Communication is achieved through contrast: black ink on white paper, white chalk on a black board, the teachers voice and the silence of the class. In like manner the contrast between the normal order of nature and miracles is the contrast that God uses to write his love letters to humanity.

This is possibly one reason why healing miracles are relatively common, they demonstrate God's existance, his willingness to become involved, and his love all at the same time. But I digress, the point is that it is the contrast between the normal order of nature and the miracle that allows communication.

Another Reason to Study Science

And what is more, a lack of scientific sophistication makes one vulnerable to false prophets and others who falsely claim to speak for the supernatural. The classic example of this is the pagan priests impressing the community by predicting an eclipse of the sun or moon. The religous community has infinitely more, not less, reason to want a sophisticated and honest science.

There are many reasons to study science: it is inherantly interesting, many well paid careers require science, to get a good grade, to graduate, it may help you live your life and could save it. Being able to tell the difference between false and real prophets may not convince many people that are not convinced by the above, but it would cost little to add it to the list and it might help some religious people become more interested in science. It is commonly said that talk is cheap, which is a good reason to use talk when it might do some good.

There is usually a little section at the beginning of science text books on science and society, or why study science. Often there is a brief mention of religion. Some portion of the above point and some of the other points made in other essays on this web site might be added to text. Given that many of the people involved in the decisions, including many of the highschool science teachers, are religious it might help to sell text books.

As logical as this idea is, I suppose it is wishful thinking. We should teach the point in our religious education, but that is likely to also be wishful thinking. More realistically we need to use what ever media we can to get the message out.

This is the second short essay on science and religion on this site. The other explains how the irrationality of atheism makes it useful as a neutral ground for science.

If your are interested in science and religion you might be interest in this evidence for the Catholic faith. One of the pages is on Bible typology. This is your chance to play Amazing Randi and debunk miracle claims.

Once your found the fatal errors in my reasoning you can pass on your insights in my guest book.