Religion and Science in the Modern World: Acceptance, Rejection, and Regulation of Technological Progress

Religion has long served as a moral and cultural compass for humanity, shaping worldviews, ethics, and social norms throughout history. Yet the modern era—defined by rapid scientific and technological advancement—has challenged traditional religious perspectives. Scientific discoveries have transformed not only our physical reality but also our understanding of the universe and human nature, creating complex interactions between faith and empirical knowledge. This essay explores how various religions in the modern world accept, reject, or regulate scientific progress, focusing on specific examples from daily life and examining how belief systems shape the use and perception of technology.

Historical Context and the Emergence of Tension

The relationship between science and religion has always been multifaceted. During the Middle Ages, religious institutions were often the main centers of learning. European monasteries, Islamic madrasas, and Hindu and Buddhist temples in Asia advanced knowledge in mathematics, medicine, astronomy, and philosophy. However, the scientific revolution of the Renaissance era brought conflict between empirical evidence and doctrinal authority. The case of Galileo, condemned for supporting Copernicus’s heliocentric model, symbolizes the tension between rational inquiry and ecclesiastical control.

Similar disputes occurred in other cultures. In the Islamic world, philosophers such as Ibn Rushd (Averroes) sought to harmonize faith and reason but were criticized by orthodox theologians. Judaism and Christianity saw comparable divisions between rationalist schools and religious traditionalists. Thus, the tension between scientific discovery and religious dogma has deep historical roots.

Acceptance of Scientific Achievements

In the modern era, many religious communities have shown adaptability toward science. The Catholic Church, once hostile to Galileo, now actively supports scientific research. The Pontifical Academy of Sciences collaborates with global experts on climate change, medicine, and biotechnology. Catholicism recognizes the theory of evolution as compatible with faith when viewed as part of divine creation.

Judaism’s strong tradition of interpretation allows it to integrate modern developments with religious law. Orthodox and Conservative rabbis provide rulings that guide the ethical use of medical and genetic technologies. Organ transplantation, in vitro fertilization, and stem cell research are often permitted when they align with the principles of preserving life.

In Islam, science is seen as a way to understand God’s creation. Islamic bioethics addresses cloning, organ transplantation, and reproductive technologies in accordance with Sharia. Many Muslim-majority nations, including Iran and Malaysia, have established bioethics councils to regulate scientific practices.

Buddhism and Hinduism, with their emphasis on consciousness and the interconnectedness of life, have also embraced aspects of modern science. Buddhist meditation is studied within neuroscience, while Hindu ecological movements integrate ancient respect for nature with modern sustainability efforts.

Rejection and Regulation: Religion’s Role in Everyday Life

Despite general openness, many religions maintain strict control over the application of science in daily life. This regulation often takes the form of prohibitions or restrictions designed to preserve moral and spiritual integrity. The following table illustrates examples of religious regulation and prohibition of scientific and technological advances.

These examples demonstrate that religious regulation extends beyond doctrine to everyday technology use. In conservative Islamic communities during the mid-20th century, radio was banned because it was believed to spread impure or subversive ideas. Orthodox Jewish communities prohibit phone use and electricity on the Sabbath. Amish communities in the U.S. reject modern conveniences such as electricity and cars, believing that technology leads to pride and moral decay.

Some religious authorities have also condemned excessive internet and social media use. In 2012, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia called Twitter a “source of evil.” Similarly, Buddhist monks in Thailand launched campaigns against smartphone addiction, arguing that constant digital engagement disrupts mindfulness.

The Catholic Church maintains strong positions on bioethical issues such as euthanasia, abortion, and embryonic experimentation. These prohibitions are grounded in the doctrine of the sanctity and inviolability of human life.

Thus, rejection of scientific and technological advances often manifests as a form of moral regulation in daily life. It shapes social behavior, determines which technologies are acceptable, and delineates what forms of knowledge are considered spiritually dangerous.

Contemporary Trends: Balancing Faith and Scientific Progress

In the 21st century, many religious movements seek a balance between preserving spiritual identity and embracing scientific achievements. Religious leaders participate in academic and ethical dialogues, and interfaith conferences promote understanding of technology’s role in moral development. Muslim scholars collaborate with medical institutions to create ethical frameworks for organ donation and fertility treatments. In Israel, Orthodox Jewish scientists engage in biotechnology research while observing religious law.

Among Catholics, interest in eco-theology—faith-based environmentalism—is growing. Pope Francis’s 2015 encyclical Laudato si’ urges unity between faith and science to address climate change. In Buddhist countries, “Green Buddhism” movements combine spiritual mindfulness with ecological awareness.

Religions also shape science through education. Some Islamic schools teach both religious and scientific subjects, fostering integration rather than opposition. In the United States, certain Christian schools still teach creationism alongside evolutionary biology, reflecting ongoing debates about the role of science in faith-based education.

Conclusion

Religion in the modern world continues to play a decisive role in shaping humanity’s approach to science and technology. On one hand, religious institutions support advancements that enhance human welfare and understanding of nature. On the other, they impose moral boundaries and prohibitions to safeguard spiritual and ethical values. Examples from Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism reveal a spectrum of responses—from full acceptance to strict rejection. Ultimately, the dynamic relationship between religion and science reflects humanity’s enduring quest for harmony between faith and reason, between the sacred and the scientific dimensions of life.