Science and Religion

The prominence of reason in the Baha'i dispensation has implications for the relationship of the institutions of science to those of religion. The past five hundred years has seen the development of a dialog stirred by the discoveries of science and the pronouncements of religion, albeit yielding at times more passionate argument than cooperative discussion. Baha'u'llah has explicitly compelled dialog between the two. He has set the parameters for the discussion. Science and reason must affirm the efficacy of religion in addressing our spiritual nature. Religious teachings must conform to the findings of science in matters concerning the physical world.

Furthermore, religion must conform to reason and be in accord with the conclusions of science. For religion, reason and science are realities; therefore, these three being realities, must conform and be reconciled. A question or principle which is religious in its nature must be sanctioned by science. Science must declare it to be valid, and reason must confirm it in order that it may inspire confidence. If religious teaching, however, be at variance with science and reason, it is unquestionably superstition. The Lord of mankind has bestowed upon us the faculty of reason whereby we may discern the realities of things. How then can man rightfully accept any proposition which is not in conformity with the processes of reason and the principles of science? Assuredly such a course cannot inspire man with confidence and real belief. (Promulgation of Universal Peace, 394)

Baha'u'llah noted that the universe is infinitely populated with life. Since His lifetime, we have discovered that the currently visible universe contains about 50 billion galaxies. Our galaxy contains about 100 billion suns. It takes light about 70,000 years to travel across our galaxy. Astronomers are just now beginning to observe the planetary systems of suns in our neighborhood. In a little more than one hundred years' time, we have advanced from travel by foot to space flight, extending our physical reach to our satellite world and throughout the solar system.

The unfolding of the adult capacities of humanity for the investigation of reality is just beginning. For example, science has just begun to unravel the genetic code that provides the blueprint to how everything works in our human biology as well as the other living organisms on this planet. There can be little doubt that we will use the information provided by our genetics for curing human disease. We will engage our knowledge to increase our average lifespan and the quality of our physical lives. Will we use it to make ourselves more intelligent? Will we use it to design our children?

Our science will become increasingly powerful and so will our ability to manipulate the phenomenal world. The increased capability requires mechanisms for the integration of values derived from spiritual insights into the processes that direct the use of our new understandings and technologies. With the potential for benevolent uses comes the capacity for destruction, i.e. nuclear fission. The guidance of Baha'u'llah's writings, including the amplified faculty to approach the presence of God, the admonition for the independent investigation of truth, and the use of consultative decision-making processes, provide tools to utilize the power of this stage of human evolution. The process of "beating our spears into plowshares," of harnessing our maturing strength for fruitful rather than destructive purposes, will unfold gracefully to the degree we utilize the gifts provided by Baha'u'llah.