Naturalistic Paganism

Some feel something spiritual when gazing at the Hubble Deep Field. Do you?

– by B. T. Newberg

Last time, we asked about myth.  Now let’s talk about science.  Do scientific thoeries play a large part in your spiritual practice?

Surely science plays a role in virtually everything we do today, from watching TV to microwaving lunch, via the technology it has made possible.  But we don’t usually need to think about science or consciously incorporate its theories into our practices unless we choose to do so.  Nor do we necessarily want to have science on the brain in all our activities: it’s hardly romantic in the bedroom, for example.

So, the question is, how much do you consciously choose to integrate science and its discoveries into your spiritual practices?

By science, I mean the systematic pursuit of knowledge of the natural world by the most reliable methods of the day, including such examples as evolutionary theory, physics, biology, psychology, modern cosmology, environmental sciences, and so on.

By spiritual practice, I mean your personal pursuit of inspiration, meaning, and purpose, which may or may not include such activities as contemplation, meditation, ritual, prayer, and the like.

Please take part in the poll, then leave a comment on the issues discussed below.

Along with this issue comes that of the so-called conflict between religion and science.  A recent study found most scientists (70%) believe the two only conflict sometimes, or never conflict (15%).  Furthermore, the same study found nearly all lay folk (i.e. non-scientists) subscribe to some kind of reconciliation model between science and religion.  Which leads me to ask a final question:

• Does science conflict with religion and/or spirituality for you?  Why or why not?

Please leave a comment with your reply.