The relationship between science and religion is often presented as an irreconcilable confrontation. Nevertheless, even a cursory glance at the history and modernity of science and religion allows us to conclude that such a view is very far from the truth.
Speaking about the struggle between science and religion, they usually recall scientists who suffered at the hands of the Inquisition or its Protestant counterpart, the Geneva Consistory.
"Martyrs of Science"
Scientists, traditionally considered martyrs of science, were also believers, only their ideas about God differed from the dominant ones, and it was along this line that their conflict with the church passed. J. Bruno was condemned not for astronomical views (he cannot be called an astronomer at all), but for occultism. It was his occult ideas that compromised the theory of N. Copernicus in the eyes of the church, which subsequently caused the trial of G. Galilei. M. Servet was not condemned for opening a small circle of blood circulation, but for denying the trinity of God.
Nobody claims that reprisal against people because of their religious beliefs is good, but we can talk about intra-religious conflict, and not about the opposition of science and religion.
Science and religion in historical development
Religion cannot be considered an enemy of science, if only because in the Middle Ages before the emergence of universities, monasteries were the only focus of scientific knowledge, and many professors had a priesthood at universities. The clergy were the most educated class in medieval society.
The tradition of such an attitude to science was laid down by the early Christian theologians. Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Gregory the Theologian, being diversified people, called to study the heritage of ancient pagan scientists, finding in it something useful to strengthen the Christian faith.
Scientists are interested in religion in modern times. B. Pascal and N. Newton proved themselves not only in science, but also as religious thinkers. There were atheists among scientists, but in general, the ratio of the number of believers and atheists among scientists does not differ from the ratio among other people. The opposition of science and religion can only be talked about in the 19th century. with its strict materialism and partly to the 20th century, when in some states militant atheism was adopted by the authorities (USSR, Cambodia, Albania), and science was subordinate to the prevailing ideology.
