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SCIENCE-RELIGION
DIALOGUE |
The desire of man to understand the mysterious universe and his place and role in it is as old as man. “Why, Whence and Whither” have been tormenting him ever since his journey on earth. The search for answers to these agonizing questions led him to many labyrinths – superstition, mythology, philosophy, religion and science. The search continues.
Ours is an age of science and it dominates all spheres of life. But science doesn’t have answers to all the disturbing questions of man. Many believe – a lot of leading scientists among them – that religion has answers to these fundamental questions. The demand of the situation was the forums where both religious and scientific viewpoints could be presented and discussed. Establishment of science – religion societies, institutes, organizations and centres by many devoted and zealous figures around the world was the outcome. They have been working tirelessly and have contributed immensely. CTNS (The Centre for Theology and the Natural Sciences, Berkley, USA) is one of them. Our interaction with CTNS and Metanexus Institute on Religion and Science, Philadelphia, inspired us to make what little contribution we can, towards this noble cause.
It led to the formation of HSSRD in summer, 2001. HSSRD is a non-profit society. Its main objective is to engage scholars from diverse disciplines for constructive, meaningful and purpose – oriented dialogue between religion and science. It consists of, mostly, college/university teachers desirous of promoting understanding, harmony, tolerance and peaceful co-existence among the denizens of this planet.
We feel a forum was necessary where both traditionalists and modernists could be invited, diverse view-points presented and accommodated and where tolerance could be nurtured in its true spirit. We provided that. We believe both religion and science are essential needs of man – one spiritual, the other material. They, we feel, despite apparent conflict, complement each other. We are determined to make, what humble contribution we can, towards bridging the gulf between the two and making this world a better place.
We set before us the goals of:
a) holding seminars on religion and science at national level every year.
b) Launching a website on science – religion interaction.
c) Holding annual All – Pakistan Essay Award Competition to ensure maximum participation of science/religion students and budding scholars.
d) Publication of a quarterly journal Science–Religion Dialogue.
It was in summer, 2001.
In fall 2001, we successfully held a National Seminar “Islam & Science on Evolution and Creation” (November 5–8), in which scholars from Khyber to Karachi, belonging to various disciplines, participated. It was first ever attempt of its kind in this region.
The idea of website has also been translated into reality and can be reached at http://www.hssrd.org.
While we write these lines, essays/papers are pouring in from all corners of the country for the first All–Pakistan Essay Award Competition.
The first journal in your hands is the realization of a dream. It comprises of some of the papers presented during the National Seminar held in November 5 – 8, 2001. Suggestions regarding the improvement are welcome.
Its only the beginning. We hope that HSSRD would expand into a vibrant and vast institute on Religion and Science. We share the age old and common dream of the humanity – to seek the truth, divulge the secret and find meaning in existence. We are optimistic that man’s efforts would certainly be rewarded. As Prophet Jesus declared:
Ask, and it shall be given ye; seek and ye shall find; knock and it will be opened unto you; for everyone that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
(Matt. 7: 7 – 8, Luke 11: 9 – 10)
And the Creator of The Beginning and The End promises:
And those who strive to reach us – we will certainly guide them to our paths: for verily Allah is with those who do right.
(Al-Quran – 29:69)
Let us do and keep on doing what little we can to comprehend ourselves and all that surrounds us and leave the rest to Him.
Editororial