I'm a Unitarian so as far as I'm concerned people can worship (or not worship) in whatever way they please. My own take (and that of many Unitarians) is that I don't believe in the Trinity. Instead, I view Jesus not as the son of god but rather a very religious man whose Christian teachings and guidance I generally support. In fact a very similar stance to H insofaras religion can provide you with guidance and support in your life as and when you require it.

So to the question, can God help me? Maybe, maybe not (depending on whether you specifically believe in god). Religion, however, can because it provides a framework to guide you through life. Although as a Unitarian, I do reject religious doctrine which can drive some people to extreme actions. A bit too deep and meaningful for a Friday.

If he can do my upgrade for me then he can help!!!

sylvester, I agree, this question is pretty deep, well that's how some of us have interpreted it. Asking whether God can help us get our PhDs (as the original thread did) wasn't very serious, which makes me a bit wary of answering too deeply.
From my own personal experience I don't think there's a link between intelligence and belief in religion/God, and from searching the web (briefly) it seems that most studies show an inverse relationship.
However, there are intelligent people who believe, who have thought the issues out as well as an atheist and come to a different conclusion. We all base our conclusions on gathering information from various sources, from people whose opinions we respect, and then come to our own decision.

Sometimes this really bothers me (the fact that we have to rely so much on other people!) I believe in God; I don't think I'm naive or have been duped into belief, I want to find out the TRUTH about life (this is a big thing for me - even in my daily lab tasks, and in my interactions with other people, I always want to know the truth). I think that belief in God brings me closer to the truth, because God is not simply a human, and I can probably count the number of humans whose opinions I would take as truth on one hand.
So, there's a link between science and religion (for me at least) in that both seek to find out the truth about life. Recently I've been looking for a book that explores the link between science and atheism - was atheism a direct result of the rise of science? Interesting stuff, must look harder.

I am very religious and I'm a science PhD, however I do not see any conflict between my belief in God and science, in fact the things I'm learning within the science arena has reinforced my belief that God is an intelligent creator.

NeverthelessI feel atheism , agnoiscism and evolutionisms are belief systems, just as my faith is a belief that cannot be proved or disproved. However I find that intelligent academics wit hno belief in God tend to be very judgemental ( AlthoughI've met a few religious people who can be just as judgemental to atheist ) so I say Live and let live.

As regards the Bible I don't think individuals should judge this book unless they have read it in it's entirety

Jenny you say "I do not see any conflict between my belief in God and science". But I do. Unless you explain it (why and how), I will continue to see this conflict.

I think your question is a little vague. What conflict do you see ? When I read the Bible In the begginning God Created the heavens and the earth, this my belief, whether he/she made it in seven days or Seven thousand years this my belief, because as a logically thinker, everything has a beginning and an end - a cause and effect.

I questioned why are we here? and I found the answer in the bible. I look at the beauty of creation and cannot belief it just evolved here, it makes no sense to me. ENOUGH OF MY PREACHING !!!

[ @ DanB]

"...just a stranger on a bus. Trying to make his way home. Someone to call him on the phone?"

Jenny, last thing I want is a debate over religion but I wanted to reply your message. If you think about it, what I said is only as vague as your first statement. Besides, if you found the answer in the bible, then I question your questions. We can't possibly be talking about the same concept of science.

404

I think I've answered your question. I don't understand your statement.........

"if you found the answer in the bible, then I question your questions"

Please explain yourself

I don't think you've answered mine which is What conflict do you see with science and religion

Science questions, but religion accepts; science seeks solutions, but religion obeys; science tries to find equal opportunities for all, but religion offers comfort. I thought what I said ("if you found the answer in the bible, then I question your questions" statement) was clear enough. I look forward to reading "The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins (should be published soon), I usually agree with what he has to say. Have you read any of his books? I am not trying to use him to support my opinion but I wanted to drop his name here to save a lot of time.

Some of what you say is true for a number of religions, but as a Christian who regularly reads the Bible. I don't agree with some your statements such as the one below:

"Science questions, but religion accepts; science seeks solutions, but religion obeys; science tries to find equal opportunities for all, but religion offers comfort."

(1) People who religious do question what they belief and seek answers from all sources. I personally search in the bible for answers, just as you seek answers in Dawkins book.

(2) "Science seeks solutions, religion obeys" I have to disagree. The bible gives solutions to the causes of mankinds problems, how to live a happier life and gives answers as what God will do about the world situation - Have you had an opprtunity to read it in the bible. Notice I mentioned the bible and not religion as I personally don't think religious organisations have the answer.

Continued

(3) Yes the bible does bring comfort, but as regards equally opportunities the bible talks about him/she as being impartial and does favour one race over another. It talks about everybody having an opportunity to live on a Paradise earth which was God's original purpose.

With science on the other hand many scientific discoveries often benefit the Americas and Europe, but ignores developing countries, where is the equality there?.

I enjoy reading books and have read many philosophy books, but I also have an open mind and urge others to read the bible before they judge it, because it would be unfair to make a judgement on a book that you haven't read in context.

Dan

A few questions on your view below:

"Shame it's just a collection put together by someone ruthless who omitted a lot of stuff just to make certain people in it look better and some look worse than they actually were".

Where is your evidence to make such a statement?????
And what BITS have they omitted?

I agree with DanB on the bible comment. Jenny, you seem to be so sure that we are judging this book without having a clue about it, but I have read the bible and Quran. And what a waste of time that was. You search bible for answers, that already is against any open-mindedness in my view. I don't search for answers only in Dawkins books, I search for answers in so many books; I could not possibly make one of them my bible. I won't say more, because my intention is not to upset you. Besides, I cannot see any agreement or mid-point at the end of this conversation.