1) Religion is a belief in a supernatural plane of existence, a paranormal afterlife. Religion assumes there is more to reality than that which we can scientifically observe.

--- By definition, anything we observe and confirm empirically is scientifically rational, *not* paranormal/supernatural.

2) Religion requires that its adherents trust it implicitly, even when evidence contradicts its tenets.

--- Science requires that its practitioneers maintain a tentative hold on theories, even on its most successful models. Science accepts & describes all confirmable, replicable phenomena which contradict its 'facts.'

3) Religion ascribes meaning to life. The ability to 'explain' meaning is what sustains religion.

--- Science requires objectivity and therefore strives to avoid ascribing 'meaning.'

• Absolutely. The main dichotomy between religion and science... - richard - September 10, 2001 - 16:23 UTC
  • Religion is already dead. - alexander - September 10, 2001 - 17:56 UTC
    • It's on a respirator and dialysis, but it's hanging in there - stormcrow - September 10, 2001 - 18:02 UTC
      • Well, if you do not ACT according to your belif, you not beliver - alexander - September 10, 2001 - 18:47 UTC
        • Doesn't matter. The illusion of belief is enough. - stormcrow - September 10, 2001 - 22:10 UTC