Bible Quote by Ronald W. Dworkin
““The tension between religion and science is an old problem. In the fourth century, Christians and scientists were deadlocked over the matter of the earth's shape. Saint Augustine, a wise man who knew the difference between the outer life and the inner life, wrote: 'What concern is it of mine whether heaven is like a sphere and the earth is enclosed by it and suspended in the middle of the universe, or whether heaven like a disk above the earth covers it over on one side? These facts would be of no avail for my salvation.' Augustine attached little importance to science and left it alone. If a reading of the Bible conflicted with a scientific view that was certain truth, he humbly admitted that he had interpreted the Bible erroneously. He could afford to be humble, for in his inmost convictions he looked upon science the way a master looks upon his pet, as a creature with intelligence but lacking in higher understanding, and something irrelevant to the search for meaning in life.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Unknown, philosophical discussion
Science and religion address different realms; scientific facts are irrelevant to spiritual salvation.
In simple terms: Science and faith serve separate purposes.
Respect both, but keep them distinct.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal belief
- education
- public discourse
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile scientific findings with personal faith?
- What role should religion play in modern scientific societies?
The view may oversimplify complex interactions between science and religion.