Templeton Prize for Physicist

* Your March 12 editorial in praise of Paul Davies and his attempt at a “reconciliation” between science and religion was painful to read. It’s a mistake to believe that such an accommodation is desirable or even possible. And your assertion that Galileo would approve of such a thing only adds insult to injury.

Science is based on reason, the “process of seeking truth or knowledge by inferring from either fact or logic.” Religion is based on faith, “belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence” (American Heritage Dictionary, 1969). Religious faith, therefore, demands that one believe without evidence, or even, in spite of it. Without question, religion stands in direct conflict with the premises of science. It is altogether proper and good that these two realms are in opposition to each other.

Faith demands the evasion of the facts of reality; reason demands the acceptance of them. Ultimately, there can be no reconciliation between religion and science because there can be no reconciliation between the real and the not-real. Anyone who desires a compromise between science and religion desires a compromise with the truth. Galileo, of all people, understood the consequences of attempting to deal with the evaders of reality.

When men of science disagree, their recourse is reason. When men of faith disagree--whether it be religious or political faith--their only recourse is force. Thus the fate of Galileo, who was brought before the Inquisition of Rome and sentenced to life imprisonment for the “grave suspicion of heresy.” His crime? A simple fact of reality that his telescope helped confirm--the earth moves around the sun.

Forced to sign a recantation in public, in private Galileo would not compromise with the truth. As he arose from signing the document, it is alleged he muttered to his companion, “And yet . . . it moves!” Davies and The Times do a disservice to the spirit of Galileo by suggesting any compromise with reality.

RUSSELL DVONCH

North Hollywood

* I am very delighted to see that Davies has been awarded this most prestigious prize. As a Christian author and earth scientist, I also take issue with theologians who insist on teaching a literal interpretation of Scripture. My research has shown that when science and the Bible are accepted objectively, the discrepancies vanish without compromising a perfect God. Much of the scientific community now realize they can explain nothing without bringing God back into the picture.

It is now time for theologians everywhere who have emphasized the inerrancy of Scripture, to put this emphasis on teaching a spiritual oneness with God and love for all humankind.

GEORGE ERICH

Norwalk