From Faith to Science in the Modern Era
In the realm of worldview, the theories surrounding the creation of the universe spark fundamental questions: Who created it? How was it created? And why was it created? For Muslims, the worldview centers around the belief that Allah is the creator, and the universe is a testing ground for humanity.
However, the tides of modernity have ushered in a paradigm shift, steering individuals towards Western philosophies. The scientific worldview, anchored in humanism, champions the idea of human autonomy. It posits that the purpose of life is a self-determined endeavor, devoid of any supernatural influence. This shift profoundly impacts those delving into philosophy or modern sciences.
The ramifications of this scientific worldview manifest in three distinct groups:
- Deism: A belief that God exists but remains inactive, analogous to a master builder who constructs a house (universe) and then disengages, leaving it to function independently.
- Agnosticism: A stance of uncertainty, agnostics neither affirm nor deny the existence of God. This group encompasses varying degrees of doubt.
- Atheism: Firmly asserting the non-existence of God, atheists claim that science substantiates their position.
Modern science, rooted in quantifiable measures, delves into the dimensions and speeds of celestial bodies, focusing solely on what can be perceived. It refrains from providing moral guidance, limiting its purview to the measurable aspects of mass, length, width, and distance.
This quantification-oriented approach leads modern science to dismiss the intangible, rejecting the existence of the soul and anything beyond quantifiable measures. Concepts such as an unseen world, an afterlife, paradise, hell, and the qualitative aspects of good and evil fall beyond its scope.
Contrarily, medieval philosophy, particularly Islamic Kalam, engages in discussions that surpass the confines of quantifiable measures, relying on reason.
As we navigate these contrasting worldviews, it becomes apparent that the journey from faith-centric perspectives to science-dominated paradigms is intricate and impactful. The essence of these shifts is not merely a matter of creation but extends to shaping how we perceive and interact with the world around us.
Exploring the intersection of faith and science in the contemporary landscape unveils diverse perspectives, challenging us to reconcile the spiritual with the empirical. Join the journey of understanding as we delve into the complexities of belief and reason in the tapestry of our worldview.