Adapted Quote by John Dewey
“The intellectual content of religions has always finally adapted itself to scientific and social conditions after they have become clear… For this reason I do not think that those who are concerned about the future of a religious attitude should trouble themselves about the conflict of science with traditional doctrines.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Experience and Nature, 1925
Religions evolve to align with scientific and social understanding once those insights become evident, so fearing conflict is unnecessary.
In simple terms: Religion changes with new knowledge.
Accept change, avoid unnecessary conflict.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- education curricula
- interfaith dialogues
- public discourse
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do societies integrate new scientific truths into existing belief systems?
- What role should religious institutions play in modern scientific discourse?
Science may be resisted by entrenched interests despite clarity.