How to Teach Science to the Pope Stephen Richards

 In Masons article "How to teach science to the Pope" many controversial issues were brought up such as genetically modified  (GM) plants, GM food, GM seeds, and cloning. These are all controversial subjects because of religious views and personal ethical views. This brings up the question "Could the growth of universal knowledge be stunted by religions role in scientific development? To put it in other words this means does religion hold back science? Would science be better off without religion?"

For science to be studied or discussed in the Vatican the subject has to have some relation to religion. "If you think the universe is fundamentally good and that it's an expression of a good god, then studying how the universe works is a way of becoming intimate with the creator. It's a kind of worship." pg.1.  In summary a subject matter must be religious focused for it to be even considered worth studying within the walls of the Vatican in the eyes of the Pope and the followers.

"God built this universe but gave you and me the freedom to make choices within the universe" pg.2. Many religious followers look to god for an answer.  They may live their life everyday looking for a sign or for god to speak to them what they should do leaving it up to god to make the decisions.  On the other hand many scientists don't look to science for an answer.  They use the process, or systematic study, and behavior of the natural world for the answers.  Once the answer is thought to be found the scientists don't stop there.  They will continue the process through observation and experiments until satisfied.  But there are many scientist that may even challenge the observations and experiments and continue the process even further. The reason for this is because science can not physically answer the question but it can lead scientists to ask questions to come up with an answer.

Religion is not misleading but is a form of guiding people to making the right decision.  Although religion can mislead some of its' own followers as they may look to a higher authority, such as the Pope, god, or other religious leaders, for an answer in place of making the decision on their own.

Religion does hold back science on the other hand it can be a good thing in that it may prevent science and scientists from becoming destructive or dangerous to society.  The ethical views of some and religious views of others can hold back science due to their protesting or fear of the unknown.  An example of this is the argument of cloning. Many people believe that cloning is wrong whereas others say it's a good idea such as using it for medical purposes.  Even though the ability to clone is out and has been used the religious and ethical beliefs and manners prevent cloning.  Especially the cloning of humans.

In conclusion who's responsibility is it to make the decisions for the world and its people.  Is it up to the religious groups to control science or is it up to the scientist make the educational decision on what is right for or best for the world and its people?

Mason, Michael. "How to Teach Science to the Pope." Discovery Magazine 18 Aug. 2008