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Science, Creation and Hinduism
Or
Religion has its place, but it’s not in a science class *
Kashyap Vasavada
Emeritus Prof. of Physics, Department of Physics, Indiana University-Purdue University
Indianapolis (IUPUI) 402 N. Blackford Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-3273
Recently there has been a resurgence of discussions on teaching creationism in science
classes as a result of the Indiana senate bill. I would like to emphasize strongly that science
teachers should not be required to teach these ideas in science classes. Such ideas have not met
rigorous standards of scientific research. Let scientists decide what should be taught in science
classes. Just saying that God created everything hardly explains anything. Everyone is
welcome
to challenge a scientific model, but then one has to provide an alternate model which explains
the same or more data in a better way. People happily use results of scientific progress, such as
technological products, drugs and medical procedures. Then they should also accept conclusions
that follow from the scientific method. In science, you cannot pick and choose only the
conclusions that are consistent with your beliefs. In addition, school children are not mature
enough to understand the difference between rigorously established scientific models and
individual beliefs. I am writing this as a scientist and a longtime member of the Hindu temple of
central Indiana who believes that religion has a very important place in life, but it is not in the
science classroom.
Now I would like to explain briefly concepts of Hinduism, since it is one of the religions
mentioned in the bill. Many American readers may not know about Hinduism. Let me start by
saying there is no essential conflict between Hindu philosophy and modern science. Hindus
believe that there is a fundamental entity called Brahman (God) that created (actually
manifested) the universe and pervades everything, living and nonliving. Interestingly this is
similar to what modern physics says –i.e., everything is made out of the same constituent
particles. You may worship Brahman in any form you choose. This is the reason why
Hinduism allows worship of any god who symbolically represents Brahman. The law of
Karma, which
says there is a consequence to everything one does, is similar to the law of action and reaction of
physics. As for creation, Hindu scriptures always maintained that there are cycles of creation
and destruction lasting billions (not thousands) of years. According to modern physics, the age
of the universe since the big bang is close to 14 billion years. Also, some of the philosophical
descriptions of reality of nature in Hindu scriptures are remarkably similar to the description of
reality in quantum physics.
Hindu belief is that the soul has to pass through 8.4 million species of living forms
before getting to a human birth. Surprisingly, this number is close to the number of species
known to biologists! Also, according to the mythological stories, avatars (incarnations) of God
came to earth in the form of fish, land animals and eventually human beings. Of course, science
would not go that far, but the progressive evolution through various species is the basis of
theory of evolution. Thus Hindus have no problem with the theory of evolution. Darwin’s theory
was remarkably prophetic, since, at that time, he did not know about DNA evidence of
evolution, evolution of drug resistant bacteria or fossil evidence of transition of species etc.
which came up much later (see, PBS program on “what Darwin never knew”).
Like other religions, Hinduism also has the usual commandments, such as speak truth,
lead a responsible moral life, do not steal, do not commit unnecessary violence, etc.
Finally, we should recognize the differences in methods and domains of science and
religion. Science always deals with sensory perceptions whereas, very often, religion deals with
extra-sensory perceptions. Thus religion goes beyond verified science. From a scientific point of
view, as yet, there is no understanding of consciousness, concept of soul or for that matter, what
happens after we die. I believe, most scientists would not have any problem if there is a class on
world religions in schools, and such things are discussed there. After all, religion does play an
important role in our society. In my opinion, there is no conflict between belief in God (as long
as it is consistent with laws of nature) and science.
Kashyap Vasavada is an emeritus professor of physics at Indiana-Purdue University,
Indianapolis IN. He is a member of the Hindu temple of Central Indiana and past president of
Geeta Mandal (a group associated with the temple).
*This was the title of this article published in Indianapolis Star on April 14, 2012, with a few
changes.