Religion

Science and religion are often considered at odds with each other, one being the study of belief and the other provable "facts", but throughout history, oftentimes it has been the pursuit of bringing us closer to God that has furthered the sciences. It hasn't always been this way; scientists such as Copernicus and Galileo have been punished by the church at the time, despite their findings to be scientifically correct, and even to this day many religious denominations still denounce concepts such as evolution. Religion and science can still coexist though, with many scientists having faith, and religions accepting the role science has to play in furthering our knowledge and society.

The origins of religion, with Robin Dunbar

Robin Dunbar, a professor of evolutionary psychology, joins us on our podcasts, Instant Genius and Instant Genius Extra.
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Why are fewer people believing in God?

Is the Divine losing its draw? Prof Linda Woodhead looks into whether we’re a faithful flock that’s temporarily strayed, or if we’re no longer willing to take a leap of faith.
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Why some people say they can ‘hear the dead’

According to new research, spiritualist mediums might be more prone to immersive mental activities and unusual auditory experiences early in life.
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Can we live in a world without religion?

We speak to Richard Dawkins, the leading voice on evolution and atheism, about how he lost his faith and found a new community with science.
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The scientific guide to the Hajj

The Hajj, an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, will take place from 9 to 14 August. How can pilgrims keep themselves safe and healthy?
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Is religion compatible with science? – John Lennox

Professor John Lennox, author of Can Science Explain Everything?, explains why he's a Christian and a scientist.
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Blood moon: lunar eclipse myths from around the world

The blood moon myths are many and varied, but, at the end of the day, it's just an eclipse.
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Fact and Faith: why science and spirituality are not incompatible

Physicist Alan Lightman’s purely scientific view of the world changed one evening looking at the stars in Maine – here’s why he now calls himself a spiritual atheist.
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What could explain the Star of Bethlehem?

There are a few possible contenders for this astronomical part of the Christmas story.
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What does it mean to be a machine?

Transhumanism is the subject of To Be A Machine, the the 2017 Royal Society Insight Investment Science Book Prize-shortlisted book by Mark O’Connell, which explores the philosophy and science behind improving our minds and bodies beyond what nature gave us.
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Thor and Loki microbes hold clues to origin of life

An elusive group of microbes with names inspired by old Norse mythology shed more light on the origin of multicellular life.
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Are near-death experiences just hallucinations?

A bright light or a long tunnel? Near-death experiences has mystified scientists for many years.
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