Importance of Co-existence Between Science and Religion in the Victorian Era

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Religion and Science in Victorian Era
The Christian values and doctrines influenced major actions during the Victorian era. Notably, religion was vital in pervading the social, political, and economic lives of the people. Also, it was during the period that major scientific advancements occurred. Some of the major scientific events include Darwinian theories on origin of species. The interest in religion was affirmed by the doctrinal pursuits among many scholars (Pelčić et al. 516). While historical documentation of the clash between religion and science exists, nowhere has the class been best captured than in literature. Bran Stocker's Dracula provides a concise description of the clash between the two domains in the Victorian area, indicating that class is not a new thing in human history. Through Dracula, it can be argued that religion and science are supposed to co-exist instead of working against each other in solving strange and detrimental occurrences in life. Thus, the current paper relies on Dracula to show the importance of co-existence between science and religion in the Victorian Era.
Science vs. Religion
            Science refers to an intellectual and practical ability involving the systematic study of phenomena or structures of the natural and physical environment through experimentation and observation. On the other hand, religion refers to the belief in supernatural beings, including a Supreme Being responsible for the creation and preservation of life and the universe. A similarity between science and religion is that they both strive to explain things or occurrences or processes that may appear new or unfamiliar, such as the world's origin and life. However, the two domains differ because religion on believing (faith), science relies on the establishment of valuable facts.
Historically, science and religion have provided different world views through which the natural, physical, and spiritual phenomenon can be explained. The supernatural horror presented the third path to disrupt the typical narratives of the 19^th century’s faith crisis (Sanders 79). The purpose of the third path was to disrupt the social and economic order of the day (Franklin); by challenging the long-held religious beliefs and the emerging power of science in the Victorian era. Thus, the need for the co-existence of science and religion plays a crucial role in shaping the characters in Dracula, particularly the methods they utilize to kill the creature.
The Shaping of Characters: Belief vs. Rationality
            While it would be expected that the clash between science and the spiritual world would create antagonism between proponents of each domain, especially in a conservative society like the Victorian Era, Van Helsing defies these boundaries. In Dracula, Van Helsing is an old scientist who provides experience and insight to the group trying to capture Dracula. As a modern scientist and an ardent Christian, and having done his homework on vampires, the old scientist understands that scientific methods a...