Susan: It seems to me that much of this pontificating could have been avoided if you had defined what you mean by religion. You did not do so; you left the field wide open for all these guys to have fun.

I, broadly, cast my vote for science AND religion - whatever that is - based on the idea that each has a place. Most humans (probably all, by the broad definitions of religion given herein), regardless of their view of religion, have some form of "religion" even as they participate in work/research which is clearly and honestly absolute science.

Using the broad definitions of "religion" given in this thread and the most absolute definition of science, there is a meeting place for most if not all people - a place where the two intersect. For those who have that intersection, wherever it may be, it is a positive for each individual. I refuse to bend my mind around anything more specific than that.

"this is my simple religion. there is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness."
hh dalai lama