Religion and Science
1. The Method of Argument
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(a) it is consistent with all known facts;
(b) it enables scientists to explain vast
multitudes of facts, which are otherwise
inexplicable;
(c) it is the only theory devised which is
consistent with the facts (p. 112).
If this line of reasoning is considered valid enough
to bear out organic evolution as a fact, the same
formula could well be used to establish religion as a
fact. The parallel being evident, it seems
paradoxical that scientists should accept organic
evolution as a fact, while rejecting religion as
having no basis in fact.
I am not concerned here with the truth or falsehood
of the theory of evolution. What I am concerned
with is the method of argument. It is common
knowledge that whatever the criterion used to
establish something, what has been ‘proved’ has the
possibility of being right or wrong. The history of
science shows that concepts have gone on changing,
sometimes because greater minds have applied
themselves to them, and sometimes because the
