can you, as a scientist, believe in God without physical evidence? Can you expand your thoughts to believe reality is more than what we currently know, more than what science tells us?
2007-12-24 07:20:26 · 6 answers · asked by Wait a Minute 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
amansscientiae: Exactly right. Science is a mechanics toolbox, not designed to by a philosophy or belief system. Why then do so many in science consider what is now known in science to be reality?
2007-12-24 07:33:54 · update #1
no, no, and no
2007-12-24 07:25:43 · answer #1 · answered by brandon 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Absolutely yes to your questions. For it is by science that we hope to understand the complexities of nature and the universe. It is science -- the study of physical nature and the universe -- that has strengthened my belief in a higher entity. Call it God or whatever, but I'm convinced that the universe, this earth and all that is on it would not have existed if not for God. The complexities of nature and the universe show us through science that these things simply do not or can not come to existance without a higher intent. I'm convinced there is a God and that God created the universe, the earth and all that is on it.
We humans are beginning to understand that our existance is only possible within a balanced, definitive boundary of a set of circumstances that could not possibly happen naturally. Take the Moon for example -- Its mass, size, orbital position and movement around the Earth determines the tides. The tides must exist for certain types of sea creatures to live. The tides have an influence on the ocean currents which in turn influence our weather system. Our weather determines the climates where human life can survive as well as other species.
Simple questions make sense to me to explain God.
Why is the earth exactly the distance from the sun so that life can exist and flourish?
Why does the earth have a molten iron core sufficient to create a magnetic field that protects life from solar radiation and gamma emissions?
Why do the position of the giant planets, Jupiter and Saturn gravitationally influence comets and astroids to the degree that prevent impacts on earth?
Why do we humans have the intellect neccessary to pursue understanding? We certainly could not have done it on our own.
2007-12-24 16:41:09 · answer #2 · answered by Scott B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ah, a very deep question.
I certainly can imagine more to reality than what we think we understand scientifically right now. That's why there's always more work to be done in science.
On the other hand I believe that we are closer to a true description of reality now than in the past. I suppose this amounts to a sort of faith, because I cannot prove that our current model for Nature is true.
There was a great PBS series a long while back by James Burke called The Day the Universe Changed. It's thesis was that societies throughout history have held world views that worked fine until something overturned the old concept in favor of a new idea (this was called a 'paradigm shift' by Kuhn).
The point is that even our current world view could be completely uprooted by new discoveries and ideas. In light of this it's probably not very wise of me to claim we're closer to the truth than ever, but I still think we are. I guess that's as far as I'll go along 'faith' lines...
2007-12-24 16:32:04 · answer #3 · answered by Steve H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christmas eve or not, it is easy for scientists to believe in more than we currently know. Someone once said: as we add to our islands of knowledge, we increase the shoreline on the unknown. Science is the search to explain things that have not been explained. The study of science is largely a study of history because, before one can understand the real forefront of science (what is not yet known), one needs to understand what is already known. Scientists are probably more keenly aware of what is not known than non-scientists.
2007-12-24 15:27:18 · answer #4 · answered by Gary H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, I'm a firm believer in string theory.
until I researched it I was a firm atheist.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grvahiyVqFY
now, understanding that there might be other universes out there, and possibly an !infinite! amount of universes, I tend to believe that there is a CHANCE god could exist.
more than likely not the GOD in our bible, but perhaps a creator could be in another universe.
scientists here have an idea how to create their own universe, and it could be a possiblity that we are inside a universe that was created by other scientist.
I'm confused now as to whether to believe in a creative cognitive being, or whether its just about math and chaos.
god is more than likely not a living being, just math and the nature of the universe, (other universe)
how could god, (a living god) exists in multiple dimensions?
it it can, its not like any life we could ever imagine and need to realize that an step about from trying to make god, human like in ANY way shape or form
2007-12-24 17:06:36 · answer #5 · answered by Mercury 2010 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, if you took the time to actually listen to a theologian about the meaning of faith, you would learn that beliefs that require physical evidence do not qualify for it. This is not restricted to scientists. It goes for everyone.
But obviously, you have not made a whole lot of inroads into faith, if you have to ask.
On the other hand, I know a lot of scientists who have faith in the dogmas of one religion, or another. But they do not mistake it for the subject of their daily work, all of which requires constant experimental proof.
The problem does not lie with faith or knowledge, but with people who don't know how to keep them apart.
:-)
2007-12-24 15:27:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