A friend of mine has a Masters in Theology from a Roman Catholic University. I spent a recent day fishing with him, as he is a guide who has written several prize-winning books on fishing. We discussed religion a bit. He's not dogmatic.
We agreed the purpose of religion is to offer comfort and security in this life and an assurance of Heaven in the next. The purpose is to alleviate anxiety by assuring a meaning in this life and the continuance of the ego in the afterlife.
I just watched the NOVA show recommended by podrock. It's description of all the interrelationships necessary for life on Earth got me to wondering. Does science, with all it's gains, with the multiplication of knowledge of our world and Universe provide solace or create anxiety in most of us?
I can't help but think that the more understanding we have of the world around us, the more precarious and fragile our existence seems, and more anxiety would be induced by those seeking security. Religion would become more attractive.
Science and religion (originally from Mysteries of the Multiverse)
The whole thread (40 posts)
- Science and religion (originally from Mysteries of the Multiverse)
- Questions
- Until I was about 12 I believed in god.
- Curiosity killed the cat, religion kills curiosity....
- That is a pretty narrow purpose for religion, that you and your friend agreed to!
- My friend Barbara observes:
- There's no solace in science for me.
- For me, science satisfies my awe more than religion does.