Acceptance of others ... The path to peace
many people use the title “scientist” to refer to a cleric or someone who studies religious subjects, which can imply that religion is also a science. however, this is a misconception.
religion is a belief system, not a science. science is an evidence-based approach to understanding the natural world through observation, experimentation, analysis, and scrutiny. disciplines such as chemistry, biology, and astronomy are examples of science, as they seek to expand our knowledge of the universe and explain the phenomena around us.
physics, for example, has enabled humans to understand the motion of objects and the orbits of planets. this is how science, in its various forms, has transformed our lives. those who work in these fields are considered scientists, according to the widely accepted global understanding. it is important to reserve the title “scientist” for those within these domains out of respect for those genuinely advancing scientific knowledge. some argue that even social studies, while important, do not fall under the category of pure sciences.
religion, on the other hand, consists of a set of beliefs, practices, and spiritual and moral values that guide human life within society and shape their relationship with their creator and the universe. it involves belief in a higher power or deity, sacred texts, specific rituals, attitudes, and the interpretation of various phenomena from a religious perspective.
over time, religious organizational structures and institutions have evolved, providing believers with a framework for understanding life, the afterlife, and their place in the world. religion thus forms a significant part of individuals’ cultural and personal identities.
thus, the phenomenon of an increase or decrease in the number of followers of a particular religion or denomination cannot be explained in the same way as the cause of rainfall or the reason an apple falls from a tree. in the first case, we may have many explanations for the rise or fall in followers, none of which are universally agreed upon. however, in the case of rain and other cosmic phenomena, we find clear, agreed-upon explanations that are not linked to the supernatural. these are established rules of the universe, not open to debate, as they are subject to laboratory experimentation, something that cannot be applied to matters of faith.
therefore, it is deeply troubling to witness such cruelty, rigidity, and stubbornness from one group or another in an attempt to prove the superiority of their faith over others. it is akin to trying to convince people who are distant from us in culture, geography, and thought that the food we have grown accustomed to since childhood is more delicious than theirs. if they reject this idea, they are deemed ignorant, and in some extreme cases, may even be considered deserving of being killed.
therefore, we must be more open to the world, more tolerant in our understanding of our faith, and more accepting of differences with others. we should aim to coexist with them, rather than seek to eliminate them. even the united states of america, with all its strength and unity today, failed to exterminate the native americans, despite their weakness and backwardness. these attempts began with the arrival of christopher columbus over 520 years ago and continue in various forms to this day.
wise individuals learn the lessons that life offers.
