Is the value of science greater than the value of religion? |
yes, science is valuable
What is the value of religion? Science is valuable. Thanks to science, there are hearing aids, there are heart transplants, there are cervical cancer vaccines, breast scans, and other medical sciences that save peoples lives.
Thanks to science we can predict what our actions can do to our earth, and so we learn how to live to appreciate our earth, and take care of our earth.
Thanks to science we know what foods we should eat to live healthy.
You wouldn't be on a computer joining this debate if it wasn't for science.
Oh yeah.... what was the value of religion?Posted by: AnonymousScience is of greater value, as a whole, than religion is, due to the empirical nature of its results.
When comparing the value of religion versus science, one must consider the results you stand to gain from each. Religion may console a sick child's mother so that, when the child dies, he or she will be whisked to heaven to be safe in god's arms. Science, however, strives to cure the sickness that has infected the child, and lengthen and improve his or her life as a whole.
Posted by: C0n5tGetScience is more valuable than religion. Religion has out-lived its usefulness.
Before Newton, Brahe/Kepler, and Galileo, religion had a purpose; it provided society with structure. Since the aforementioned figures, however, religion has been a hindrance, by retarding our culmination of knowledge (i.e., famously, the church forcing Galileo to recant). Further, religion promotes intellectual laziness and dishonesty; in Christianity, for example, the unquestioning, simultaneous belief of contradicting Biblical passages is not only encouraged, but expected. Finally, unchecked religious faith has great destructive potential. The ceaseless calamity in the middle-east illustrates this tragically.
Posted by: B4ryJavaThe value of science is greater than the value of religion because science is what proves theories about certain religions.
I believe that the value of science is greater than the value of religion due to the fact that some theories of religion have been disproved because the use of science prevailed. Science can approve or disapprove the different religious theories in the world, but religion is one subject that will always have unanswered questions. Science is the hard evidence to justify the theory of certain things.
Posted by: N34rIyGaIvAlthough they are both valuable to humankind, pure science can solve problems and provide a deeper understanding of the universe than religion does.
Although both science and religion have been the root cause of numerous troubles, both have value for a society, if they are used correctly. Pure science, not science used by corporations to make money at the expense of human and planetary health, has greater benefits to society than religion. Using pure science to solve problems, rather than satisfy greed, could move society and the planet into an age of health and well-being like never seen before. Too bad it is rarely used for this.
Posted by: 54IInfernoThe value of science is that it builds on itself over generations through questioning and testing, whereas religion is static, changing only occasionally as needed to fit in with current social conditions.
Comparing science and religion is like comparing oranges and turnips, although they do have one thing in common. In a sense it does not matter whether we like religion or science, approve of them, think they should be controlled or abolished. As a species our fear of the unknown has made us create gods to worship in order to explain the "unexplainable"--and our curiosity has caused us to create science through poking, prodding, testing and thinking.
Religion provides society with a sanctuary from our fear of the unknown, and a safe haven from the uncertainty that exists in our daily lives. It provides a social structure that supports us in frightening, uncertain times. It also creates a "them and us" mentality that has been the cause of horrendous acts of "piety" such as the Spanish Inquisition, witch burning, the Children's Crusades, etc. The schism between Muslim and Christian countries today needs no comment.
Science has its own problems. It is always a two-sided coin: the atom bomb/nuclear plants providing nuclear energy. The creation of new pharmaceuticals/the disastrous results of using thalidomide.
The value of science or of religion is not intrinsic within either--it's all in how they are used.Posted by: CI3IikeScience is backed by reality where as religion is pure myth.
I believe the value of science is greater than the value of religion. The only reason people would think otherwise is because religious belief gets in the way of the facts and hard evidence regarding the scientific findings of the past several decades.
Science does not have to be incompatible with religion, and certainly has a higher value than religion. It is scientific empirical data that has led to the major medical revelations that are saving the lives of the religious people that disagree with this statement!Posted by: VincenzoBLeaving out the emotional aspect, yes, science contributes much more to the greater good than religion.
Religious advocates are far more vociferous and passionate than science zealots. But science has undoubtedly contributed more to the greater good of mankind and all earth's inhabitants. Consider that nearly all so-called miracles are explainable by science, and that scientists, doctors and the like perform what we call miracles every day in operating rooms and labs.
Posted by: Th4FireThe value of scientific research and discovery measurably improves the quality of life on earth, while religion is wishful thinking.
