Can science answer my spiritual needs?

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Introduction

Throughout history, man has tried to answer questions about life and existence. Many philosophers, scientists, and religious leaders brought forth their perspectives about life and creation in this quest.

Some scientists believe that science and religion are two distinct fields and cannot be related, while others say that spirituality and science are the two faces of the same coin. The latter group postulates that physical and spiritual scientists want to discover the hidden principles of nature and apply what they learn to help others.

The perspective of scientists and philosophers about God

Physicists are engaging questions that have long been the domain of philosophers and theologians as they examine nature's most fundamental characteristics: Is the universe limitless and unending? Why does it appear to adhere to mathematical rules, and are these rules unavoidable? And, most importantly, what is the purpose of the universe? Why is it that there is something rather than nothing?

Medieval scholar Thomas Aquinas raised similar questions in his book Summa Theologica that gave various proofs for the existence of God. He noted that all physical items could shift from potential to reality—an ice cube may melt, a kid can grow—but that the cause of that change must be something other than the object itself (warm air melts the ice cube, food nourishes the child). 

The history of the cosmos can thus be viewed as an unending series of changes. Still, Aquinas maintained that the chain must have started with some transcendent being, something that is itself unchanging and already holds all of the attributes that worldly objects can acquire. He further asserted that this entity must be eternal, claiming that nothing else could have produced it because it is the basis of all causes. And, unlike all other earthly things, the transcendent entity is required to exist.

One of the world's genius minds, Einstein, once compared humanity to a young child encompassed with piles of books written in unfamiliar languages and tries to comprehend the mysterious arrangements of the world around it. But the perspective is only able to get a hazy understanding of the laws. Likewise, no matter how great and cultured they are, the same is the attitude of humans towards God. When discussing physics, Einstein frequently mentioned God.

So, even science admits a supreme power responsible for this beautifully and perfectly designed universe. In my personal opinion, it is always best to ask questions.

The Bible says, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." Matthew 7:7-8 KJV

When God has given us a wonderful gift of free will, He also allows us to make our own choices. 

As God says in the Bible, 

"Today, I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! 

Deuteronomy 30:19 NLT

World pandemic crisis-A reality check

Nonetheless, science has failed to answer the existence of the most complex and highest form of life-human life. Although it tries to present facts from theism and atheism perspectives, it has loops that have caused many scientists to seek more through faith and religious teachings. 

History records many of the instances similar to the recent pandemic crisis, that whenever a life crisis or natural disaster has occurred in the world, it has been witnessed thousands and thousands of people began to seek answers and return to their faith. 

A survey was carried out among Polish society during the worldwide pandemic 2020. The study showed that people facing fear, sorrow, or illness drew their strength from their faith and prayer life. It concluded that in the current pandemic, religious activities offer us control over the situation, make it more understood, and, most importantly, give us hope.

Our dictionary defines science as nothing but a systematic study of the structure and behavior of this physical world based on observation and experimentation. Given this definition, various survey results serve to find out the effect of religion on health.

Religious affiliation and regular church attendance were two of the most prevalent explanations for people's contentment. Those who regularly attended religious services were happier and had higher psychological health. According to the Pew Research Center, highly religious Americans are more likely to be "Very happy with the way things are going in life" and "Very satisfied with family life compared to passive believers. 

A systematic assessment of the research found that religious commitment and practice boost self-esteem and that religious activity is linked to enhanced social support. In addition, older Americans who regularly attended church had a closer relationship with God, were more willing to provide social support for family and friends and had a greater sense of purpose in life. 

Final Words

Sadly, science can give us facts based on what has already happened but what it cannot give us is HOPE!! 

Whereas God promises us a bright future full of hope:

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV

However, it may surprise many, but Faith can also be logical and scientific:

In the beginning (time), God (force) created (motion) heavens (space) and earth (matter). Genesis 1:1 NKJV

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