As I mentioned in my previous post, two seemingly polar entities can be combined into a great accomplishing force, assuming that the two sides agree to settle certain problems and distinctions. What are these? They are the skepticism of science and the stubbornness of religion.

Figure 1 Skepticism

The skepticism that we associate with science is usually viewed in a positive light, meaning that it comes to us in a form of guidance. Whenever a scientist is met with an idea, he begins to question it, developing a hypothesis and then testing it. On the other hand, there is another type of skepticism that is too skeptic to the point where its meaning turns condescending to anything that is considered outside the realm of science. This negative aspect of science is an inherent barrier to compatibility. At the same time, however, it can be overcome if scientists are willing to express humility instead of arrogance: “Scientists seem to think that ‘all issues regarding the origin of life are settled.’ But science is forced to admit error all the time” (McNicoll, Bump 259)

If science is able to abandon this high level of skepticism and possess an open mind (what? You mean some scientists don’t have open minds?) towards ideas from religion that may aid in solving the puzzle of life on earth, then we will be close to compatibility.

Figure 2 A humorous combination of science and religion

One perception that many people (and scientists) carry towards religion is that it is very hard-headed and stubborn. Anything questioning the awesome might of God is invalid.

This perception, however, only holds true to certain religious people. Called “bible thumpers” by some people in class, they are the stubbornness that we usually associate with religion. But if you look past them and realize what is actually happening in the study of the origins of life, you’ll notice that the two sides are actually meshing into one. Creationists who have already started to acknowledge certain scientific ideas are a fact that compatibility is possible: “Such concessions, ‘sincere or not,’ show that creationists ‘aren’t threatening us, they’re becoming us.”(Saletan, Bump 259)

If we are able to overcome these two problems between the two realms, then I whole-heartedly believe that there is compatibility. By combining certain parts of religion and science, we will be able to produce a type of “creative scientist” that Bump talks about. One who “should have little difficulty perceiving that one of the most powerful and meaningful of all the dominant metaphors of Western civilization is the personification of nature…” (Bump, 271)

I have faith in the science and science in faith.