An important attribute of science is the right to question. Knowledge advances and science progresses because people exercise their right to question. By contrast, religion demands an unquestioned acceptance of its tenets and dogma.

IF YOU ask questions, they must only seek clarification and not raise doubt. A scientist can say what he thinks or feels without any feeling of guilt or shame, while for a religious leader, a simple statement like, “I do not know”, could prove disastrous and make him lose his followers.

As per rules, a religious leader has to know all and should have answers to all questions. The science, on the other hand, considers such claims as hypocritical and deceitful. Science takes the unknown as a challenge, while religion often leads to fear of the unknown. Another important difference between science and religion is that while science (unlike technology) is truly international, religion is not. Scientists all over the world use the same methods, that is, the methods of science. They employ same techniques, use same materials, and publish results in the same journals. They are increasingly beginning to use the same language - English - and form a truly international community in which professional links are at least as strong as any other link.

Contrary to this, religion follows parochial methods. There are many religions and each differs from the other in many respects. The activities of a particular religion are carried out in isolation of other religions: in fact, people of other religions are often prohibited from participation. There is little communication between various religions and, therefore, no common language.

Religious customs and practices differ enormously, often fundamentally, from religion to religion. Religion, in fact, divides people while science unites them.

Let us look at some specific examples of contradiction between science and religion. Today, we understand reasonably well, what might have been the likely origin of the universe? It is generally accepted by scientists that the universe came into existence about 18 billion years ago, and they can trace the history of the universe backwards to nearly 1047th of a second just after the event of its formation - called the “big bang” by astronomers. In this scheme, there is no need to postulate the existence of god, as one must do in religion. Today, scientists can say with considerable certainty that life on our planet evolved from non-living materials. After the formation of the earth, complex chemical substances were slowly formed from simple chemical substances that were contained in primordial atmosphere. Evolution eventually dovetailed into the biological evolution that leads to creation of man. On the other hand, all religions demand acceptance of the belief that man was created by god.