To the religiously devout - why do you have such contempt for science?

Question

One thing I'll never understand about the religiously devout is their patent contempt for scientific inquiry.

If the universe is the work of a creator god, doesn't it only make sense that such a powerful god would be guided by logic and reason? Doesn't it only make sense that such a god would appreciate humanity's curiousity?

Is it not the case that Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus and others are actually showing contempt for their respective gods by embracing dogmas which are ultimately self-serving, hypocritical and devoid of reason?

I would respectfully submit that any god capable of creating a universe as vast and complex as the one we reside in, MUST be much more vast and complex than any religion can account for.

So why not humble yourself and admit that what you think to be true (through personal experience) or believe to be true (through religious dogma) is grossly inadequate to postulate the true nature of existence?

Thanks to everyone who has responded so far!
However, I would like to add, that contrary to what many people claim, I am not stereotyping anyone. I think that the term "religiously devout" is self-explanatory. Those who are religiously devout believe in the infalibility of their individual faiths. They believe, without any scientific or historical evidence, that their respective gods returned from the dead, ascended to heaven on a donkey, created everything that we know and see everything we do.
When I see individuals call evolution a "pseudo-science," I think that qualifies as contempt for science.
Yes, I'm sure the religiously devout NOW accept that the Earth is not at the center of the universe - but it took centuries of scientific inquiry (in light of horrific religious persecution) to prove otherwise.
What I want to know is why the RELIGIOUSLY DEVOUT maintain an aversion to scientific inquiry when so much of what they believe has been scientifically proven to be wrong?

Answer 1

Why is Eric R stereotyping the religious?

Answer 2

Okay, I'll answer your question with this: Why don't secular science have contempt for Judaio-Christians?
When you compare the time line of evolution against the Bible, you'll find that the creation of the universe is in the same exact sequence as of that in evolution!
Do note; that the Bible, God's written word, was over well over six thousand years ago, only to have all sixty six books gathered up together, translated into english under one book known as the Bible (Yes the one we know today) under the order of King James in 1612 (I think) so that everyone who speaks english would be able to understand at that time.
Now, we have so many translated versions, all meaning the same, excluding the world translation which is a perverse version!
My point is this; let us look at what both sides of the fence, on one side you've got the evolutionist whome would say "Millions of years ago, there was an explosion, a big bang! And the galaxies and stars were formed, then the planets!" Now, on the other side, you've people like me; a pro-creationist and we say "God created the heavens and the earth!" notice the sequence.
If all this does not answer your question, then go to
www.reasonstobelieve.org and they'll answer your question.

Answer 3

Perhaps it would help if you defined "religiously devout". I know that I thought this question was for me because I'm a "devout Christian"...however, my "religion" does not have contempt for science and I expected a totally different message from you than the one you gave me!

I agree with almost everything you said.

If we were made in the image of a creator and we have the faculties of reason and logic, he must also have those attributes and I think God takes great delight in the creativity of his creation. After all, don't parents enjoy watching their children grow and learn more about the world around them?

People that reject any part of what God created are showing disrespect for his power and wisdom. This would include those that reject the products of the mind (reason, logic, science) and those that reject the possibility of a spirit or a soul.

If religion is a product of man, then I agree that a god capable of creating the physical and spiritual laws of this complex universe would be more complex than any man (or group) of men could possibly comprehend.

However, I don't believe Christianity is a product of man. As a religion it is certainly based on the interpretations of man, but as a philosophy, one of the core beliefs is that we can't possibly understand the scope of the mind of the creator. It is the only one that is based on having faith and trust in a creator instead of relying on our own limited ability to understand what he might have in mind. My logic and reason tells me that if we are the product of a creator and if that creator has any interest in us, he would give us instructions for optimal performance and the message of Jesus is consistent with optimal performance (as experimentally verifed in my own life).

