Religion & Science
1. What is the evidence for truth claims?
2. World views and their corresponding areas of correspondence and conflict.
3. Do scienceScience is really a process, based on scientific method, hypothesis, observation, testing and prediction. & religion have anything in common?
4. Discussion of whether there are scientific explanations for religious faith?
5. Relationship between whether it is possible to be both a scientist and a person of faith?
6. Relationship between scientific discoveries and faith.
7. EmpiricalPhilosophical term referring to verification through the senses and religious language.
8. Understanding of the nature of reality, identity and eschatology.
There is no direct evidence basis for truth claims. It is believed that these truths have stood the test of time and they are eternal. There is no separation between spiritualA word with many religious connotations, often used to describe a multiplicity of phenomena that would include inner, reflective or emotional experiences, and those aspects of life that give it meaning and depth or which are profoundly moving or aesthetic. science and material science - they are both seen to be flowing one into the other as part of the larger scheme of truths of the Universe. Religion is described as 'dharma' the science of sustainable living.
Thus science is religion and religion is science. The central philosophy of AnekantThe Jain belief that there is no absolute truth but relative truths and we should respect alternative viewpoints and recognise their partiality demonstrates that truth has multiple facets and depends on the perspective of the seer. This is an inclusive and non-absolutist viewpoint which is very rare among all the religions of the world. It is enshrined at the very heart of the Jain tradition.
Science and scientific truths are highly respected, but questions are being asked about scientific method. For example, the use of animals in scientific research is totally disapproved as it goes against the grain of non-violence (ahimsaHindu and Jain term meaning 'non-violence' ). The nature of the tradition is inquisitive and the search for truth, and more importantly, the observance of truth in everyday life (satya and integrity) are given the highest importance. Curiosity is respected and encouraged, but virtuous living is given more importance than pure intellect or intellectual development.
Websites
http://faithandthearts.com/?s=Jain
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/jainism/ - BBC Religions Site and links to broadcasts about Jainism
http://www.bl.uk - British Library website. Library has a good collection of Jain Manuscripts.
http://www.faithandthearts.com - Essay on Jain Art
http://www.jainheritagecentres.com
http://www.jainworld.com www.jainsamaj.org
http://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/asia/asia_features/jainism/index.html - Victoria & Albert Museum Site which has good collection of Jain Art
http://www.youngjains.org.uk - Young Jains' website
Bibliography
Banks, M., 1992. Organising Jainism in India and England. Oxford, OUP.
Cort, J.E., 2001. Jains in the World - Ideology and Religious Values in India. n.l.: n.s.
Dundas, P., 2002. The Jains. London: Routledge.
Granoff, P., 1998. The Forest of Thieves - An anthology of medieval Jain stories. n.l.: n.s.
Jain, M., 2005. Jain Food - Compassionate and Healthy Eating. USA: n.s.
Jaini, P., 1998. The Jaina Path of Purification. New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass.
Pal, P., 1994. Peaceful Liberators - Jain Art from India. Los Angeles: Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Rankin, A., 2006. The Jain Path - Ancient Wisdom for the West. n.l.: O Books.
Sangave, V., 1980. Jaina Community. Bombay: n.s.
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