format_quote Originally Posted by
czgibson
In fact, asking rigorously sceptical questions has led humanity through several scientific and intellectual revolutions, which have made many aspects of modern life possible, far beyond the imaginations of earlier generations of our species. For example, the fact that we are able to have this discussion on an internet forum at all is evidence of technological breakthroughs that rest in large part on a relentless interrogation of the natural world, the formulation of falsifiable hypotheses and rigorous testing of them.
Closing down such a questioning attitude is a willing surrender of the critical faculties, and is a demand to occupy and preserve an intellectual blind alley.
Nobody is stopping anyone from asking rigorous skeptical questions on science. But Religion is different. Science only deals with observable phenomenon. What about the unseen? The basis of our religion stands on the belief in unseen.
Allah :swt: says at the beginning of Surah Al-Baqarah, chapter 2 of the Holy Qur'an,
[1] Alif, Lam, Meem.
[2] This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah -
[3] Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them,
[4] And who believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith].
[5] Those are upon [right] guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful.
I had posted this on another thread not long ago,
Scientific observations are limited by the limitation of the resources available at hand.
These pictures below explain the formulation of a scientific theory. There are 10 images, please wait for them to load.
As you can see, scientific theories are not always true. Over the course of history, we have seen several scientific theories proved wrong, and corrected by newer discoveries. Science can never explain the truth fully because it is limited by many factors, such as limits in human intelligence, resources, practical evidences etc...
The truth is what Allah :swt: has revealed on the Prophet :saws:. And theories and assumptions are what science might tell us.
Now regarding the unseen and unobservable aspects, such as the life after death, the Paradise and Hell, the angels etc, can science explain anything about it? No. So Allah :swt: has sent several Prophets and Messengers throughout history to explain everything to mankind. It is only logical to accept what Allah :swt: has revealed instead of being skeptical and losing your hereafter.
At this point you exclude yourself from the debate, because your position is logically no different to that of a small child who says "it's mine!" having just stolen something from another, and who will not listen to any persuasion, or a psychiatric patient who insists he is Napoleon and will not be disabused of the notion.
Peace
Allah :swt: says immediately after the verses that I quoted above,
Indeed, those who disbelieve - it is all the same for them whether you warn them or do not warn them - they will not believe. [Al-Baqarah: 6]