I believe God, the creator, is pleased when people use the mind he gave them to learn more about his creation...why would he have given so many people the desire to explore the unknown if he didn't want them to do it? However, how could he (and I) not have contempt for people that use science to disprove his existence for isn't this the same error people make when they limit God through religious dogma? The existence of a creator can't possibly be disproven because empirical falsifiability requires the ability to measure and control all possible explanations for the theory. If there is a creator with infinite knowledge of his creation, how could we with our finite knowledge possibly control or measure the presence or absence of his influence?

Answer 4

Be careful with those generalizations. Many religious people would completely agree that "any god capable of creating a universe as vast and complex as the one we reside in, MUST be much more vast and complex than any religion can account for."

It seem to be just the fundies who cannot admit science and God can easily work together.

Answer 5

Ok..For one thing let me kill this once and for all. we do not have a contempt for Scientific inquiry, only your science,

And God is guided by logic and reason it is secular humanist that cannot understand that.
1st Cor 2;14 says that the natural man cannot comprehend this nor are they able to, all of what we believe is foolishness to you.
So you go around scratching and shaking your heads calling us stupid and all that.

Ok I cannot speak for the 'other' religions as for Christianity, only one who is ignorant of the things of God would make that statement that it is hypocritical and devoid of reason.

Now as for the Complexity of God ? He is complex for you to know, because you do not have the ability to know Him, as your heart is hardened against Him.
And you just stated a case for Him by saying that the Universe is vast and complex, too vast and complex for it to have just "happened" out of nowhere from a Big bang that took place from the nothingness, with nothing more than a half baked fabricated theory as to how it happened , seems to me that it would take more faith to believe in that nonsense than God,

To think that all this just happened out of chance, is ludricous, and what is more sad is that people are so gullible enough to buy into that garbage.

We do not have to humble ourselves to the true nature of existance as you put it, it is the other way around.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9DtY-BXWnY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSImWs1NXCw

Answer 6

Eric, you have a good mind. It's a pity to waste it by jumping rashly to so many erroneous and insupportable conclusions.

You can't make up theology as you go along, by declaring as fact what seems to you at the time to "make sense." You must read theology if you would understand God. You may be surprised to find that all of your ideas were proposed, considered, and rejected by wiser heads than yours, centuries ago.

~EDIT~
Uh, excuse me. I *thought* you had a good mind. Your expanded rant about the "religiously devout" (which is redundant, by the way) showed me my error. You're really just a common troll, aren't you?

Answer 7

Sciences are lower truths to benefit man but not to the point were a scientific explaination for all things is needed. You run a risk of that it cannot be explained scientifically than why should I believe. This would replace faith

Answer 8

no one religion can portray all there is about our Heavenly Father but enough is revealed for the person whom believes to walk in faith without the knowledge of everything.science is based on nothing more than theories and hypothesis.a self understanding of what is stated as scientific facts.there is no way to calculate if the base point reference they use are in fact true or false,it is a mans perception or manipulation of so called facts or evidence they write to support their own ungodly standards and beliefs or lack of Christian principles standards,morals or beliefs!!!remember when you assume you make an a ss out of you and me!!! do not assume scientist have the correct answers or knowledge for they are only human!!! good luck.

Answer 9

Since Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists are living in a dream they are not aware that Science and Religions are actually twin brothers in one same body. One without the other gets to be void and senseless. People find it difficult to balance the realities around them so they lean strongly on one side only and then their brains go blind, unfortunately. A very good and appropriate questions, pointing to the roots of all the serious problems in the world throughout the centuries. Thank you for this important question..

Answer 10

You are stereotyping a bit
Some Christians do detest science, particularly evolutionary science
Some dont

To the guy above me that called evolution a fairy tale for adults YOU are a moron and I hope natural selection gets you

and and IGNORAMOUS.....the majority of people with science degrees are believers? I have almost completed my science degree and I havent met a single Christian in my courses. I dont know which University you have been visiting but I think even Christians will agree...the majority of Scientists are most certainly atheists

Answer 11

i am a devout Christian and follower of Christ,since God gave people the knowledge of science it would be a sin not to enjoy it..we dont have contempt of science..i claim no religion it is to carnel(man-made),i cant see humbling myself to you or any other person on this earth only God..i find your post very offensive