Characteristics of Science

1) Scientific inquiry primarily utilizes inductive reasoning, as a method for describing and defining order in the universe. Conclusions (i.e. hypotheses, theories, laws) are based on facts (i.e., verifiable observations) and are therefore testable.

1) Religion primarily involves deductive reasoning. Conclusions are preconceived and based on faith, and are therefore beyond proof.

2) Objectivity. Science typically progresses as an exploration to discover truth: preconceptions should not govern final conclusions.

2) Doctrinal inferences are primarily based on preconceived conclusions. Axiomatic.

3) Scientific inquiry is primarily skeptical. Scientifically derived conclusions are by nature subject to change as new facts and observations either validate or disprove them. Scientifically derived conclusions are verifiable and testable.

3) Basic doctrines are unalterable, and the essence of religion. Faith is not testable, except with axioms.

4) Falsifiability. The validity of scientific conclusions is questionable if the facts on which they are based are false or questionable.

4) Religion is not falsifiable, or God would cease to be God.

5) Positivism. Scientific conclusions are based on rigorous inquiry. Science assumes answers to all questions are attainable through diligent research and exploration.

5) The knowledge of God is accepted by faith, and there is little need for external inquiry. Religion requires acceptance of tenets as they are revealed by God, which makes inquiry of secondary importance.

6) The inductive nature of science allows multiple conclusions with the same set of facts. The most probable conclusion is the one that best explains the facts.

6) Religion typically relies on a singular interpretation of the axioms on which it is based. Each religion ultimately believes that its interpretation of the nature of God is correct.

7) Occam's Razor (developed by the English philosopher, William of Ockham, died ~1349 AD) is a guiding principle for formulating scientific conclusions. Occam’s razor basically states that the most logical conclusion is the simplest, and that assumptions used to explain something should not be multiplied unnecessarily.

7) Complex arguments are typically used to defend doctrinal statements. Religion requires that facts and assumptions that do not support its axioms or conclusions either are cast aside, or bent to fit the "truth".

8) Principles of uniformitarianism and actualism govern the scientific process, which ensure testability and verification.

8) Religious fundamentalism and literalism often require supernatural explanation which is neither testable nor verifiable.