Abstract

 

If we are to contribute to the extensive public discourse concerning the relationship between science and religion, we must first understand that discourse. This article offers an overview, looking at how perceptions of the history of the relationship effect the current discourse, the development of conflict, the growth of participation in a constructive discourse, and sociological studies to understand public attitudes. Some of the new and different contributions offered by the Bahá’í teachings are described, including discussion of the timing of the Bahá’í revelation, its explicit messages about science when these could be understood, explicit teaching about interpretations of scripture, a practical description of spirituality, an emphasis on diversity and the independent investigation of truth, and what is meant by harmony. A case is then presented that a much better public understanding of the methods and philosophy of science is necessary to enable the achievement of harmony in practice.

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