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The Jains through Time
relationships. Science and religion both have their place.
introspection, whereas science proceeds by conjecture and refutation based on observation. Religion bases itself on subjective experiences, science on objective utility. Science can give us progress; it cannot give us peace.
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Science teaches analysis but cannot arrive at synthesis. Religion embodies synthesis, which is the process of bringing things together. It deals with subjective factors and all sorts of human experience. Discoveries made here cannot be broken down into their constituent parts. However, synthesis and analysis go hand in hand, that is why it is important that science and religion re- establish a dialogue.
History shows that science condemns religion as regressive and reactionary, while religion has returned the compliment by ridiculing science for being concerned only with base and trivial things. The result is that both have been distancing themselves from each other, and a kind of animosity prevails between the two. When great scientists like Newton in England, Galileo in Italy and Kepler in Poland established their revolutionary theories, they brought about an upheaval in the religious world. Their findings were completely rejected and they became 'personae non gratae'. Similarly reformers like Luther and Jung also met with scorn. This situation is now changing. Nowadays minds have been freed from slavish obedience to fixed beliefs and traditional observances. People have a much greater ability to discern what reality is. An urge to know the truth is science. It is also a genuine religion.
Today's student refuses to hear any opposition to or criticism of scientific methods. Similarly the devout disciple cannot bear any criticism of his faith or religion. However, it is more important than ever that we understand both science and religion. Without science there is no objectivity in life, without religion there is no sweetness and understanding of human
Whenever religion has gone against reality, it
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