Are science and religion inherently opposed? I say not! Science, as defined by http://dictionary.reference.com/, is "

1. 1. The observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena.
   2. Such activities restricted to a class of natural phenomena.
   3. Such activities applied to an object of inquiry or study.
2. Methodological activity, discipline, or study: I've got packing a suitcase down to a science.
3. An activity that appears to require study and method: the science of purchasing.
4. Knowledge, especially that gained through experience. "

It comes from Middle English, knowledge, learning, from Old French, from Latin scientia, from scins, scient- present participle of scre, to know.

    And religion? From the same source, religion is defined as: "

1. 1. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.
   2. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.
2. The life or condition of a person in a religious order.
3. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.
4. A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion. "
   

It comes from Middle English religioun, from Old French religion, from Latin religi, religin-, perhaps from religre, to tie fast.

    So you see, science is generally held to apply to the natural world. It has no holding on that which is not natural- that's not its purpose. It can only say that under natural laws, if this, we expect this. Religion is supernatural- it deals with what science cannot. It has to do with faith, with belief, saying that this is because of that. They deal with different matter- science is of the natural world, and religion is of the supernatural.

    So why all the confict? Almost all, I'm sure, have at least heard of the creation vs evolution debate. You hear preachers saying you can't be a Christian and believe in evolution (not all preachers say this, but some do) and you hear scientists (again, some) say that creationism is not scientific, and therefore you cannot be a good scientist and believe in creation. That causes quite a dilemma for the young Christian with scientific aspirations usch as myself. Condemned by both sides, it seems, no matter which course you take. Here, for your benefit as well as my own, I try to shed some light on this subject. Can you be a Christian scientist? I definately believe so.

    And for you non-Christian visitors, don't go away. I'm not taking a faith-based approach here. I'm going to try to present both sides as fairly as possible, removing as much of my own bias as I can, and point out flaws in both arguements where I can find them. I am aware that I am biased, but you're aware of that fact as well, so together we can help make the bias have little effect on the material presented. I encourage you to go out and do more research on your own, of course.

    I am aware some people may get angry. Please keep reading, however, with an open mind as I try to make sense. If afterwards you still don't like the points I make, that's fine. We all have powers of reasoning to use.