there is religion and Religion? And science is no friend to atheism, as some Scientists wish, because atheism belongs in the realm of Science (atheism is unstable anyway - to have such a belief may mean ignoring evidence from religion). So setting aside the dubious assertion that religion is irrational, a belief that Science can solve everything and tell us the ultimate answer is equally irrational ? Prof. Bernard d'Espagnat's Templeton Prize address on quantum physics and a spiritual dimension of existence seems relevant and contrasts some forms of "indoctrinating" spirituality (from Religion) which should be brushed aside . Although QP cannot get at ultimate questions it has revealed a holism in the universe from it's strange properties. And are there other paths to Truth if there is spirituality, along the lines of d'Espagnat's discussion? If one is a "Scientific Mystic" then one is often driven during public debates (down the pub, on Cif, newsnight etc.) into holding a position that effectively states that other claims to rational thinking, evidence-based reasoning, Truth are not as valid as one's own. The other (more often than not religious) positions challenge what the Scientific Mystic values and s/he backs herself up the only was s/he knows how: with neutral science. Thus, only science - the Scientific Mystic's view of it in particular - is the way, the truth and the light.* So according to you, holding the obvious position that you can't possibly "know" things without using rational enquiry and observation makes you