Religion and Science
1. The Method of Argument
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come within our experience. That is, that method of
argument is also valid in which although the real
fact is not directly observable, some such aspect of it
comes to our experience from which the existence of
a reality can be supposed. What is arrived at in this
way is a working hypothesis, which may be
discarded when facts come to light, which are more
consistent than the initial findings. But even into
this category, the modern mind will not permit
religion to enter. It is regarded not only as being
incomprehensible, but as being wholly wrong and
without foundation. In fact, this last criterion is one,
which could be used in support of religion. But on a
purely material basis, exactly the reverse has
happened. That is, to explain religious phenomena,
physical explanations are offered, but, where none
can be produced, religion is rejected as fallacious.
The case made out in modern times against religion
is, however, marred by a major contradiction. On
the one hand, the modern mind says that since
religion is a collection of beliefs whose truths are
impossible to demonstrate, we cannot, in
consequence, expect a general acceptance of them. It
is purely a matter of personal faith. On the other
