Perspectives

Does science contradict or coexist with religion?

"I can't help wondering . . . how the scientific view of reality corresponds to the idea of reality in Buddhism."

Trinh Xuan ThuanAstrophysicist

Trinh Xuan Thuan
Astrophysicist

Courtesy of Getty Images, Bertrand Guay/Stringer

Do religion and science answer the same questions?

“Science polishes the gift of seeing, indigenous traditions work with gifts of listening and language.” 

Robin Wall KimmerEcologist

Robin Wall Kimmer
Ecologist

Does science disprove religion?

“Science is how things change, not why; it does not mean there is no God.”

Dr. Fatimah JacksonBiologist

Dr. Fatimah Jackson
Biologist

Do we need both religion and science?

"We see a universe marvelously arranged, obeying certain laws, but we understand the laws only dimly. Our limited minds cannot grasp the mysterious force that sways the constellations."

Albert EinsteinTheoretical physicist

Albert Einstein
Theoretical physicist

Courtesy of National Library of Austria

Are religion and science in conflict?

"The history of Science . . . is a narrative of the conflict of two contending powers, the expansive force of the human intellect on one side, and . . . traditionary faith and human interests on the other."

John William DraperChemist and historian

John William Draper
Chemist and historian

Courtesy of National Portrait Gallery, gift of Larry J. West

Does religion or science have the answers?

“Faith” is a fine invention
For Gentlemen who see!
But Microscopes are prudent
In an Emergency!

Emily DickinsonPoet

Emily Dickinson
Poet

Courtesy of Frost Library at Amherst College

Can science be religious?

“I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.”

George Washington CarverBotanist

George Washington Carver
Botanist

Courtesy of Getty Images, Hulton Archive/Stringer

Can religion be scientific?

“If … Science is not of God, then there is no invariable law, and truth becomes an accident.”

Mary Baker EddyFounder of The Church of Christ, Scientist

Mary Baker Eddy
Founder of The Church of Christ, Scientist

Courtesy of Longyear Museum, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts