How science becomes “religion” with belief characteristics
I am not here expressing any view on the validity or otherwise of man-made climate change theories, but I found the following lines interesting at the start of an article by Ian Plimer, Professor of Geology at the University of Adelaide:
“Perhaps it is comforting to believe that science is an absolute discipline: immune from fads, fanatics and frauds, untroubled by extremists, evangelists, glory-seekers and bigots. But it is not. It is as vulnerable to the vested interests and biases of its practitioners as any corporate entity or political party.
Uncomfortable truths are suppressed and dubious evidence given undue prominence.
Nowhere is this more worryingly obvious than in the science of climate change. As a field of research it has become so heavily politicised that opposing views are spoken of in terms of religion: believers and non-believers, with the accent being on the righteousness of the former and the benighted state of the latter.”
Human beings are as fallible and as influenced by their preconceptions, upbringing, egos and desires, in the field of rational science as in any other field such as religion.
From ikram:
“Nowhere is this more worryingly obvious than in the science of climate change. As a field of research it has become so heavily politicised that opposing views are spoken of in terms of religion:”
As supported by science, the notion of “Climate Change” is a consequence of man disturbing the balance in the nature. Religion maybe be used as “after the fact” to prove or disprove the climate change. But not Quran, which laid down guidelines more than fourteen hundred years ago to not to disturb the balance in nature while living off it, i.e.
– Balance of proportions have been delineated for Man’s sustenance and his recognition of such Laws of proportion for his own understanding during his knowledge growth:
15:19. We have spread out and put fertilizers in the earth from outside, and set up firm mountains therein, and We have caused to grow upon it every suitable thing in due proportion.
15:20. And We have provided in it means of livelihood for you and even for (all) others whom it is not for you to provide.
15:21. And there is not a thing but We have the vast treasures of it; and We do not send it down but according to a proper and prescribed measure.
15:22. And We send impregnating winds and pour water from the clouds and give it to you to drink. You are not the ones to store it up.
– Man is mandated to uphold the balance in aspects of nature that he controls:
55:8. (He explains this to you) that you should not violate the (law of) harmony and balance.
55:9. Hold balance with justice (giving every one his due avoiding extremes). Do not disturb the (law of) harmony in the least.
55:10. And He has set the earth for (the common good of) all (His) creatures.
– Quran sets the standards for utilization of resources by man, so that he can exploit the Nature in a balanced manner:
5:4. They ask you what is made lawful for them. Say, `All good and pure things are made lawful for you…
5:87. O You who believe! do not forbid yourselves good and pure things which Allâh has made lawful for you, and do not transgress. Verily, Allâh does not like the transgressors..
5:88. And eat of what Allâh has provided you of (things) lawful, good and pure. And take Allâh as a shield, in whom you repose your faith. [“eat” implies consumption, usage, exploitation etc.]
– Yet:
5:100. Say, `The bad and impure, and the good and pure are not alike even though the abundance of the bad and impure may charm you.’ Take Allâh, therefore, as a shield (seeking refuge in Him), O you people of pure and clear understanding! so that you may attain the goal.
[The Holy Quran – Allamah Nooruddin]