The Religious and Scientific Methods in the Society - Essay Example

Religion and science Religion and science bear a lot of significance in the society. These two aspects are determined by the approach preferred by a person towards understanding them. The relationship between religion and science is based on their ability to create assumptions on the existence of matter and life on earth. One may argue that the two vices are directly dependable on one another if a person is to understand them. People have different beliefs and approaches they embrace in terms of practicing religious activities as well as science experiments. However considering the fact that both are abstract in nature, a person cannot be able to prove the effectiveness or the nature of existence of the two vices. Science, however, is easier to hypothesize considering that it is man-made. On the other hand, religion is an abstract and more of a belief rather than a sure and proven practice (Lecture Notes 2014). Regardless of this explanation, religious has the same depth of significance as science. For this reason, the two vices have coexisted on society as people seem to be comfortable in practicing them both. In addition, the two vices are almost mandatory factors in the society. This makes it almost inevitable for a person to recognize the importance of at least one of the vices. This paper will focus on the similarity and the differences between methods of science and religion. From this analysis, the paper will prove and argue that each vice possess significant importance in society and neither of the vices can be cited as the most fundamental. Religion Religion can be defined as a mode of belief that a set of people embrace as mandated by a holy set of rules of deity. From this definition, it is an obvious assumption that religion has a mandatory requirement of a set of rules and beliefs. However, religion is not expressed by just beliefs people embrace. People inclined to a certain religion have a responsibility of acting as required by the religion. For instance, in Christianity the bible is regarded as a set of rules that governs Christians. In addition, religion depends on the internal belief embraced by a person. Religion is characterized by universal expressions (Lecture Notes 2014). Theoretical Practical Sociological A theoretical expression on religion is a verbal expression of what religious beliefs embraced by people (Lecture Notes 2014). For example, a myth can be referred as a theoretical expression since it explains in verbal form some religious beliefs. Another theoretical expression is doctrines that are embraced by religions. Practical expressions refer to the actions that are done to get more close to one’s religion or sacred feeling. They may include sacrifices, rituals, offerings, holy war and pilgrimage (Lecture Notes 2014). In general, practical expressions are done to jet in touch with the sacred as well as identify physically with a certain religion. Sociological expressions recognize the fact that religion is part of the society in regards to the beliefs of people (Lecture Notes 2014). For example, the society recognizes the need to have denominations as social tools. Sociological expressions also include the creation of sects and cults based on religious beliefs. Phenomenology All religions in society share some aspects. It is an obvious assumption that some practices are shared by all religious affiliations. Phenomenology identifies all the similar aspects that are share by all religions. They include (Lecture Notes 2014): Myth Sacrament Sacred time Sacred space Symbol Myths are narratives shared by all religions explaining the origin of the beliefs they are embraced (Lecture Notes 2014). For instance all religions have creation myths that describe the existence of the world. Sacrament refers to the practices that are aimed at getting people closer to their deity. For instance, the seven sacraments embraced by the Roman Catholic. Sacred time refer to the times and periods that hold religious significance to particular religions (Lecture Notes). They include Easter and Ramadan. A sacred place can be described as a place of worship. Symbols differ in religions as they are mainly shaped by belief (Lecture Notes 2014). A particular religion may symbolize the sky as accession a symbol not embraced as any other religion. However, all religions share the same symbolism on the existence of nature to the existence of a sacred being. Mysticism This refers to the ability of phenomenon to exist but with the influence of a superior power unknown to people. In religion, mysticism makes religions be based on the belief that a super natural power and being exists (Lecture Notes 2014). In addition, religions tend to base their time and offering to appease and get close to the sacred being. Mysticism creates the whole base of religion. It ensures that religions have a source of belief and sacred promise. Considering the different beliefs embraced by different religions, it is an obvious assumption that there is no bad religion. The creation of religion is based on beliefs created from a personal approach and the existence of mystic influence. In religion, bad practices and actions are the only factors that can be referred to as appalling. This can arise from misinterpretation of religious teachings and symbols. For instance, Jihad is misinterpreted in Islam as some mystic people tend to justify the use of violence (Lecture Notes 2014). However, this does not make Islam a bad religion but the actions caused by misinterpretations of the religious beliefs are bad. It is also an obvious assumption that religion is based on an appropriate direction desired by a sacred being (Lecture Notes 2014). This limits any negativity that can arise from appropriate adherence to religious beliefs and practices. Science Science refers to an action that involves following a way till its end to achieve a desired and known want. Science also creates the assumption that all thins have an origin as well as have an end. Science minimizes the gap between the known and the unknown. In addition, science tries to prove the fact that all objects and factors must have originated from a particular source. For instance, Science has proven the existence of some natural phenomenon such as gravity. In general, science refutes the religious approach to life and nature (Lecture