Faith and Science

For all their historical tensions, scientists and religious scholars from a wide variety of faiths ponder many similar questions—how did the universe begin? How might it end? What is the origin of matter, energy, and life? The modes of inquiry and standards for judging progress are, to be sure, very different. But is there a common ground to be found? ABC News’ Bill Blakemore moderates a panel that includes evolutionary geneticist Francisco Ayala, astrobiologist Paul Davies, Biblical scholar Elaine Pagels and Buddhist scholar Thupten Jinpa. These leading thinkers who come at these issues from a range of perspectives address the evolving relationship between science and faith.

This program is part of The Big Idea Series, made possible with support from the John Templeton Foundation.

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Original Program Date: June 5, 2010
MODERATOR: Bill Blakemore
PARTICIPANTS: Francisco Ayala, Elaine Pagels, Paul Davies, Thupten Jinpa

Bill Blakemore Introduction 00:00

Participant Introductions 06:11

Music and art connecting faith and science 09:26

Francisco Ayala are you religious ? 11:40

Paul Davies do you believe in God? 21:38

Elaine Pagels are you religious? 34:08

Thupten Jinpa are you religious? 43:35

The problem of evil 52:42

Belief vs trust 01:03:15

Can science speak to morality and ethics? 01:15:27

Can you find common ground in Super string theory and the roots of Gnosticism? 01:22:00

Is the real conflict the certainty of science and faith? 01:24:55

Will science prove religion is right or wrong? 01:31:26

How does perpetuating religious beliefs help science? 01:37:34

[mikelevitz]

One of best videos I've ever seen on religions relationship with science. Religion is how some grownups answer "how did we get here". Some Children answer "what happens in the dark" with thoughts of monsters coming out of darkness. We as humans reflect the instinctual need to have answers to our many difficult questions. Some answers are not correct but they satisfy our curiosity... If everyone seeks to improve the world this goal should be part of every persons life goals.

[AntarblueGarneau]

"The only 'devils' that exist are the ones that lurk in our own hearts" M Gandhi

[RevSarahGrace]

Absolutely the best video I've seen so far on this topic. I love the collaboration and constructive discussion that occurs here. The experts here are very knowledgable and I love how they respect one another and listen intently to one another to understand one another and come to agreement on things.

[MrAjscott]

Earth doesn’t go around the sun. Moon creates its own light. The sun moves above the earth. Flat flat flat

[marykarensolomon]

I felt the moderator didn’t have the knowledge or insight to draw out and contrast his panel’s opinions and knowledge, so the whole discussion became rather pointless. I say this as a mathematician and Mormon, who has read and admired Elaine Pagel’s works as well as Paul Davies.

[trinajska]

Paul Davies was like : what the fuck am i doing here

[DrunknMonky]

Science is for the intelligent, religion for the not so much.

[stephenarmiger]

The first speaker picked Picasso and Guernica and talked about the Spanish Civil War. It might have been worthwhile to speak of the Spanish Inquisition.

[jessewhite]

they left the Buddhist for last cuz they kno he the most patient XD

[xthe_moonx]

theres only one way for nothing to exist but an infinite number of ways something might exist, so it much more likely....brilliant!

[FISHERMAN]

Searching for the purpose of life is what gives me purpose!

[Les]

I just don't see any holes that need filling with a magical spirit. The questions that require using such a tool box are all along the line of divide by zero. It's dogs chasing their own tails, stacking turtles, playing marbles.

It's possible to feel complete and content, with purpose and meaning, without needing toys.

[Paul-D-Hoff]

I didn't like the way he ask the question "Do you believe in god", as if there is only one god that the world believes in.                   Paul

[nayanmipun]

God exists but in this realm we have science and technology to better ourselves

[footballh]

Damn that first question was really good. I think a more interesting discussion would be one between the Buddhist and the Physicist.

[wisepersonsay]

My eternal question to the hot topic such as ''Science and Faith'' is why do we have to compare or find the commonality? Why. why. why? They are totally different genres of human inquest and curiosity. You cannot conclude which is right or true. At this still primitive time of human history, I decided to accept both to enrich my only once life. I enjoy debating and discussing everything in life with scientists, atheists, religious leaders, and common people. The only and true conclusion is ''no one knows everything''; that is why life is worth living for. I can say the common inclination that both scientists and religion leaders share is arrogance (lack of humility and willingness to broaden their mental capacities) and narrow-mindedness. Nor scientists and faith practitioners are know-it-all. They only think they know. That is the cause of human tragedies. Life is far more exciting than debating these futile topics. Experience and live once only life, instead.

[lhandrovhal]

What kind of a show is this without any atheist scientists? What a biased selection of participants. I thought this show was better than that.

[fernandodosa]

there were many times I was facepalming and about to abandon this conversation.
but I forced myself to sit through the remainder of the talk . i thought Paul Davies is about to walk off stage and wounded how long he can take this woo woo. to my surprise he stayed to the end.
I think I would have left the stage when she started with the book of revelation.

[wbx]

the guy on the far right is brutally honest

[thebrd]

Four spiritualists walk into a science convention... and sit on a panel.