Science vs Rituals
Science and Rituals are two words that are characterized by difference when it comes to their meanings and concepts. Science can be defined as the study of knowledge of the physical and the natural world based on observation and experiments. It systematically builds and organizes knowledge. It runs on proofs and truths. On the other hand, rituals run on beliefs, and they do not run on proofs. This is the main difference between science and rituals. Through this article let us examine the differences between science and rituals while gaining an understanding of each word.
What is Science?
Science is based on universal truths brought about by observations and experiments. It is built on concrete proofs. The purpose of science is to establish certain truths that take place in the nature of existence. In other words, science deals with the behavior and characteristics of physical, inorganic and organic matter in nature. Science is of various kinds such as Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Geology, Astronomy, and the like.
Science has experimental observation as its basis. Scientific knowledge is a reliable knowledge. Science can be described as an attempt to discover patterns in nature. Scientific experiments are conducted to prove the nature of substances in existence. The experiments are conducted in a bid to expand knowledge about nature. It is important to know that scientific knowledge is not religious based at all for that matter. In other words, it can be said that science has nothing to do with religion. Science involves debates and discourses. Science is explained to explore natural truths. Science is the threshold for existential knowledge.
What are Rituals?
Rituals are based on religious beliefs and practices. There might not be concrete proofs about the efficacy of rituals. The purpose of rituals differs according to the principles laid down in a religion or the social set up concerned with the performance of rituals. Rituals have religion as the basis. Ritual knowledge is not a reliable knowledge. It is a knowledge that is based on practice and beliefs.
Rituals are performed for their symbolic value. They are in fact prescribed by religion or traditions of a community or society. It is interesting to note that rituals are performed on important or specific occasions. A ritual has nothing to do with nature. It is an action to invoke the blessings of the Almighty. Hence, a ritual is religious in nature. Rituals are of various kinds and they include, worship rites, sacraments of organized religions, rites of passage connected with human life, atonement and purification rites, dedication ceremonies, coronation of monarchs, marriages, and funerals. Rituals are practiced for spiritual growth. In other words, it can be said that rituals are the threshold for spiritual advancement.
What is the Difference Between Science and Rituals?
- Science is based on universal truths brought about by observations and experiments whereas rituals are based on religious beliefs and practices.
- Science is built on concrete proofs, but there might not be concrete proofs about the efficacy of rituals.
- Rituals have religion as the basis, but science has experimental observation as its basis.
- Science involves debates and discourses whereas rituals do not involve debates and discourses.
- Rituals are practiced for spiritual growth, but science is explained to explore natural truths.
Image Courtesy:
1. “CollageFisica” by Aushulz – Collage created by uploaderFastfission, United States Department of Energy [Public Domain], via Wikimedia Commons
2. Fire rituals at a Hindu Wedding, Orissa India by Paolo Crosetto [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
