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Religion and science are often thought of as opposing
belief-systems, but the Bahá'í teachings do not go along with this idea.
There are scientists who consider that religion is
superstition, and there are some followers of religions who believe that
science is misguided because it appears to deny the truths revealed in the
Bible or other Holy Books. According to the Bahá'í writings, this conflict
sadly arises from misunderstandings:
If we say religion is opposed to
science, we lack knowledge of either true science or true religion, for both
are founded upon the premises and conclusions of reason, and both must bear its
test.
The Bahá'í teachings regard the mind as a gift from God.
Science uses reason and observation to discover facts about the nature of
reality. Religion too, aims to express truths about reality. Since there is
only one reality, true religion will accept the findings of science.
Science focuses on uncovering the secrets of nature, while
religion focuses on enriching our understanding of the meaning of life. The
insights that are gained from science and religion are complementary.
Unfortunately there has been a tendency among some religious
authorities to make unfounded, rigid statements about scientific matters, so
that the reputation of religion has been damaged when such statements are
proved wrong. Such mistaken statements by religious leaders have very often
been based on a literal interpretation of scriptures.
The language of religious scriptures is frequently symbolic
or metaphorical, and not meant to be taken literally. The Bahá'í writings
emphasise the importance of appreciating this point in order to properly
understand religion. Bahá'u'lláh devoted much of his "Book of Certitude",
one of his major works, to explaining the symbolic meanings of passages in the
Bible and the Qur'an.
When the metaphors used in religious writings are better
understood, apparent conflicts with science melt away. To take a simple
example, the story in the Bible about the creation of the world in six days
should not be taken literally. It is a story that is full of meaning if
understood metaphorically.
Religion without science degenerates into superstition.
Science without religion is also deeply harmful, as it leads to a materialistic
civilization with severe problems such as poverty and war. The present global
civilization needs an infusion of spirituality that will overcome the greed,
prejudice, despair and other forces within people that generate aggression and
conflict.
When the day comes that science and religion go hand in
hand, society will be able to progress in the best way possible. 'Abdu'l-Báhá
wrote:
For in the existing knowledge of
the reality of things there is material advantage, and through it outward
civilization progresses; but the knowledge of God is the cause of spiritual
progress and attraction, and through it the perception of truth, the exaltation
of humanity, divine civilization, rightness of morals and illumination are
obtained.
Bahá'u'lláh wrote:
Knowledge is as wings to man's
life, and a ladder for his ascent. Its acquisition is incumbent upon everyone.
The knowledge of such sciences, however, should be acquired as can profit the
peoples of the earth, and not those which begin with words and end with words… In truth, knowledge is a veritable treasure for man, and a source of glory,
of bounty, of joy, of exaltation, of cheer and gladness unto him.
Further on this topic
For related ideas, see: Key Teachings — the search after
truth
Quotations in context
Click on the links below to search for quotations from
this page, in the Bahá'í reference library.
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