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There is superficial conflict but deep concord between science and theistic religion, but superficial concord and deep conflict between science and naturalism
Alvin Plantinga
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Science and theistic religion may appear to conflict on the surface, but fundamentally align, whereas science and naturalism superficially agree yet deeply clash.

Alvin Plantinga's quote emphasizes the nuanced relationship between science and different belief systems. He suggests that while there may be apparent disagreements between science and theistic religion, at a deeper level, they can coexist harmoniously in their pursuit of understanding. In contrast, the relationship between science and naturalism may seem aligned at the surface, but profound philosophical conflicts arise when considering their fundamental views of reality and existence.

Themes

ScienceTheismReligionNaturalismConflictConcord

In practice

Example use cases

In a debate about the compatibility of faith and science.

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Suppose we concede that if I had been born of Muslim parents in Morocco rather than Christian parents in Michigan, my beliefs would be quite different. [But] the same goes for the pluralist...If the pluralist had been born in [Morocco] he probably wouldn't be a pluralist. Does it follow that...his pluralist beliefs are produced in him by an unreliable belief-producing process?
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