Harmony Of Science And Religion Leads To Unity And Peace
One of the universal teachings of Baha’u’llah (1817-1892), Founder of the Baha’i Faith, is the harmony of science and religion.
Here are some quotations from the writings of the Baha’i Faith about this important subject:
“Religion and science are the two wings upon which man’s intelligence can soar into the heights, with which the human soul can progress. It is not possible to fly with one wing alone! Should a man try to fly with the wing of religion alone he would quickly fall into the quagmire of superstition, whilst on the other hand, with the wing of science alone he would also make no progress, but fall into the despairing slough of materialism….”
“Another cause of dissension and disagreement is the fact that religion has been pronounced at variance with science. Between scientists and the followers of religion, there has always been controversy and strife for the reason that the latter have proclaimed religion superior in authority to science and considered scientific announcement opposed to the teachings of religion… If religious belief and doctrine are at variance with reason, it proceeds from the limited mind of man and not from God; therefore, it is unworthy of belief and not deserving of attention; the heart finds no rest in it, and real faith is impossible. How can man believe that which he knows to be opposed to reason? Is this possible? Can the heart accept that which reason denies? Reason is the first faculty of man, and the religion of God is in harmony with it….”
“Religion must stand the analysis of reason. It must agree with scientific fact and proof so that science will sanction religion and religion fortify science. Both are indissolubly welded and joined in reality. If statements and teachings of religion are found to be unreasonable and contrary to science, they are outcomes of superstition and imagination…That which is found to be real and conformable to reason must be accepted, and whatever science and reason cannot support must be rejected as imitation and not reality….”
“Put all your beliefs into harmony with science; there can be no opposition, for truth is one. When religion, shorn of its superstitions, traditions, and unintelligent dogmas, shows its conformity with science, then there will be a great unifying, cleansing force in the world which will sweep before it all wars, disagreements, discords, and struggles — and then will mankind be united in the power of the Love of God.”
These two vital facets of life have been in conflict for too long! The time has come for the peoples of the world to resolve this issue once and for all. The benefits of such a resolution are incalculable.
