Religion and science are the two fundamental things that shape how the human sees the world. Religion teaches its people to see the world from a spiritual perspective. Religion will provide norms and values which should be followed by its people. Besides that, science is lore that needs research and evidence as to its principle. Usually, the scientific results of the research will come from a discussed theory. Now, as time goes by, the era has changed to be more modern. The way people think will also be changed since their mindset is already influenced by their environment.

Perspective of Islam

People’s perspectives toward religion must be different from the past. They tend to relate and connect the value that they attain from their religion with recent science. However, it would not be easy since what we learn in religion is something above our logical thinking. Thus, religion and science are unrelated but have an equal position. As a Muslim, I see religion as a medium that facilitates its adherence with many guidance so that the adherence can gain their felicity. Each religion that exists in the world certainly has a similar function and purpose. However, each religious ways to achieve their goals are very diverse. In Islam, I was taught to perform the five daily prayers which are obligatory.

In addition, I am also required to carry out other religious prayers such as fasting, charity, slaughtering cattle for Eid al-Adha, and many more. From my prayer, I am believed to have worshiped my god, namely Allah. Later, I am also believed to get peace from the prayers that I have lived, and I get the reward from these prayers. Besides that, my Catholic friend also has their own way to pray in her religion.

How about Catholics?

She said that the aim of Catholics is to embrace the adherence with the aim of achieving safety and tranquility in their life. Thus, they must carry out several religious rituals such as Sunday Mass, Rosary Prayer, Reading the Gospel, Rea Treat, and many more. In general, religion as guidelines for human life to respect fellow human beings and other living things is one of the biggest purposes everything it has.

In practice, all the theoretical things that I mentioned above could be different from reality. In real situations, religious people mostly have a conservative perspective in the world. They put too much priority on the religion they profess without considering when they want to compare it with their surroundings. For example, when there are accidents such as natural disasters, religious fanatics will think that it is a punishment from God. Then they will blame the accident victims on the pretext that they did not pray and pray correctly so that God became furious. In fact, theoretically, every religion teaches its people to help each other in the context of humanity.

Have The Same Concept with Different Perspectives

I believe that all religions have that concept. From this concept, this religious fanatic should help the victims instead of blaming them. From this small example, I can say that adhering to religion is an important thing. It must be taught to do good deeds to fellow human beings, other living creatures, and nature that we live in. However, due to the excessive portion of exploring a religion, there are many people who are too selfish about their religion. These people will think that what they do is the right thing. Then they want others to follow what they do. Not a few who do bad things such as coercion, hoaxes, and bloodshed only to bring down other religions so that people convert to the religion they profess.

Therefore, as a person who does not have much knowledge about religion. I feel that someone must be able to embrace their belief in the right portion. A religion whose initial purpose as a helper will turn into a disaster if someone is not wise enough in carrying it out. In my opinion, in this life, religion is just an ordinary necessity like food. Food if consumed in excess will cause diseases such as obesity, and if consumed too little can cause hunger. Likewise, with all religions, a religion must be run in proper proportion, also someone must be able to relate it to their surroundings realistically.

Sarah Putri Beanka
Sampoerna University Student

Editor: Muhammad Fauzan Alimuddin