Civilization as we know it has been built with science and influenced by religion, but it seems science is over-riding religion to the detriment of humanity’s happiness and prosperity.
In societies throughout the world grappling with religious extremism and scientific skepticism, can harmony between science and religion offer a path to lasting peace?
The Writings of the Central Figures and the commentaries of the Guardian (the authoritative authors of the Bahá’í Faith), make abundantly clear that the task of humanity, is to create a global civilization which embodies both the spiritual and material dimensions of existence. The nature and scope of such a civilization are still beyond anything the present generation can conceive. The prosecution of this vast enterprise will depend on a progressive interaction between the truths and principles of religion and the discoveries and insights of scientific inquiry. This entails living with ambiguities as a natural and inescapable feature of the process of exploring reality. It also requires us not to limit science to any particular school of thought or methodological approach postulated in the course of its development. The challenge facing Bahá’í thinkers is to provide responsible leadership in this endeavour, since it is they who have both the priceless insights of the Revelation and the advantages conferred by scientific investigation. (Compilation of writings-May 19, 1995)
The principle of the harmony of science and religion means not only that religious teachings should be studied with the light of reason and evidence as well as of faith and inspiration, but also that everything in this creation, all aspects of human life and knowledge, should be studied in the light of revelation as well as in that of purely rational investigation. (Universal House of Justice--January 3, 1979)
Civilization itself does not arise merely from material progress, but rather is defined by and founded upon the ideals and shared beliefs that weld society together. What uniquely defines the human experience is the transcendent component of life. It is this dimension of existence that enriches, ennobles and provides direction to human beings. It is this dimension of life that unlocks the creative capacities within human consciousness and safeguards human dignity. (InstItute For studIes In Global ProsperIty - Science, Religion and Development: Some Initial Considerations – November 20, 2008)
“If religion were in harmony with science and they walked together, much of the hatred and bitterness now bringing misery to the human race would be at an end.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá Paris Talks, p. 144)