Thanks for the response, Benjamin. Not being a philosopher, I had to review the notion of the naturalistic fallacy, and overall our different bases for viewing society. I am, indeed, far more oriented to science than you, while at the same time not having a problem with a more philosophical approach as a basis for an exchange. I did recognize the negative side effects of man’s misappropriation of science for ill, you will note. However, I see the evolution of ideas (including science) as inherently good, and even natural, as nature constantly evolves. I have no problems with liberal science and humanism as I see them as inherently positive (good). They are antithetical to religious faith if that faith is judgemental and inhumane to others. I am a religious person with a strong belief in God, yet I am constantly disappointed at how organized religions of all brands can be closed-minded and antagonistic, even murderous toward those who do not share their own (often very narrow) views of right and wrong, God(or gods) and man. While science has empowered much destruction, it is impersonal and destructive in the hands of evil men. Religion, however, better demonstrates man’s moral failures. Religious conflict is willfully done man on man in the name of values. The religious are often cruel to the “others” around them. I suggest religions have been more destructive than science, and we need only to look at Protestant vs Catholic, Christianity vs. Islam, everyone at one time or another vs. Jew, secularists (perhaps a religion of it’s own) vs. the religious, and so on around the world. So, while science is objective and antithetical to religious values, I have a hard time seeing how religions values have prevented death and destruction throughout all time. Science only gives more efficient means for the religious to go after one another while ignoring the tenants of their respective faiths. Religions work best when they exist in a mono-culture.

At the same time, I can admire the truly religious who live in harmony with others. There are many examples in history and a few in the present, but they are too few and too often reviled by those who claim to share the same faith.

I think you would enjoy a play entitled “Freud’s Last Session” by Mark St. Germain. In it, the dying Freud is visited by young Oxford Don C. S. Lewis and they debate science, religion and God. It was produced Off-Broadway a few years ago and I found it a wonderful, thought-provoking piece. I see on the web that it is available in some libraries. The script is available to buy online.