It's true science can't answer some issues, like why the universe exists or what came "before" it. But I think connecting the dots in the history of religion points out that there is no truth there. Religion has always been an explanation for unknowns and its claims have shrunk as science has revealed the unknown. Religion provides comfort and certainty in the face of an unknowable question but it does not provide truth.
I agree there will always be room for religion because there are questions I don't think we can answer. But I think the history of religious claims is pretty telling and undermines religion, should believers ever analyze it critically.
Once you accept a religious 'truth' you imagine all contradictory religions have it wrong. I don't think religious people view themselves as equals in one big family as atheists might from the outside. I'm tempted to include some atheists/scientists in that religious family when they extrapolate too much. Historically meditation is steeped in religion and this guy seems overly defensive about that in addition to being unconvincing in his arguments.
Once you accept a religious 'truth' you imagine all contradictory religions have it wrong. I don't think religious people view themselves as equals in one big family as atheists might from the outside.
That's the seductive nature of the certainty that religions sell. Religions claim to have knowledge of the unknowable, stories to generate purpose and authority out of the unexplained. They must defend their narrative from the competing narratives or else they lose their legitimacy- there is no evidence to prove who is right.
I'm tempted to include some atheists/scientists in that religious family when they extrapolate too much.
Of course uncritical thinkers are everywhere, religions have no monopoly. Look at the outrage over demoting Pluto- people couldn't handle the uncertainty of a changing definition. They weren't able to distance themselves from their emotional attachment and consider critically the facts behind the decision.
The difference is that despite the uncritical thinkers surrounding, at its core science has evidence. If all knowledge is lost science will recreate itself as is because it reflects the nature of the universe.
Historically meditation is steeped in religion and this guy seems overly defensive about that in addition to being unconvincing in his arguments.
He didn't mention meditation.
Science has taught us some little things... but our ignorance about the big issues is just as pervasive as it always was. Still plenty of room for religion in that sense.