RELEVANCE OF RELIGION IN THE ERA OF SCIENCE: A PRAGMETIC

PERSPECTIVE

 

Aitufe Veronica Okpohowunwa

Dr., Mrs., Religious management and cultural studies, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State Nigeria,

E-mail: pastoraitufe99@gmail.com

 

Abstract

This appraises the relevance of religion in this era of science preference. Its focus is to identify and emphasize the positive roles of religion which are catalyst to human and societal growth and development. A mult-dimensional approach to research which include historical, descriptive, analytical and evaluative in addition to secondary sources were adopted. This paper is evaluated using the philosophical theory of pragmatism as the theoretical framework. Thus, the study is examined under four broad headings: the negative effects of science, the place of religion, why the adopted policy of 60:40 ratios in favour of science based disciplines must be reversed and the evaluation of the paper using the theoretical framework of pragmatism. The paper discovers that Nigeria can only achieve appropriate, appreciable and balanced development if the adopted policy of 60:40 ratios is abolished. The paper concludes that because Nigeria is pluralistic in nature in terms of her ethnic groups and culture, religion is a potent force that cannot be ignored or abandoned in her pursuit of development, unity, integration and peace. Therefore, it recommends that because of the unique roles of science and religion in national development, both should be given equal opportunities in the areas of admission into higher institution and employment.  

Keywords: Era, Pragmatism, Relevance, Religion and Science