Science and Religion

Abstract

FOR two hundred years, popular writers have attacked traditional religious beliefs in the name of science and pretty well undermined the faith of the plain man. Now, however, the sceptical attitude is turned against science itself, at a moment when, thanks to recent developments of physical theory, science appears vulnerable intellectually and, thanks to recent developments of military and political technique, still more vulnerable morally. Modern men, finding themselves with nothing to put their faith in, fill the spiritual vacuum with bogus religion based on bogus science, like Nazism and Communism. Even the more modest alternative, the assurance that all problems are technological and that the salvation of mankind depends on bigger and better gadgets, is not entirely satisfactory. The new quarterly magazine, Science and Religion (edited by* Dr. Robert E. D. Clark, Paternoster Press, Ludgate House, Fleet Street, London, E.C.4. 1s. 6d. per copy), is intended, as the editor says, "to make science cultural ; to show how science may strengthen religious belief instead of being allowed to develop independently and unconnected with our deepest needs". It is intended for the general public and particularly the young who learn something about science at school and are eager to know more. The articles in the first two numbers are excellently designed for their purpose. They are short, simply written and informative. Many of them are reviews of recent important books. The subjects include chemistry, biology, anthropology, psychology on the more purely scientific side, also historical and philosophical work. If the present standard can be maintained, the venture deserves to be a success.