The Relation of Science and Religion.pdf - Online Christian Library

CONDITIONS OF THE INQUIRY. 33such a consideratioii. Science can not occupythe place of religion, any more than religioncan occupy the place of science. But if therebe any on that account feeling themselves precludedfrom entering on the discussion, theydo thereby proclaim themselves disqualifiedfor making any affirmation as to conflict betweenthe two courses of thought and interest.The logical fairness of this argument admitsof no challenge. Either scientists mustrefrain from assertions of conflict,-or theymust take the declarations of the Bible, andprove their antagonism to the teachings ofscience, recognized as belonging to a differentsphere of inquiry. As well propose tocriticise the conclusions of astronomy in disregardof spectrum analysis, as propose tocriticise the intellectual worth of religion inneglect of its spiritual significance.I next pass over to inquire what Scienceis, taking its own testimony concerning itsprovince and purpose, as I have taken thetestimony of religion. Science has for itssphere or province the whole field of outwardobservation; and has for its purpose theexplanation of facts within this field, eitherby means of direct observations as to the re-