Science and religion - the two terms have come to signify a mutual antagonism. The two, it is commonly declared, are poles apart; their spheres of activity and their methods differ widely, so much so that they are considered to be irreconcilable.

On the face of it, science and religion appear to be the two opposite poles of man's consciousness. Science is basically concerned with the material world; its efforts are directed towards unravelling the "how" of reality while religion is concerned with the "why" of reality. Science deals with analysing tangible entities into its minutest parts, and then arrives at conclusions about the way in which tangible realities are organized. While science is analytical, religion takes the ultimate reality for granted. Religion follows the metaphysical path; the concept of God is ultimately a matter of faith and it is this faith which is the basis of the religious man's attribution of a design or meaning for the reality.

The modes of action are different in science and religion. Science relies on experiment, whereas religion is based on experience. Science benefits mankind by providing material comforts. The frontiers of science do not end in knowledge but are extended to the formation of appliances for actual use. Science, it has been somewhat unfairly charged, cultivates the materialistic thinking. However, it has to be admitted that the mental attitude promoted by religion is entirely different. While the basis of scientific progress is unbridled curiosity and courageous endeavour, the truly religious spirit cavils at such presumption that man's mind can penetrate the mysteries of the universe. Science promotes fearless inquiry, while an essential ingredient of religion is the humility born of fear of God. Science incorporates a love of experimental knowledge, while religion does not believe in the rational approach.