Anonymous asked: What is your take on claims that people cannot be scientist and still be religious. I happen to be a scientist in training and I'm religious and nothing makes me upset more than people telling me that I have to be one or the other. Science, to me, is beauty. The way that such complex components of our universe combine so perfectly makes me think that somewhere down the line, there was a central planner. But that's just me. Why can't we all just accept all viewpoint? There's science to be done!

I think that’s absolute bullshit. 

Who ever tells you that knows nothing about science, nor religion/spirituality. I know, interact with, and have come across plenty scientists who are very religious people. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS! For some people, science has helped them come to the conclusion there is no God, or probably isn’t a God/true designer of the universe. For others, science has helped them come to the conclusion that there is no other way for the universe to exist, than for there to be a God or an intelligent designer, and ultimately brought them closer to their religion/spiritual beliefs. Sometimes science has no influence on one’s belief at all, it all depends on the person. There are so many variables, science can’t be shoved into one-size-fits-all definition, you know? Nor can religion. 

I, as one who doesn’t accept the fact there is a God, personally HATE when people use science and atheism/anti-theism interchangeably. I made a little rant-post about it here.

Either way, it’s your choice, and if people judge you for it then that’s their issue, not yours. As long as in the end, you keep questioning, and never just ‘accept things as they are’, you’re good to go. The arguments, I feel, shouldn’t be religion vs. science [because that’s obviously stupid], it should be ignorance vs. knowledge. Just keep educating yourself, exploring, and never stop expanding. Science is never stagnant, which is the best part about it, because the only constant in life is change, and we’re trying to understand those changes. Your viewpoints of the world due to science, will likely change as well.

It would be awesome to just stop bickering about such small things, but I doubt that will happen. Until then, rest assured, those who tell you you can not be involved in ‘true science’ whilst being ‘truly religious’ are ignorant, and should be ignored. Thanks for the question, and please don’t give up. Live by your own guidelines, not others’. My ask is always open if you ever need any help with anything.