The Key Difference Between Science and Religion

25 02 2012

Both seek to explain the world.  Science primarily through observation and testing and religion primarily through thinking and story telling.  After thinking on it a bit, there is one simple way to distinguish the two: prediction.

XKCD T-shirt

One of the best examples in my mind of science making accurate predictions is the periodic table.  Prior to the periodic table, chemists had trouble organizing the atomic elements, but when they figured out a good way to organize it, not only did it describe known elements in a logical order, but was also able to predict the existence of elements not yet discovered (which were later discovered).  Religion can’t predict these kind of physical world things.  However, I must admit that it can make some “predictions”.  For example, following the 10 commandments would make society a better place, a pretty good and accurate prediction IMO.

Of course, if the world ends in 2012 I’m completely wrong.