A common narrative with which we’re all familiar is that science and religion don’t mix. Another is science disproves religion. These claims are not only unreasonable, they’re unscientific. Let’s go beneath the surface.

Modern science has been a great blessing, but it’s a method, not a philosophy or religion. It’s a way to understand the physical world by measuring observable data.

Scientism, on the other hand, is the unscientific claim that nothing exists outside the realm of science. But this is actually the philosophy of materialism embraced by faith, masquerading as science.

You see, science is limited to the matter-space-time continuum. It can say nothing about what may transcend this.

Moreover, real science leads the mind logically to look past science’s boundaries, for first principles, causes and ultimate purpose.

Faith, reason, and science – which correspond to the will, intellect, and senses respectively – are complementary means to the truth. When reason transcends physics it’s called metaphysics. When faith does, it’s religion. With regard to scope, reason can see farther than science, and faith farther than reason.

So, if you make the claim that something does or doesn’t exist outside the realm of what can be observed and demonstrated, that’s fine, but don’t call it science. And if you’re tendency is to shut your mind off at the limits of the scientific method, for fear of thinking outside the box – you shortchange the mind and starve the soul.

One thing you can count on is that if you follow science with an open mind and a love of truth – it will lead you to God.

That’s your Murano Minute. May God’s peace be with you.