Topic 6: Science And Religion

Question 0

Scientific truth claim

Answer 0

Based upon observation, hypothesis, experiment and repeat testing.
Eg; big band created the universe

Question 1

Truth claim

Answer 1

Any statement that claims to accurately describe reality.

Does not need proof

Question 2

Religious truth claim

Answer 2

Based upon spiritual revelations and are part of the doctrine of religion.
Eg; Jesus was god’s son

Question 3

Evolving truth claim

Answer 3

May change as new knowledge becomes available.
Often associated with scientific claims.
Eg; evolution is true but this may change over time.

Question 4

Absolute truth claim

Answer 4

Fixed and unaltered for all times and cultures.
Often associated with religion .
Eg; Jesus is the son of god and he rose from the dead.
Note: does not have to be absolutely true!

Question 5

Questions science answers that religion doesn’t

Answer 5

What is an atom?

The reactivity series.

Question 6

Questions religion answers that science doesn’t

Answer 6

Trinity
How to pray
Heaven/hell

Question 7

Do science and religion answer the same questions?

Answer 7

Different emphasis:
‘Science is about things within the physical world that can be tested’
‘Religion is about things outside the physical world that cannot be tested’
Lots of overlap
Potential for conflict
But not doing the same thing

Question 8

Why does modern society seem to favour science?

Answer 8

Science has disproved much of religion
Science is easier than religion
Proof
More practical

Question 9

What affect has this had on religion

Answer 9

1) . Some religious beliefs become scientific. Metaphor.
2) . Some religions become relevant & exciting to draw people in.
3) . Fundamental reaction. Becoming very strict & anti-science. Sometimes violent.

Question 10

Has modern society becoming more scientific been good for society?

Answer 10

Science made religion reevaluate 
We understand the world better
Freer society.                      vs
Less of a moral code eg divorce
Caused fundamentalism?
Less of a community

Question 11

Can science and religion be compatible?

Answer 11

Richard Dawkins & young earth creationists=no
Einstein=yes
‘Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.’
Main battlegrounds:
1). The origins of the universe
2). The origins of life

Question 12

The Cosmological Revolution

Answer 12

16th Century
The original conflict between religion & science.
Geocentric theory (earth in middle)
Nicholas Copernicus (Heliocentric Theory
Church: no
Galileo proved
Took 200 years for church to recognise it.

Question 13

What was the challenge to medieval religion because of the cosmological revolution?

Answer 13

First time science challenged instead of supported religion.
Sun as focal point= problem. God’s image.
Church wrong & science right= what else religion wrong about…
If science can explain the universe why do we need religion and God

Question 14

Christian Creation Story

Answer 14

Genesis 1:1-2
God creates the universe ex nihilo in 7 days
1). Light
2). Water and sky
3). Land sea and vegetation 
4). Sun, moon and stars
5). Sea creatures and birds
6). Land creatures (NOT ADAM AND EVE!)

Question 15

Big Bang

Answer 15

14 billion years ago
Big explosion sends matter out in all directions
Universe went from nothing to massive in a second. Still growing
100 million years later the first stars were formed.

Question 16

Is the Christian creation story and the Big Bang compatible?

Answer 16

Depends on interpretation of genesis.
7 day creationists= no
Many christians= yes

Question 17

Reasons genesis should be taken literally

Answer 17

Bible says so. Only outside influence has changed our view on it.
God is an infinite creator so could do it in no time at all.
‘Let god be true but every man a liar’

Question 18

Reasons genesis should be taken metaphorically.

Answer 18

‘One day is with The Lord as a thousand years’
Hebrew word for day didn’t always mean a single 24 hour period
Metre shows it was written like a poem

Question 19

Darwin’s Theory of Evolution

Answer 19

1) . When any life reproduces there are random genetic mutations
2) . Some of these mutations are better for survival then others
3) . Overtime this mutated advantage form of life becomes more prevalent as they can reproduce more and are killed less.
4) . Over millions of years this is evolution

Question 20

The idea of design

Answer 20

God created us directly and intentionally the way we are in his image.
Genesis 2: Adam & Eve
Man from dust
Breathed life into him
Made eve from Adams spare rib.
Made to have a relationship with him and rule over the world.

Question 21

Consequences for believing that god made us

Answer 21

Supports morality
Purpose
The sanctity of life
Look after the weak

Question 22

Consequences for believing in evolution.

Answer 22

Doesn’t support morality
We are more evolved animals
Nihilism- loss of meaning
Don’t look after weak- they are just slowing us down

Question 23

Is evolution and the creation story compatible

Answer 23

Genesis literal:
- young earth vs millions of years
- Adam and Eve vs come from a single bacteria
- gods image vs change
- change is bad vs change is good
Genesis metaphorically:
- death from fall vs death always there
-land creatures separately made by god vs all from bacteria

Question 24

Problems with evolution & religious teachings

Answer 24

We have adapted to evolution but religious teachings tell us we were created to fit the world in the image of god.
Do we have to believe this?
Literalists
-No, missing links
Some scientists
-no, clearly contradicts basic concepts of design
Others
- yes, genesis non literal, bible not perfect
- evolution is gods method
- missing links are divine intervention