The endless conflict between religion and science
On May 26, 2021, the webinar "Religion, science and the new era" was held, organized by the Life Program and the Continuing Education Department of the University of Azuay.
The exhibition was in charge of Flavio Barros, a former student of the institution and a psychologist specialized in Transpersonal Piscology, who is currently dedicated to directing training meetings at “Religare”, a community of health servants founded by him.
This presentation began with a brief review by Barros about his experiences during his youth, which over time influenced and led to his current vocation. It narrates about the challenge that was proposed, which consisted of somehow linking science and religion, so that they are no longer considered as two opposing areas, but as two complementary areas.
As an introduction he explained the endless competition between science and religion, which "for centuries have only tried to find arguments to overcome one before the other."
In addition, he commented that now it is not only a contest of two but of three, due to the appearance of the so-called "new era" and the sole purpose of these three is to obtain the title of "creditors of the truth."
Subsequently, he described what he considers basic concepts, such as the functions of the cerebral hemispheres in human behavior, eyes of knowledge, mature and immature movements, fanaticism, snobbery, separation and generalization.
"There is no good or bad thought, but there really is a mature and immature thought," he added.
He then provided an appreciation of the subdivisions of religion and science based on the concept of mature and immature thoughts. He divided the first into two areas: exoteric, referring to the perceptible and faith in the physical, and the other branch known as esoteric, which refers to the internal, hidden from the senses.
On the other hand, science is fragmented into narrow and broad. The first is characterized by being conservative and dogmatic, holding the belief that its laws are infallible and immovable. The second stands out for its open ideals, where experts leave the possibility of discovering new things that modify previously established laws.
Finally, he explained what the so-called new era is about: "These are groups that began to form in the 60s. They are not sects, they are rather organizations and even international foundations whose central characteristic is the 'renewing spirit'" Barros commented.
In the same way, it is divided into the two aforementioned parts that have maturity as their axis. "One is based on holistic thinking and spirituality as the driving force, the other revolves around snobbery, practices for commercial purposes and opposition to the systems and rules established in society," emphasized the speaker.
To conclude, Barros called for reflection on these concepts about knowledge. "It is necessary to weave these areas based on mature thoughts, because if we do not we will continue to think that they are totally opposite currents when they really are not."
UDA Correspondent
