How science and spirituality can promote social harmony: A Bahá'í perspective"

The World Science Day for Peace and Development on 10 November highlights the vital role of scientific knowledge in our lives, and the crucial need for everyone to have access to such knowledge.  

According to the Bahá'í Writings, science is the “most noble” of all human virtues, and “the discoverer of all things”. Science has enabled society to separate fact from conjecture.

The Bahá’í Writings further state that “…science may be likened to a mirror wherein the infinite forms and images of existing things are revealed and reflected. It is the very foundation of all individual and national development. Without this basis of investigation, development is impossible”.

The scientific method is our tool for understanding the physical side of the universe and is the key to new technologies. It is this knowledge system which studies the material universe and teaches us how to generate material means for the advancement of humanity. 

However, science does not have the answer to every question about human existence.  Although through science we can figure out the “how” of the universe, science alone cannot help us find the meaning of our existence. Insights into profound questions of meaning and purpose of life are to come not from science, but from religion. 

In general, science provides us with tools and means, and religion teaches us how to use them to the best advantage of all humanity. For example, atomic energy is useful, but without God’s guidance it can become one of the most destructive forces produced by science. Thus, religion helps in ethical use of science.

Religion is the fruit of the creative Word of God, which transforms human thought and action. God’s teachings offer to humanity a basis for values and provides answers to moral questions, human purpose, and our relationship to God, that science cannot provide.  

Of course, that is only if religion is not understood as dogmas, prejudices, and superstitions added to religion overtime. To avoid these, we need to use our science and reasoning power when investigating the religious matters.

According to the Bahá’í Writings: “… in the search for truth man must weigh religious questions in the balance of science and reason. God has given us rational minds for this purpose, to penetrate all things, to find truth”. At the same time “… the principle of harmony between religion and science, while it enables us, with the help of reason, to see through the falsity of superstitions, does not imply that truth is limited to what can be explained by current scientific concepts”.  

Science and religion, in the Bahá’í view, are like two wings of a bird complementing each other, and the advantages of both need to be used together, if we are to build a progressive and peaceful society.  

According to the Bahá'í International Community, “Science and technology that are directed toward the good of humanity are indeed praiseworthy achievements”.

When science and spiritual aspects in life move forward together, humanity will not only advance technologically, but also overcome its current divisions, and build a more united and peaceful world. 

For feedback please contact:  tshwane@bahai.org.za; or call 076 582 3879

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