Science and Religion

The apparent contradictions between what is called physical Science and ecclesiastical Religion, arise from the mistaken claims of both, and consequently, a misunderstanding on the part of both. There is much confusion. In the claims of physical Science, there is the confounding of knowledge gathered through observation with the vital truth of which the observed phenomena are the testimony. The latter is that real inner knowledge which is the knowing that comes from realization. The knowledge gathered from observed phenomena is only concerned with the outer aspects, and it is knowledge about things. But everything has a subjective side; and real knowledge is subjective, and is the becoming of divine knowledge within the Being. And Religion is confounded with traditions and beliefs, rituals and symbols – all of which things may be helpful, and may be associated with the religious expression, but are, nevertheless, quite apart from true Religion. For people can hold traditions and and observe their ritual and all that they would associate with religious credal expositions, without being religious in the true divine sense. And it is good that material Science through its pronouncements should disturb the professed religious communities, with their amazing pretensions to be the repositories of the Truth. But when, on the one hand, material Science claims to be the arbiter of knowledge and the final word in each department of knowledge gathered from without; and ecclesiastical Religion claims to be arbiter of human thought and outlook, belief and service, then they both enter into the realm of conflict, and are antagonistic to each other.

Yet in the true scientific world and the true religious world, there is no contradiction. Science and Religion are one. And where Science is divorced from Religion, and Religion from Science they both tread a path which is of the night, with no ultimate, assured and abiding knowledge. There is no Rock of Ages, sure and steadfast, upon which a scientist’s feet should ever be planted, if Science be divorced from true religious motion and vision. Where Religion is circumscribed by traditions and beliefs, ritual and symbol (all of which may be valuable in a limited manner, and in the degree of their exposition of anything that may be true and beautiful), there is no true knowledge of the Eternal, no understanding of the Divine Mysteries. Religion can exist, nay it can be, without any of these other adjuncts. They belong to the realm of existence; Religion is of Being. It can do without these, though it can be expressed through them. Religion is Life. It is the Divine Spirit-motion in us. Why should it not touch everything? Why should it pass by the realm of Science in relation to the outer world of manifestation? All true Science is Divine; all true Religion is scientific.

From The Divine Renaissance Vol. II by John Todd Ferrier, pp 13-15.
© The Order of the Cross.

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