Gould's NOMA: Non-Overlapping Magisteria
Stephen Jay Gould proposes NOMA: science and religion occupy non-overlapping magisteria (domains). Science addresses factual questions; religion addresses meaning and value. They can coexist without conflict.
Real World
The Vatican's acceptance of the Big Bang theory and biological evolution — while maintaining Catholic moral teaching — reflects NOMA in practice: scientific cosmology and religious meaning operate in separate lanes.
Exam Focus
Criticise NOMA by arguing religion does make factual claims (resurrection, miracles) — show examiners you can identify the model's internal weakness.
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