. It is better for states to remain secular for the sake of practicing democracy. A country with mixed cultures and religions should be allowed to practice its preferred faith without being a nuisance or danger to society.

Question Five

            The Wicca Church’s belief system is built on ancient magical and spiritual belief systems. It claims to have supernatural sympathy and connections with the people burnt during the medieval era and those oppressed or killed in religion’s name. Having been conceived in the early 19th century, it emerged in a comparatively contemporary society. Its mission statement, which says that people can worship as they please, grants its followers freedom to practice what they believe is right. Those who practice Wicca today believe it is the true spiritual journey that empowers the individual. It puts weight on individual judgment, and its faithful take it as a way out of being dictated by other religions. It teaches and recommends personal responsibility, self-determination, and equality and does not require human pleas to a god, which appeals to some. This is because it does not have principles of incorrigible guilt.  It also accepts science while recognizing myths (Frost & Frost, 1997).