User:Transcend1000/Blending religion and science

RELIGION AND SCIENCE: The Connection
There are two productive ways of viewing the relationship between religion and science. The first is a scientific evaluation of the positive effects of a persons religion. The second is to expand our scientific view of Nature, of life and universe, to include larger transcendent ideas.

The positive effects of religion:

An unbiased scientific evaluation of religion on a persons life will conclude that both both positive and negative effects can occur, with positive effect more potent and common, such as increased contentment and happiness.

Contentment results from several factors, including a sense of identity ("I am a Christian", etc), a positive self image ("I am connected to God"), The calming trust in a higher power, and a community of friends in other believers. All of these provide emotional support in facing the typical problems of life. In some conventional religions there is belief in life after death, which to many people is personally uplifting and pleasing.

Note that this scientific evaluation does NOT consider the scientific TRUTH of conventional religious beliefs --that is quite incidental and unimportant to society. The practical effect of religion on a community is generally very positive It generally leads people to higher standards of behavior, and brings dignity and hope to the disadvantaged, and can encourage harmony. Positive religion does not need scientific validation it validates and justifies itself with results.

A religious person might doubt that all religions please "God". It should be self-evident that any set of beliefs that enhances life, results in more happiness and human improvement would please the Power that made us.

Negative effects:

Individual mental illness, more precisely emotional illness, sometimes leads to excessive religious belief and negative results. Religious zealots can and do commit hurt and devastation.

These more negative effects of religion are cause by believers who are more-or-less sick people. Religion does facilitate the illness but we don't blame automobiles when one is used in a crime. It is probably true that religious satisfaction often prevents effective treatment and personal growth.

Religion can too often replace the HUMAN CONNECTION in families. Having a parent that is just a walking Bible or Koran can be painful. Both parent and child hurt from not having a good human-love centered relationship.

Organized religion can have a negative effect on society went believers attempt to impose their beliefs on everyone. With a democratic vote this problem is minimized ---for example significant decreases in crime in the last decades is often attributed to legal abortion of unwanted children.

Expanding our minds ---Transcendent views:

Often more scientifically-minded people cannot connect with typical religious beliefs. Harmony between religion and science can be reached by bypassing conventional theologies and replacing them with a deep vivid appreciation of Nature. Your cathedral is a beautiful star-filled sky. Your inspiration is an magnificent sunset, the smile of a child, knowing the real size of both atoms and universe.

I worked for many years in computer and Bioinformation Science. I recall seeing an microscope photo enlargement of the complex natural computer behind the eye of a common fly. The complex nerve "wiring" in this insect was staggering to the mind this awe-inspiring experience convinced me that there had to be an intelligence behind or within Nature.

It isn't really necessary to accept a conventional theology to partake of the benefits of a religion. Just learn more about wonderful Nature, enjoy and appreciate it ---accept that you are a part a most awesome universe. Reach out to what is beyond ordinary science. You don't need to define it ---just be open and tuned in. I like R.W. Emerson's quote, "A believing love will relieve a vast load of care".