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A conflict arises when a religious community insists on the absolute truthfulness of all statements recorded in the Bible. This means an intervention on the part of religion into the sphere of science; this is where the struggle of the Church against the doctrines of Galileo and Darwin belongs. On the other hand, representatives of science have often made an attempt to arrive at fundamental judgments with respect to values and ends on the basis of scientific method, and in this way have set themselves in opposition to religion. These conflicts have all sprung from fatal errors.

Albert Einstein#122

ScienceReligionTruthWarDogma

About this quote

What does it mean?
Conflicts arise when religion claims absolute truth in scripture or science judges values. Both approaches are errors leading to struggle.
In plain terms
Conflict happens when religion claims scientific truth or science judges values.
What can you take from it?
Overstepping boundaries causes conflict between science and religion.

Where it applies

  • theological debate
  • scientific ethics
  • public policy

Putting it to work

  • respect domain boundaries
  • avoid dogmatic claims

Questions to consider

  • Where should science draw the line?
  • Should religion dictate values?

Another view

Some believe religion must speak to all aspects of reality.

More from Albert Einstein

  1. A person who is religiously enlightened appears to me to be one who has, to the best of his ability, liberated himself from the fetters of his selfish desires …

    Permalink to quote #121
  2. Even though the realms of religion and science in themselves are clearly marked off from each other, nevertheless there exist between the two strong reciprocal…

    Permalink to quote #123
  3. It would not be difficult to come to an agreement as to what we understand by science. Science is the century-old endeavor to bring together by means of system…

    Permalink to quote #120

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