Science vs Religion

Science and religion cannot coexist.

The main concern of science is the physical, while religion focuses on the supernatural
world.

Scientific knowledge is gained through methods such as experiments and observations and
therefore may be proved. Religion's basis is faith. Knowledge in religion comes from God
whose existence is based on belief rather than evidence. Religious belief cannot be either
proven or disproven.

Data and information obtained through scientific research is open to testing by other
scientists and therefore the scientific knowledge system is continually evolving and
improving. Whereas the ideas and practices of religions are sacred, do not change over time
and should not be criticised by believers.

Hundreds of years ago most people believed in God or some form of religion. At that time
science was not that far advanced and therefore there was no alternative to God to explain
the world and nature. As science progressed, and it has progressed dramatically over the
last two hundred years, the number of people practising any religion has continually
declined.

Although a number of eminent scientists still believe in God or a supreme being or deity it
would seem that religion and science are incompatible. Both offer explanations for why life
and the universe exist. Science relies on provable evidence. Religion relies on belief in a
creator. Only one explanation is correct and explanations require evidence. None exists for a
creator whereas the evidence for evolution and the origins of life increases every day.

To summarise my views on this subject I would include the following quote from the late
Physicist
Stephen Hawking:-

"There is a fundamental difference between religion, which is based on authority, and

science, which is based on observation and reason. Science will win because it works. I
believe the universe is governed by the laws of science. When you look at the vast size of the
universe, and how insignificant and accidental human life is in it, the existence of a God
seems most implausible.”

Therefore as stated in the text above, a God(s) coexisting with science would be a flimsy and
unlikely statement.