Religion and Science: What Do You Believe?

Are you easily convinced? Or are you the type of person who must verify everything? In a recent dharma talk, Master Thích Chân Quang guided the assembly across the boundary between religion and science, answering a question many people often wonder about: why do some believe blindly while others are strict with every theory? This article records those profound points of Dharma for us to reflect on together.

When People Believe Easily, Superstition Flourishes

Religion arises from faith. Many people hear that there is a rain god and believe it right away; they hear of a skilled feng shui master and rush to invite him home. Master Chân Quang said: "Religion is founded on faith. True faith needs no explanation." The more easily people believe without examining, the more fertile the ground for superstition becomes. He also remarked: "Actually it is not two-thirds, I fear it is four-fifths—or saying four-fifths may be too few, I fear it is nine out of ten." This shows that most people still live by faith without needing reason.

Science Also Begins with a Very Simple Faith

Many people think science is only about proof, but in fact it too rests on a foundational faith—Euclid's axiom. The Master quoted: "Science begins from an extremely simple faith. Why? Because what is called faith cannot be proven from the axiom." That axiom is: "Through a point outside a given straight line, one can draw only one line parallel to that line, and only one." It cannot be proven, yet it is verified by reality. Thanks to this, science has built an entire magnificent system, from geometry to spacecraft bound for Mars. The difference lies here: the faith of science is verified by reality, while the faith of religion cannot be.

Two Paths of Faith in Religion

Within religion there are two kinds of faith. The Master made this clear:

"The first kind is faith in the miracles of deities... such a person loves to go and pray. But if one's faith is faith in cause and effect (karmic law)... then such a person loves to do wholesome deeds."

Faith in the miracles of deities makes people passive, inclined only to pray and rely on external grace.

Faith in cause and effect (karmic law) makes people actively sow wholesome seeds, do good deeds, and improve their lives.

Therefore, we need clear awareness to choose the right direction for ourselves.

The Buddha's Teachings (Dharma)—The Most Beautiful Faith Is Faith in Cause and Effect (Karmic Law)

The Buddha's teachings (Dharma) are also a religion, yet they encourage faith in cause and effect (karmic law). Though it cannot be proven within this very life, faith in cause and effect (karmic law) brings beautiful consequences: we dare not do evil, we live kindly, love others, and speak well of them. The Master reminded us: "The Buddha also said that whoever frequently sows the faith in the law of cause and effect (karmic law) among sentient beings will, upon death, be reborn in heavenly realms." Moreover, even in this life we can see many manifestations of cause and effect (karmic law): those who are filial to their parents often succeed, while those who mock people with disabilities eventually meet with misfortune. These are practical lessons that give us faith in cause and effect (karmic law).

Science and Religion—Do Not Choose, But Integrate

Science gives humanity telephones, cars, and all manner of modern conveniences, but also bombs and weapons. Religion gives humanity a peaceful heart and the knowledge to live virtuously. The two do not exclude each other. The Master once taught: "That is the uniqueness of the Buddha's teachings (Dharma)—it is also a faith that cannot yet be fully verified, but it produces very beautiful consequences." We can use scientific wisdom to understand the world, but let us not forget to nurture faith in cause and effect (karmic law) so that we may turn toward the good.

Are you ready to practice faith in cause and effect (karmic law) starting today? Begin with a sincere word of praise, a small but helpful act. Even if you do not see results right away, trust that the seed of goodness will blossom in the future. For as the Buddha taught, sowing faith in cause and effect (karmic law) is planting the seeds of a radiant future.