The debate between religion, i.e. faith, and science is ongoing. As a source of discovering knowledge of value to individuals, religion and science approach ôtruthö from a different perspective. Religion is a belief or code of laws that govern behavior and human interaction based on faith and mythology. Creationism as the explanation for the origins of mankind is one example of a religious view of life that must be accepted on faith. Science is concerned with empirical and verifiable evidence. What is believed must be ôseen,ö whereas in religion some things must be believed to be reen. Evolution is the scientific explanation for the origins of mankind, supported by evidence.
While religion often provides comfort and solace to individuals trying to make some sense or find some meaning in the midst of an often harsh and chaotic existence, science is concerned with providing only facts û whether they offer comfort or solace or not. Religion is often of ôvalueö to individuals because it provides them with some explanation for what they do not understand. For example, when a child dies in an accident, those who are religious often cite such an event as ôGodÆs will,ö a will that human beings are incapable of knowing and must accept as something ôgood,ö even if they cannot see the ôgoodö in such an event. Science, in many cases, has often refuted the claims of religion. Science disproved, for example, the heliocentric view of the universe espoused by those of religious faith.
In making a determination whether science or religion is of more value to individuals, one must recognize that the value offered by each has different intentions. Science is concerned only with facts, discerned through observation and reasoning. Religion is often a manner of believing, based on faith not fact, which encompasses a creed and code of personal morals. Both provide value to individuals. Religion often provides c
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