Science is based on quantitative findings. It produces cures for disease, extends life and the quality of life. It advances its knowledge over time, giving us a growing understanding of our environment. Religion is based on various myths, borrowed from numerous sources from times past. While it may be an emotional comfort to some, it does not advance the well-being of mankind, or the earth.
Posted by: MinAngII believe that value of science is greater than the value of religion, because it is a matter of proof versus faith.
Science is all about proof. It's about what can be tested and proven to be either correct or incorrect. Religion is just a bunch of baseless hopes and putting your faith into fruitless beings. I believe that, without science, we would be worse off. Science has given us medicine and tools to live life to the fullest. Religion has brought wars and prejudices against other peoples.
Posted by: BDanielleScience makes testable claims; religion doesn't.
Science is what has made it so I can answer this question and earn some money in the comfort of my apartment. Without science, I would have to work in a field all day or even hunt/gather my food. The reason I can do that is because scientists create hypotheses about how the world works, and if they're right, a useful idea or product emerges, such as a computer or car. Religion, on the other hand, just gives us platitudes. Since it can't be verified, the best course of action is just to ignore religion. One thing I will say in religion's favor is that it tends to motivate pro-social behavior (e.g. charitable giving) better than other methods.
Posted by: 54uIIanThe value of science is greater than the value of religion because there is proof that can back up scientific conclusions
The value of science is greater than the value of religion because science experiments have an objective process by which something must be proven. In addition, when a scientific conclusion is reached, the experiment should be able to be reproduced again and again with the same results. The same cannot be said for religion. While religion can provide personal, spiritual, and emotional relief, it is not the root upon which law, government, and other things concerning the body politic should be based upon.
Posted by: SandDariI do agree that science is greater than religion, science continues to make important breakthroughs in our community
Religion makes more of a historical and spiritual contribution to society. Science makes advancements in health, technology, and industry. We need science to be able to evolve and progress. Science plays such a vital part in us growing as a community. Science always grow and we can benefit from it. Religion has also had a part in science as well.
Posted by: C0ImEIiteScience bases itself on facts, religion bases itself on mindless superstitions and mockery.
Right from the Big Bang, humans have had numerous things explained by science. Basically, science gave us reasoning, understanding and the ability to debate anything in an intelligent manner. It explained evolution and how everything has come into existence which makes a lot of sense to anyone with a rational mind. Religion has just permitted people to spread hate among themselves and believers of other religions. It encourages superstition and makes people do all kinds of weird stuff saying God has asked them to do it. Science doesn't deny the existence of God but religion out rightly refutes science by saying it's useless and goes against the word of God.
Posted by: AnonymousScience is winning every argument.
Science is literally the truth of the universe. Every scientific breakthrough has great importance to all humanity. Unfortunately, religion oppresses many aspects of science, claiming that scientists "are playing God". This slows down human advancement perpetually. Religion is okay to believe in but should have no effect on science or facts.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, science is far more important.
Science provides meaningful and testable explanations for phenomena, whilst religion indirectly confuses and clouds progress in our understanding of the world. One of the supporting arguments for religion is the "hope" it gives naive followers, this is, in my opinion, a complete fallacy. If followers of a religion attempted to understand basic scientific principles, then they may just attain that "hope" again.
Posted by: AnonymousYes
Simply, Science is objective, has standards built-in, has uncovered irrefutable natural laws (eg. thermodynamics for starters) and can be corroborated through experimentation, and can predict actual events. Science is proveable, it is peer reviewed and has tangible results in the physical world. This allows humans to understand our physical environment, and hones our survival knowledge to the point where we can manipulate our environment to suit our needs. It is fluid, changing like all things in the natural world, and allows us to improve upon and protect life. Science is life.
Religion is subjective, has no standards built-in, has uncovered no natural laws, cannot be corroborated through experimentation and cannot predict future events. Religion is not proveable, cannot be peer reviewed and has no tangible results to support any physical evidence. Religion provides nothing in the way of understanding our physical world or environment, and seeks to destroy us through combativness, wars and egoism. Religion is anti-survival because it seeks to prepare all souls meet their maker, it's ultimate objective is death. Religion is static, unlearning. Religion is death.Posted by: Anonymousyes, religion has contributed nothing but bloodshed and horror into our world.
mankind has only advanced when they set aside foolish traditions and superstitions. it has done far more than religion to better the real world. the religious often say that if religion was to be wiped away, the world would fall into anarchy and men would become murderous sociopaths. speaking only for myself, i do not need some magic sky daddy to tell me that killing is wrong, but then again i am not irrational.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, the value of science is greater than the value of religion, because it improves the quality of life in long-lasting ways.
