Science is the winner because Scientists invent things to mostly improve people's lives while religious leaders take $ and spend it on fancy things the Scientists invent.

The two systems are, at their core, antithetical. Religion has been forced to continuously adapt, reinventing its narrative in order to accommodate scientific understanding. Consider how many so-called truths, once explained by religion, which science has rewritten. And while there may be room in the mind of the religionist for scientific facts, there exists no place in science for religious faith, dogma or doctrine. I have come to the same conclusion arrived at by the 19th Century's "Great Agnostic," Robert Green Ingersoll, who noted:
"There is an 'irrepressible conflict' between religion and science, and they cannot peaceably occupy the same brain nor the same world."
“There is no harmony between religion and science. When science was a child, religion sought to strangle it in the cradle. Now that science has attained its youth, and superstition is in its dotage, the trembling palsied wreck says to the athlete: 'Let us be friends.' It reminds me of the bargain the cock wished to make with the horse: 'Let us agree not to step on each other’s feet.'"
"To really reform the church is to destroy it. Every new religion has a little less superstition than the old, so that the religion of Science is but a question of time."

There are those who accept/believe science can offer explanations for religion. And the two are one in the same. To separate the two would be like separating wet from water.

I guess I don't mean 'will it ever happen' so much as 'is there a conceivable, rational, philosophical path, regardless of the relative likehood of it ever being adopted. Clear as mud?

religion - or perhaps more accurately, faith - is that which we do not know. Consider. Early man heard thunder and saw lighting - but did not understand it. it became 'the gods are angry". We learned later what thunder and lightning were - science. We didn't understand space - oh.. thats where god lives. Now we know (or have a really good idea) whats up there. Lets talk small.. we didn't understand what made us sick.. its gods will. now we can see at the subatomic level, manipulate genes, etc. science again.

I don't think it will be a battle to the death but I'm sure it will be a struggle. It will also take time, lots of time, so not in mine or my grandkids' lifetime.

Science has progressed since the inception of religion. It will probably continue. I can imagine a path to peace between religion and science; however, there will always be those who prefer a battle to the death.

How can you reason with a person that believes that there is a man in the sky sitting on a comfy recliner, surrounded by angels playing harp, watching our every move and taking notes? Nah I do not see it happening.

The only means that I can see as it is with any relationship...is compromise.

Proven science, is not up for negotiation. Scientific theory is.

Religion is all mythology that is perhaps based on actual events and stretched out of proportion, and perhaps the basis for a metaphorical meaning and theory. The compromise would be for the religious to accept it and project it as such.

I don't see that happening anytime soon.

I find it fascinating that there are some religious people who see no conflict between science and religion-Lord Robert Winston for example believes scientific discoveries are made as God wants us to discover more about ourselves and the Universe,if more religious people thought this way perhaps there would be less conflict. I've come to the conclusion that any beliefs we hold are closely allied to our own perceived identity which is why some people see questioning of their beliefs as a personal attack on them (or at least their perceived identity) and will therefore fight,die and even kill for those beliefs.Of course beliefs are shaped by those around us and as a social animal, our need to "fit in" or at least be accepted for who we are.

If religious people can find their way to questioning their beliefs to then become atheist as many on this site have then there is hope that there won't be an ensuing battle but a huge sigh of relief.

Battle to the death.

Only when religion accepts evolution, and only when science accepts that there's more to the universe than protons, neutrons and electrons.