ABSTRACT
Critical realism accepts the pluralist predicament without adopting a sceptical, relativist, or exclusivist conclusion. By looking at the roles of models and paradigms in the growth of knowledge, it is possible to see similarities in the use of models in both science and religion which allows for a degree of freedom to explore interpretations of our experience of the world, within the context of a public external reality. The role of models and paradigms within scientific and religious epistemologies is more concrete and gives rise to more pertinent and colourful possibilities relevant to the student. All religions rely heavily on the use of metaphors and models as well as myths, parables, and allegories, to convey their essential message. Science and religion have usually been seen as alternative approaches to understanding reality, increasingly, are perceived as interacting and even complementary approaches. The criterion of fertility is an interesting one for models in religion.
