The religion of popular science

Christopher Titmuss

1. Science currently holds to the theory that the Big Bang created the world. If scientists hold the acceptance of this theory lightly, it does not become a dogma; but when popular science clings to such theories adamantly then science is turned into a religion.

2. Charles Darwin (1809–1882) and Albert Einstein (1879-1955) are two of the leading prophets of the religion of Popular Science.

3. Darwin's Origin of Species is a sacred book for believers in Science.

4. Core theories, based on current analysis of observable data, include the theory of relativity, theory of evolution, survival of the fittest, the random selection of species, progress of the human species and control over our destiny.

5. Scientists are the missionaries for the religion of Popular Science. Generally, scientists believe in a reductionist approach to reality. Men are mostly predominant in the Popular Science religion.

6. Science teachers are the priests for Science while the university is the Temple of Science. The laboratory is the sacred tabernacle.

7. Scientists believe in experimentation, observation and deduction as the only way to explain the material/physical world. Scientists cannot create or explain consciousness upon which reason and knowledge totally depend.

8. The religion of Popular Science engages in the battle of good and evil – from medical research to producing and using weapons of mass destruction. Scientists like to believe their research and knowledge is value-neutral; but scientists need to consider the ends to which their discoveries might be put.

9. The religion of Popular Science divides into various sects and sub-sects with numerous theories about life – Biologists, Chemists, Geneticists, Geologists, Physicists, Astronomers, etc. Scientists frequently draw different conclusions on the same research. such as what constitutes a healthy or unhealthy diet etc. There is no unified theory in Science just as there is no unified belief in the sects of the world’s religions.

10. Science becomes a religion when scientists believe reason and more knowledge to be the ONLY WAY to Truth or Reality. Scientists dispute among themselves about Reality and can be as attached to their theories as the most dogmatic believers in religion. Scientific ‘truths’ change as believers in science construct new standpoints. This relegates old ‘truths’ to beliefs. Science consists of numerous beliefs with some essential truths. Like any other religion.