Religion in a Scientific And Technological Era : The Nigerian Experience

ABSTRACT

There is no known society the world over without religion. This shows that religion is an indispensable element in any human society. Throughout the ages religion has offered solutions to man’s problems, and explanations to the mysteries of the world. The desire for man to know and conquer his environment led to the advancement of science and technology. Consequently man has always longed and had a human and environmental transition from one region of development to another through science and technology. The relationship between science and religion has been a thing of debate. This work therefore, addresses itself to the relationship between religion, science and technology, bringing into focus the relevance of science and technology to religious beliefs and practices. In doing this, we adopted analytical and descriptive method of approach. Collection of data was mainly through secondary sources. The data collected were critically analyzed and descriptively presented. Findings show that both are concerned with the desire to know; and improve the living conditions of man and his environment. The dividing wall between science and religion has always been on methodology; and the moral implications of scientific enquiries and discoveries. The advancement of science and technology has tremendously affected religious beliefs and practices ranging from man’s better understanding of the universe to its contribution to the dissemination of religious doctrines and practices. Its negative effects such as threat to human life, dignity of human person and increase in moral decadence were also noted. The belief of the researcher, following his findings, is that this work will spur the theologians and scientists to explore and harness the complimentary roles of science and religion for the good of the two disciplines, and for mankind in general.