[broksaksaak]

The ancient Greeks (and other ancient cultures) developed both science and religion. Pythagoras (580 - 500 BCE) divided knowledge in two principal categories: External (exoteric) which included, among other things, science; and Inner (esoteric) which included religion and philosophy mong other things.

Plato (428 - 347 BCE) and Aristotle (384 - 322 BCE) were aware of this division and both cultivated the spirit of external investigation (science) and internal investigation (philosophy/religion).

The Neo-Platonics of Alexandria continued the traditions established by Pythagoras, Plato, and Aristotle during the early years of Christianity. These ancient Pagans saw science and religion/philosohy as complementary to each other.

It would be Emperor Justinian -- who reigned between 527-565 CE -- who would eventually outlawed the Pagan religions and its institution. The Academy of Plato, the Lyceum of Aristotle, the libraries and schools of Alexandria, and many other institutions of learning were oulawed and considered superstitions. The new institution that would determine what was true science and religion would be the Christian Church. It was at this moment that science and religion became mortal enemies (particularly in the West).

Science continued to flourish in the Western world in a hidden way. Scientists would be persecuted by the Church and accused of heresy and sorcery. It would not be until the Protestant reformation that the Church would start easing its hold on scientific knowledge. It would be finally in the 18th Century that science would again obtain popularity and respectability in society.

I am a religious person; I am a minister-priest. I also enjoy science. I am not a scientist. My religious tradition is the search of inner knowledge. The ancient Rishis (Sages) of my tradition -- like Pythagoras, Plato, and Aristotle -- had divided knowledge into external and internal. For thousands of years my religion has had no conflict with science. For example, I have no problems with the scientific theory of evolution. I understand its logic, and I feel that science has explained it clearly. Plus this scientific theory explains something that my religion has been insisting for ages: LIFE IS ONE; ALL LIFE FORMS ARE RELATED. There are many modern scientific conclusion that were already explained not only by the Vedic seers, but also by the ancient Greek philosophers.

I understand that religion is an inner search. It is a process of inner transformation. Science -- ancient or modern -- continues to be the search for understanding of our outer world and the laws that govern it. The doctrines, stories, rituals, and different practices of religion are meant to be symbolical or allegorical representations of inner truths. They are never to be taken as historical or scientific truths... they are instruments that when used with wisdom can trigger an inner transformation that leads to enlightenment that is expressed in Understanding, Love, and Compassion.

If the inner purpose of religion is forgotten, then it becomes pure fantasy and superstition. When Justinian outlawed the ancient Pagan institutions he not only destroyed science, he also corrupted the true purpose of religion.

I stand for both science and religion!

Hermano Luis
Moriviví Hermitage