Both religion and science can cause problems and incite conflicts between people, but only science provides a useful function to society. In the old days, religion doubled up its job and acted as a form of government for many countries. Now, though, its direct influence has lessened. Science pushes civilization forward, while religion seems doomed to try and drag people back to the "good old days" where people would slaughter whole countries in the name of their beliefs. In the end, science could work along side a religion. However, most religions seem to do their best to reject science and learning, as most religions feel threatened of having their beliefs proven wrong with scientific facts.
Posted by: H_BairdOf course it is
Science flies you to the moon. Religion flies you into buildings. Religion has been used to spawn and justify so much lunacy and destruction. Science is the search for the truth, religion is an escape from the truth. There are good things in religion, but you really have to cherry pick. Science pushes the human race forward. Religion pushes it backwards, see the dark ages.
Posted by: woelerI think the value of science is greater than the value of religion.
I think the value of science is greater than the value of religion. Science has given us the ability to cure diseases, learn about nature and understand our universe. Without science, our world would not exist as it does today -- we would be without the technology we have and many other health issues would prevail. Religion is an important segment of culture, but is not essential to our survival, whereas science allows us to create a better lives in this world.
Posted by: ObaICheeseReligion caused the Dark Ages
If it wasn't for science we'd still be living in the Dark Ages. It was religion that caused the Dark Ages and caused us to regress. There were alot of scientific discoveries before that, then religion kicked in an nothing happened. Look at all the people who have died for religion, look at the lives save with science.
Posted by: AnonymousWould a World without Science be more beneficial than a world without religion?
Religion serves no benefit other than to satisfy the fears of the ignorant. Considering that religion has caused the deaths of millions of people over the course of human history, a lack of it would be a vast improvement. Even religious leaders know this and have turned religion into a method of making profit (religion is valuable for them). Science cannot answer everything, but that is simply because we have not advanced enough in the field to provide all the answers. Religion has remained the same for thousands of years. Science is ever changing and adapting to provide answers. A world without science would mean a world without the industrial revolution, electronics, or anything that 90% of theists would not be able to live comfortably without.
Posted by: Anonymousabsolutely,no doubt about it.
Science contributes to mankind. Religion does not. You say religion is a means of getting closer to God. No,Science is. To know Science is to understand God and the way he started the first spark that led to the world we now live in. Also religion blinds us to facts. For example, Darwin's theory of evolution is pure fact and yet most of us do not accept it due to religion that has shielded us from this truth. Religion has been the source of bloody wars for years. Religion is a mere creation by man. It is not a gift from the divine heavens as it depicts itself. It is a pointless set of rules set up by people from the past in order to spread their own individual influence. Religion does not make one a better person, full of morals and ethics. Religion is not a guide. It is a backward way of thought and morals and ethics are what we develop as we live our lives by means of observation. We cannot plant morals and ethics into a person via religion. Morals and ethics come as we learn from our mistakes and develop in our sense of thinking. Religion merely encourages individualism and it encourages us to fight for the people who have the same religion as we do. Religion does not encourage a 'one world' concept. It encourages us to think in terms of one society versus another. Religion has plagued the world with its lure of false ideologies. And now it is up to Science and logic to clear its mess.
Posted by: sharmaTrapped with Catholics that force me to go to church
I have gone to church every Sunday for the past year. Each Tim I go its just stories past down through generations(old testimony.). And going from someone's word. They just say to believe it and not question it. Science the main principle is questioning. Proving something is better than taking someone else's word for it. Therefore science is more important than religion
Posted by: Polevaulter1Science has contributed much more to humanity than religion.
Science is neutral about everything. It makes no attempts to adversely impact human rights. Religion, at its best gives people false hope, and at its worst causes heinous crimes against human rights. It has caused everything from Sarah Palin's popularity, to the 9-11 attacks, to the Spanish Inquisition, and the inhibition of black, female, and gay rights over the years.
Posted by: TheevilClauI believe that science is more valuable then religion because religious beliefs, upon investigation, are flawed.
For example, many people believe that Jesus Christ was the one and only son of God and that he alone was born to a virgin. It's also believed that he rose from the dead and ascended. However, if one looks up cultures from the distant past, it can be found that several stories just like this, were recorded centuries before this ever happened, and are identical. Therefore, how can the current story be true? In science, beliefs start with theory but after much experimentation, the proof can be seen and acknowledged. If the theory is disproven, then it's back to the drawing board. But at least one side or the other is proven. Whereas religion can never be proven, as it is supposed to be taken on faith which, I feel, tends to lead people blindly into someone else's "truth."
