Both religion and science play an intricate role in determining the relationship between individuals and everything that surrounds them. This notwithstanding, a longstanding conflict between both disciplines has persisted with each establishing contradicting claims on various circumstances. With up to eighty five percent of the world being religious, one can easily discern that religion is responsible for most of the happenings that unfold in the society. For instance, the idea that a quarter of people in the world do not indulge in the consumption of pork and a billion individuals do not eat beef is a clear attestation on the significant impact that religion has on the lives of people. Religion is a force that guides the understanding of human beings.
The relevance apportioned to science within some societies tends to ostracize various religious doctrines. In the late 18 th century and early 19 th century, people`s belief of religion started to be questioned thus culminating in a dispute. This conflict, for instance, occurs in some aspects such as boardrooms and courtrooms where science is offered precedence over religion by requiring its consideration while addressing some issue (Deming, 2015). Besides, is common for someone to be labeled a fanatic for asking people to consider religion in solving some issue. Some religions such as Buddhism have also come to be considered as sciences where it is expected that people do not merely believe something because it has been said (Deming, 2015). Also, Muslims contributed greatly to natural sciences in the first 600 years of Islam (Deming, 2015). Some relevant changes have, nevertheless, being occurring in the western world with knowledge from sciences alongside the Bible being deemed ultimate sources of truth.
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Interfaith dialogue contributes to the edification of various religions by ensuring that they contribute significantly to each other. It is a form of dialogue that enables people from one religion to respect beliefs and tenets established in another ( Hexham, 2011 ). Individuals are, therefore, in a position to associate with those sharing opposing beliefs. Interfaith dialogue contributes to diverse democracy. People from different faiths can foster friendships and also partake in events together. It is also possible for non-believers to be treated well through interfaith dialogue regardless of their opposition towards religion. The night journey isra, where Prophet Muhammad mounted Buraq towards Jerusalem under the guidance of Angel Gabriel defines a form of inter faith dialogue between Muslims, Christians and Jews which further strengthens religion (Deming, 2015). The relevance of interfaith religion towards unifying believers with other devotees and non-believers is, hence, remarkable.
According to Deming (2015), New Age spirituality embodies a spiritual outlook which emphasizes eclecticism. It is characterized by teachings enabling people to evolve with the changing times. People are, therefore, enabled to follow their instincts and do what they deem to be good for them. Another significant characteristic is the shift in spiritual consciousness with the emergence of universal peace, harmony, cooperation and respect for nature ( Hopfe & Woodward, 2009 ). Emphasis on openness and inquisitiveness are other defining characteristics of the New Age. Individuals under the New Age of thinking further emphasize on self-empowerment and realization of innate spiritual capacities. Further, reform and progressive movements represent the first type of changing in religion which seek establish novel traditions and customs to alter those that were formerly in existence. The second change is schism which occurs where religious break apart. The occurrence could be due to differences between believers. The third form of change is a result of unification between two or more religions to form one. It is an occurrence attained in the event that elements from various religions are similar leading believers to become unified.
To sum it up, Religion is a force that guides the understanding of human beings. Science and religion have conflicting ideologies which sets the two phenomena apart. For instance, scenarios in boardrooms and courtrooms where science is overvalued at the expense of religion. Also, due to interfaith dialogue, it has become possible for people from different religions to associate peacefully with those from other beliefs. With a New Age of spirituality people have been offered an opportunity to explore spirituality more diversely and freely. Finally, it will be up to one`s own discernment to perceive the true value of religion in their lives.
References
Deming, W. (2015). Understanding the religions of the world: an introduction . John Wiley & Sons.
Hexham, I. (2011). Understanding World Religions: An Interdisciplinary Approach . Zondervan Academic.
Hopfe, L. M., & Woodward, M. R. (2009). Religions of the World . Pearson Education.
