Many Religions, One Science

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Unlike religious fraud, scientific fraud is rare. The reason for this pleasant fact is that scientific claims are testable by other scientists, whereas religious claims is not testable by other religionists. The historical result of this verity is that nowadays there are ten thousand religions but only one science.

There was a rare example of scientific fraud in the news recently. Seems some South Korean researcher claimed some sort of breakthrough regarding his study of stem cells. Fellow scientists could not replicate his claims and today he confessed to having cheated. What was he thinking?!

As I sit here with my leg elevated in order to reduce the arterial pressure in the veins of my poor swollen right leg I wonder. But I am comforted knowing that the treatment prescribed by Kaiser Permanente (et al) is the best possible approach to my recovery. I am free from the nagging notion that I might be following the wrong science and that my chances of survival might be minimized as a result. I am free from major doubt.

True, I may have reservations concerning particular persons who were involved in the diagnosis and treatment of my illness, that much may be true. But I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever in the medical theories which suggest the current treatment. Furthermore I have no doubt in the real people who are assisting me through this illness.

From the technician who sticks a needle in my arm every two or three days to the disembodied (but charming) voice on the telephone advising me of the results, and all those in between, I am grateful. I know that we are all members of the Same True Religion.