Comparing Science and Christianity... which one is evil and why?

Question

I was just giving this some thought: In what way are Christianity and science similar and how does this impact on the morality of its "followers"?

Both Christianity and scientists (ok, call them atheists) have set up a perfect system, an ideal... to which each is asked to strive for. In the case of Christianity, the truth and moral perfection is Jesus. In the case of science, it's also truth and perfection - we call science and mathematics.

And in both cases, perfection is humanly unatainable. So, how are they different and how does this impact on Christians and atheists? Christianity set up a system of punishment and humiliation for those that disobey its laws. So does science. It's called the scientific method which by its nature was designed to be self-correcting, but there is no punishment involved (perhaps there is some shame in getting it wrong) but most scientists understand "that's how the system works".

What do you think?

You are right. "correct" is a better word than "perfect" ... in the science context. Thank you.

Answer 1

neither is "evil" God is the ultimate scientist

Answer 2

I think you are comparing total superstition with an admittedly imperfect system for discovering how things work.

I would prefer 'correct' than 'perfect'.


OK, which system gives the correct answer to this question:

Q. Why does the sun disappear at night?

A1. (religious/superstitious) "A dog eats the sun every night"

or

A2. (scientific) "the Earth revolves on its axis so the sun seems to disappear over the horizon"


Now, ask the same question again, and this time look for the 'perfect' answer...which one is it?


Lastly, your question about morals is a whole other subject, I can't answer in full. But the sources and causes of morals and ethics are way far and wide.

Answer 3

Why should either be considered evil?

The "Christian system" is based on love.
The "Science system" is based on logic.

How does this impact the morality of it's followers?
If you are referring to "right" behavior, love is more concerned with the perceptual or psychological rather than tangible or practical nature of logic. It is about making decisions according to the heart instead of the mind. In terms of behavior toward others, the heart and it's empathy and warmth would be preferable to cold and calculated response of logic. Such was Spock's dilemma. This does not imply that someone who desires to live and make decisions by logic as evil.

Truth is another matter. So is perfection.
Are they ideals to strive and to live for? They are the ultimate aim of science, but how does that translate to life and living?
Many will agree that the truth is relative and as you said, perfection is unattainable.

Most people in both groups strive to do the "right" thing by utilizing both logic and their concern for themselves and others. They are not exclusive of each other.

As for your statement about Christianity setting up a system of punishment and humiliation, you are in error. Religion and dogma are man made influences. Christianity is about freedom from this by an act of love, called forgiveness.

Logically, if we offend someone, we have damaged our relationship with them. It remains that way until we express our love and concern for them, telling them that we are sorry and asking them to forgive us. It is then up to them to accept our apology and restore the relationship once again. If they love us, they will want to do this because of their love.

This is the what the gospel, or "good news", of Christianity is all about. The living God is willing to forgive us, but we must first repent and tell Him we are sorry for the offense (sins) we have done. He restores our relationship with Him, and more, through His Son, Jesus Christ. The concept is really that simple. He has even designed a self correcting factor through the Holy Spirit... which I believe is far superior to the scientific method.

As you asked, that is what I think.