"Religion and Science have in the course of history helped man to cope with the uncertainties and hazards of life in their own way". Comment

Durkheim studies religion as an element of synthesizing class solidarity, thus giving people a collective strength. Durkheim says that in modern times, science has reinforced role of religion in this matter by promoting organic solidarity.

Karl Marx gives interesting insights into role of religion and science. He says that religion is man's form of defence against uncertainties, oppression and serves as opium to bear it.

Functionalists like Parsons say that religion helps to cope with uncertain times. e.g. fishermen do rites and rituals before embarking on journey in violent seas. This gives them collective strength of society. Science too, by helping man to understand causes of natural phenomena like disasters make men to cope with them and to be prepared better for hazard.

Post Modernists like Blumer sees a harmony between religion and science to help man explain the social world around him. They are refuge for men to find existential answers.

Some sociologists view them as antithetical to each other, especially positivists. However, reality is far from it.

Science is a codified form of laws and rules explaining natural phenomena.

Weber gives best explanation of role of religion and science in this matter. He says that religious values like ascetism, calling, austerity, reinforced by values of science like professionalism, goal-oriented, rationality, logic has led man to come up with a rational mode of production- capitalism and has helped to replace uncertainties of feudalism.

Einstein too said that religion is spirit of science and science is soul of religion and both together help man to make understanding of social world.

Auguste Comte's conceptualization of evolution of society till positivism also signify role of religion and science.