(2005-12-03) Wilson Darwin Science Religion

E O Wilson wrote essays for a collection of Charles Darwin's greatest books, including his reasons for believing that the conflict between Science and Monotheism is irreconcilable. In any case, the dilemma to be solved is truly profound. On the one side the input of religion on human history has been beneficent in many ways. It has generated much of which is best in Culture, including the ideals of Altruism and Public Service. From the beginning of history it has inspired the arts. Creation myths were in a sense the beginning of science itself. Fabricating them was the best the early scribes could do to explain the universe and human existence. Yet the high risk is the ease with which alliances between religions and Tribalism are made. Then comes bigotry and the dehumanization of infidels.