Posted by: KimbeBeat
Science has a purpose though religion
1. Religion is a word that I do not like. Christianity is a way of life. And if we had not had sin from the beginning we would not be in this mess. We would not have know all these things.
Science tries to equal Gods knowledge like eve tried to be as intelligent as God by biting into the apple.
2. What point in knowing how things work if we do not know why they work and who makes them work. What is the point of living to learn if you are not certain your future. For it is better to know the Lord and he shall tell us all we need to know.
3. Religion as word has no value it is more the relationship with God and with people more than material things that we can obtain through science but have no eternal meaning, that have value.Posted by: AnonymousStop trying to find the meaning of life, it's not there.
True, medical science is good, but humans need to stop trying to figure out everything! We don't need to know everything! We are not God so don't even try to be smarter than him. He knows all, we don't, end of story! Eve bit into the apple to be as smart as god, and see where that went wrong? They both got punished severely and so did the many future generations! Haven't we learned from our mistakes?
Posted by: AnonymousThey are both important to humanity as a means of understanding life.
While science has a very particular value in its ability to gain insight into the natural world it doesn't preempt the importance of spiritual knowledge. Whether you believe in religion or not you have to recognize that the majority of the world does believe in a god or gods. History has shown that religion, rather than declining with increased scientific knowledge, it actually remains steady and can even rise. Should we take the dollars and not the coins? Do they not both have monetary value?
Posted by: MariaRScience can't answer everything; religion can't answer anything.
Both provide a useful function for a balanced individual. Man will always push the limit of what is understood. But as a limit is removed, he finds before him a new set of limits, even more complex and daunting than before. Acceptance of the Infinite and the Inconceivable is the only philosophy that will stand the test of time.
All other truths are subject to Time and society. As Science becomes more complex, Religion will become more abstract. What few people can see is that they are working towards the same end: describing the Universe in as abstract a form as possible.Posted by: alwaysinthegreyScience and religion can both have a place in our lives, and I do not believe that one is more important than the other.
I believe that science and religion are both important in our lives, and believing in one does not preclude believing in the other. Science obviously helps us to understand how the world evolved and how human beings came to be. I think this can easily be incorporated into religious belief, because no matter how we got here, it seems like a miracle to me. Science presents us with facts while religion gives us a basis for morality in our lives.
Posted by: R0d0FerdyNo, the Bible is more important.
The bible says the shape of the Earth and even what is on the planet. For example it says this. Hast thou stand upon the circle of the Earth. Also it says hast thou enter of the springs of the sea. It also says that you suppose to clean clothes with running water and soap and guess what we do the same thing today! The bible even compares with the number of stars in space with the number of grains of sand on the Earth! Don't get me wrong my favorite subject is science! And in my opinion they o not contradict each other! The reason why I say the bible is a useful tool is because there are things that we discovered in science that verifies the bible! Except angels demons and what not. If man evolved from monkeys where did our conscience came from?! We know what's good and what's bad but guess what monkeys don't! Any way I love science!
Posted by: AnonymousScience is sued to maintain our health and have knowledge of our surroundings.
I think that science is a good thing, but it doesn't make it more important than religion. Religion and spirituality are what we think and debate over and try to find the answer to in our lives. Science is trying to put aside what really matters. Both have very good ways of making life and its questions a possible thing to find a solution to.
Posted by: waffletimeOf course not.
Science serves its purpose in understanding concrete reality -- religion serves its purpose in understanding everything else. If religion and science were as incompatible as science writers make it out to be, this question would be answered differently. However, since religion and science are as ideologically compatible as any other unrelated positions, there's no need for you to choose "value" over another, because you'd be using "value" in two different ways.
Posted by: Nur-Ab-SalThere is no Yes or No answer to this question.
Science contributes to manking but religion contributes greately and its effect shaped our world and will continue to shape it in the future.I dont know if it can be descried quantitatively.And i dont think that it can be so simplified with yes or no.Imagine a world without religion.You can't.Everywhere would be chaos in one way or other, certainly would have consequences.Human behavior,conduct would be very different than it is today and that would shape w people interact with each other etc.Most people in this world like to think that there is something greater than them and that gives them comfort and hope in difficult times and that in turn leads to other benefits like low crime or productivity among many other.and that leads to other and so forth.It may be difficult to imagine how can religion influences economics but it does.Im not talking about religion here but about belief in something supreme.So religion is an extension of belief,is a way of expresing belief.An order.I dont think that it could have been possible the society as it it today without religion.. both science and religion impact our lives differently and that s why my answer is NO.
