Science and religion
What Science and religion means in Religious Studies GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Science and religion
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Science and religion in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
The relationship between scientific explanations and religious beliefs, which many believers harmonise by seeing the Big Bang and evolution as mechanisms chosen by God, showing they can be complementary.
The relationship between scientific theories such as the Big Bang and religious creation narratives, which many liberal Christians accept as the mechanism God used.
Contrasted as empirical, evidence-based and faith-based respectively, highlighting different epistemological approaches.
The relationship between scientific views and religious views, which some see as conflict and others as compatibility.
Examining how scientific and religious viewpoints interact, whether they conflict, coexist, or complement each other.
The relationship between scientific views, such as evolution, and religious views.
Topics that use Science and religion
- Theme B: Religion and life (AQA GCSE)
- Theme C: The existence of God and revelation (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Christianity in Britain
- Origins of the universe
- Afterlife and judgement
- Ahimsa
- Ahimsa (non-violence)
- Atheism
- Authority of scripture
- Awe and wonder
Using Science and religion in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Religious Studies questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge