Philosophical and Cultural Tension between Science and Religion

Introduction

Over a long period of time, there have been perceptions that there exists tension and conflict between religion and science. The main differences have often risen during the attempts to explain the origin of mankind. The philosophical and cultural tension has been worsened by scientism and postmodernism. However, there exists very little tension between the two aspects because religion and science often deal with different concepts. The perceived tension only rises when one aspect moves out of its original domain of operation. According to Funk & Alpher (2015), some inevitable conflicts and tension often occur but such are not a sign that science and religion are inherently incompatible. Tensions occur in almost every aspect of life and in a similar manner; the type of conflict that exists between religion and science is not adequate to create a sensible tension.

According to a study conducted by Hill (2015), the main points in which conflict rise include the concept of evolution, belief in miracles, beginning of life and abortion. These points draw genuine conflict, however, they do not revolve around general science but just some filed of knowledge in science. Scientific interpretations as well as social and moral implications of certain reproductive and biomedical technologies are the main centers of tension (Harrison, 2016). At times, science and religion attempt to give answers to some common questions and it is such answers that are conflicting. Religion and science are therefore not at war and as long as every aspect sticks to its operational domain, the perceived tension might not exist all together.