Posted by: Inurt203Depends on perspective
Its about how we define value. Science and religion both have value in different ways, hence we should not attempt to estimate their values on the same scale. Science has brought about inventions and discoveries which have benefited man tangibly and physically, but religion helps man to seek spiritual well-being, and hence is of spiritual value, which cannot be put in quantifiable terms.
Posted by: GGeraldBoth science and religion have different and complementary roles to play.
Science has been incredibly important to the progress of human society and has done much to reduce human suffering through advances in medicine, agriculture, and other fields. However, even at our level of advanced technology, many humans still lack a sense of meaning in their lives. Religion can help fulfill this void and give people a reason for living and a moral compass.
Posted by: BrokenMarvin34The value of science is neither greater or less than the value of religion, because they both are man made objects.
Both religion and science are equal in importance. They both have flaws and they both have valid points. The fact is that neither one is greater than the other. Both are entities and have many theories that can either prove or disprove them. Faith and love are more concrete and substantial than either of these two entities. When determining though which is greater, neither one weighs above the other.
Posted by: taihenraionReligion is the founding stone of science.
No, I disagree that the value of science is greater than the value of religion. There has always been debate between the science and religion. Science has given so much to the humankind but I still feel that the basic founding stone for science is religion. The value of science doesn't help man to progress towards the making of better human being. The very fact that when there is any problem we don't turn towards science rather we pray to God for the well-being.
Posted by: I0rFashionI believe the value of religion is greater -- religion as a mix of science and culture.
It is arguable and we cannot give a definite answer, but comparatively we can have higher regards for religion. Mostly, religion is developed over a prolonged practice and process collective knowledge both explained and unexplained. It is a mixture of science and culture, as well as various other aspects; whereas, science is definitive with a narrow view.
Posted by: SaroM0vi3I'm sorry?
can any of you answer me, who were the fathers of science, who started the huge advancements of science? The roman catholic scholars, the reason we have the knowledge we have today is because of the basic knowledge we learned from the ones before us, They came up with the concept of "science" because they wanted to understand God's creations, They wanted to be able to understand God's amazing creations. And as for Science being more "curing" than Religion; the statement is 100% false. You can read that science has made advancements and it has, I thank God for the cures and information we have today, But how do you explain my brother flipping his truck on the highway and coming out without a scratch? (truck is totaled by the way), or how Blind men have been blessed when one moment they can't see and then the next they get to see the beautiful world before them? Or how a man who was born with no arms and no legs is supposed to die but grows up to get married and becomes a pastor at a church and thanks God for the life he lives everyday? So say that religion has nothing to do with science, or say that science and religion don't mix but I believe that science and religion do mix, I believe they should be mixed and side by side, and the things that we can't prove scientifically I let go and just believe in Faith. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and weather you agree or disagree send me a message and God bless you all!
Posted by: SonOfGodReligion is just as valuable as science, perhaps more so, due to its ability to comfort.
Religion and science both contain pursuits of truth and a desire for their practitioners to understand the world and universe around them. Religion also has benefits in that like-minded people can come together for worship and fellowship, and have a prayer outlet that is proven by science to be emotionally and physically very healthy.
Posted by: FlakyHerb64I oppose putting science above religion, the two cannot even be compared, they are on two different sides of the spectrum.
Science and religion do not go hand in hand. In fact, it is quite apparent that both of them are the greatest of contradictions. Science has its own place in society today in that everything that helps progress a society forward lies on scientific advancements. Religion however, is associated with the start of all life and has still managed to stick around eons after its start. This goes to show that it holds significant importance in the lives of many and they have faith because it provides a sense of morality, hope, wisdom, and a sense of truth for them. Science can provide the same-truth from tangible facts which help in the development of further ideas, hope for new findings, wisdom in helping to learn about what works with humanity and what against, and issues of morality rise when it comes to abuse or respect of the applications of science. All in all, though they are tied by some fundamentals, they are different enough to hold their own values and thus cannot be compared to each other.
Posted by: MyHierReligion's value is much greater than that of science, because humans need something to give them hope and guidance through life.
I enjoy reading about all kinds of science, and learning things about our planet. But, sometimes, I feel we may end up taking things too far, and this might end up interfering with religious beliefs. This is basically already happening, and I think we need to stop while we're ahead. Some things should be left alone.
Posted by: DefectiveConrad72