Why do people ask science based questions in the Religion and Spirituality section?

[PhysicsGirl]

Can someone explain why someone would ask a science based question, such as "what is the evidence for the big bang?" in the religions section? It seems to me, that if someone was truly interested in the answer to that question they would ask it in the physics or astronomy question. So if they aren't interested in the answer to their question, why are they asking it?

This seems especially baffling to me because it appears that most of the people who ask these questions already have their minds made up with regards to the answer. Often it appears that the answer they think science has is completely different from the actual answer.
A few responses:

"because both religion and science ultimately have the same goal - to explain existence in terms of why and how we came to be in the state we are in and how to go about living our lives to best benefit ourselves and our community"

I disagree and I feel this viewpoint is part of why there is conflict. Science explains how things work. It's a method, not a philosophy. How we should live and what we should do with the information is a question for religion or philosophy. Religion/philosophy answers why questions, not how.

"Because some scientific issues are in direct conflict with (or potentially supportive of) the bible and/or religious beliefs. That makes them appropriate for this section."

But I wasn't refering to questions like, "How do I reconcile the evidence for the big bang with Genesis?" I was specifically refering to questions with an entirely science based context. I believe the above question is entirely appropriate for this section!

[Axl]

Because the worlds of religion and Science are no doubt in great conflict nowadays. Some people want to settle their internal scientific/religious conflicts by either siding with one of them or maintaining a balance within the two. To do so, it takes a great weighing of knowledge, facts and opinions, all which can be found in the Y!Q&A Religion & Spirituality section. Others ask science based questions because they already settled on their beliefs and are curious of the opinions of fundamentalists and other religious people. Others just do it to tick them off.

IMO, science and religion don't really clash. I believe in the theories of evolution, and maybe the Big Bang, but I believe a being far superior to all that is physical was the architect who designed the course of the universe's history. It's the perfect harmony between science and religion. The Bible is more like a book of morals and metaphors rather than a science book. Go Intelligent Design!

[TexasTemptress]

Excellent observation.

In many cases the questions asked about evolution only call attention to the ignorance of the person asking. Myself, included.

[Ralphy]

I agree questions about evolution should be asked in the science section.....

Biblical creationism can be asked here....