Notes 2014). Religion is based on beliefs but science is based on proven phenomenon. However, the definition and creation science has varied opinion from scientists and theories. In some cases, science should be referred to anything that develops and progresses. Science should be able to estimate the end of a phenomenon and ensure its progression towards till the end. This is different from most works referred to as science (Lecture Notes 2014). Most works are not progressive: they just justify the existence of matter without enhancing the existence of the matter. In addition, science is an experiment that can develop from an already done work. In support of science, it has enabled the understanding of existing phenomena. In ensures a wider scope, solve more problems and obtain more accurate predictions. Most scientists also view science as a way in which they explain the existence of everything in nature. It is also an obvious assumption that science is solely responsible for the progress experienced in society. Pseudoscience Science is claimed to have been in existence since the creation of the universe. This is because no living matter can exist without science. In addition, scientists argue that they can prove all that exist in nature with scientific theories (Lecture Notes 2014). However, this is not the case. Science sets its objective on already existing phenomena and then put place practices that are aimed at proving the existence regardless of the method used. In addition, the creation of matter using Science cannot be compared to the accuracy on natural existing nature in terms of complexity and accuracy (Lecture Notes 2014). In addition, science rarely is assured to create progression of matter it has created. The minimal scientific researches that assure progression bear the brand of science. Pseudoscience also tries to undermine the superiority of science when compared to factors such as religion. Secularization This is a social situation whereby religion and religious thinking lose significance. It is also a situation whereby the mandate of religion is replaced by manmade institutions such the government (Lecture Notes 2014). In relation to science, secularization is majorly created by the creation of scientific theories that tend to replace already existing religious theories. For instance, science may undermine the religious belief that rain is created by the sacred. Science may replace the belief with the assumption that it can create rain at will. Secularization has become more embraced in the society as the society is provided with alternative options that tend to prove the existence of nature. Similarities between science and religion There is always a mandatory requirement from people to understand the existence of nature and other matter. Through religion and science people are made to understand nature. They both have believes and theories aimed at proving the existence of matter. The theories can be described as myths since they support the explanation of both science and religion in way that is believed by a certain group of persons. In addition, they both have rules need to be followed to achieve a certain result (Lecture Notes 2014). For instance, for a scientist to be successful they have to overrule the natural existence of nature. A religious person should also undermine the theories created by science in order to set a particular belief on the sacred. Additionally, science and religion are directed by the approaches of person. For instance, most scientists do not believe in religion or the fact that nature is a creation of a sacred. This belief led to the creation science. On the other hand, religious people do not believe in scientific theories that prove that it is possible to create nature (Lecture Notes 2014). From this argument, one may argue that both science and religion are creations of a person’s belief. It is an also an obvious assumption that without science and religion, the world would be a puzzle. It is correct to acknowledge that religion and science are dependable on each other to prove the existence of nature. Differences between science and religion There are numerous differences between the two vices. One major difference is the fact that scientific methods can be proven. Scientific methods are known and created from facts that can be retrieved. Religion bases its methods on assumption created from beliefs. According to religious methods, nature exists as part of creation by a sacred or supernatural being (Lecture Notes 2014). This can only be proven by the religious creation theory. However, the religious methods tend to create assumptions that justify progression and existence of nature. Through religious methods, a person can justify the existence of nature and its progression. Scientific methods cannot fully prove the existence of nature and matter. In addition, science only proves bits of nature that can be explained (Lecture Notes 2014). Another difference is that religious methods are more abstract. This is different from scientific methods which are physical in nature. Through religion, a person is provided with a symbol of belief and self-relation (Lecture Notes 2014). For instance, for a person to believe in a sacred being they must have reasons. These reasons are life and nature. The existence of a person’s life can only be proven by the fact that a supernatural power exists. Scientific methods provide people with the assumption that science is superior since it can alter nature by physical and existing means. Religion is also a personal approach to understand nature while science is a common universal approach to understand nature. This makes religion a personal tool to realization and science a knowledge tool (Lecture Notes 2014). Conclusion From the paper, it is an obvious assumption that both religious and scientific methods in the society. This is because people have dissimilar ways in the way they perceive nature and existence. In addition, the argument on the most superior method cannot be solved since they both explain similar phenomena but with different methods. The main hindrance to declare superiority is based on the fact that both methods are strictly adhered to by the society. Additionally, science needs religious methods to justify the existence of extraordinary events like nature. Work cited Lecture Notes. Religion and Science. 2014. Print. Read More