We got scared

[CCIP]

Originally Posted by Takeda Shingen

It absolutely does, but so do each of man's constructs. Politics, for example, gives a select few control over the many. It is no wonder then, that some of man's earliest political structures were religiously-oriented.

And let's not forget the contributions to science, philosophy and education made by religion. In terms of Christianity for example, someone who thinks that religious thought is all dogma has obviously never read St. Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Friedrich Schleiermacher and countless others.

In fact the notion of science and religion being in opposition is very much a false construct, and has nothing to do with the nature of things. Dogma is the enemy of reason, not religion, spirituality or even scriptural study. Just that some people have trouble seeing past surface appearances and don't want to engage with the symbolic side of life, which is as rich and complicated - regardless of the religious tradition that might originate it. This goes for people of both extremes by the way.

[Takeda Shingen]

Originally Posted by CCIP

And let's not forget the contributions to science, philosophy and education made by religion. In terms of Christianity for example, someone who thinks that religious thought is all dogma has obviously never read St. Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Friedrich Schleiermacher and countless others.

In fact the notion of science and religion being in opposition is very much a false construct, and has nothing to do with the nature of things. Dogma is the enemy of reason, not religion, spirituality or even scriptural study. Just that some people have trouble seeing past surface appearances and don't want to engage with the symbolic side of life, which is as rich and complicated - regardless of the religious tradition that might originate it. This goes for people of both extremes by the way.

Very true. And, as much as it pains me to concede it, we would not have modern academics without the Roman Catholic Church. I am a tremendous detractor of Catholicism, but they kept the torch of knowledge lit during the dark times that followed the fall of Rome.

[CCIP]

Originally Posted by Takeda Shingen

I am a tremendous detractor of Catholicism, but they kept the torch of knowledge lit during the dark times that followed the fall of Rome.

...as did Muslim and Jewish scholars, by the way. If it weren't for them, we would not have access to many of the Greek and Roman texts that later helped bring about the rebirth of classical science, philosophy and education in the Renaissance later on.

[u crank]

Originally Posted by CCIP

In fact the notion of science and religion being in opposition is very much a false construct, and has nothing to do with the nature of things. Dogma is the enemy of reason, not religion, spirituality or even scriptural study. Just that some people have trouble seeing past surface appearances and don't want to engage with the symbolic side of life, which is as rich and complicated - regardless of the religious tradition that might originate it. This goes for people of both extremes by the way.

Excellent observation. I couldn't agree more. I see no personal conflict between science and faith.