“The idea that philosophy and science can be combined to give us the best possible knowledge about the world and how to act within it is an old one, encapsulated in the classic concept of scientia, Latin word meaning knowledge” (Pigliucci 6). In the book Cat's Cradle the main topic of debate is clearly science versus religion. In many ways these two topics are very different, but in others they are quite similar. Both science and religion have a common goal: to find the truth in the world. The main character of Cat's Cradle is a man named John. At the beginning of the book, John is a Christian who is researching Felix Hoenikker, the creator of the atomic bomb. His attempt to learn the science behind the bomb leads him to a religion called Bokononism. In this book, Bokononism is not like other religions. It's more of a mindset that tries to explain the world and why inexplicable things happen. John's gradual transition from Christianity, a religion that aims to reach heaven, to Bokononism, a mindset that strives to explain the world and gain knowledge about it, is a perfect example of how religion or science alone does not provide knowledge. Scientists and religious experts try to explain the world in different ways. Scientists try to explain life with true facts, and religious people believe that there is a supernatural force that assigns purpose to everyone's life. Even though they are different, both groups try to explain the world and give purpose to their lives. Religion is an important topic that is discussed frequently in Cat's Cradle. The whole point of Vonnegut writing this book is to compare science with religion. In this book there is a religion called Bokononism, which is a religion...... middle of paper...... used by all people to try to explain the world. Some people believe that science explains life with true facts, while others believe in a supernatural god who created the world and all life in it. Regardless, people use these ideas to explain why they are here on this earth and what their purpose is. Works Cited Marvin, Thomas F. Kurt Vonnegut: A Critical Companion: Westport: Greenwood Press, 2002.questiaschool.com. Network. 21.2014.Pigliucci, Massimo. Answers for Aristotle. New York: Basic Books, 2012. Print.Shmoop Editorial Team. Cat's cradle religion theme. Shmoop.com. Shmoop University, Inc. November 11, 2008. Web. April 23, 2014. Vonnegut, Kurt. The cat's cradle. New York: Dial Press Trade Papers, 2010. Print.Wharton, David M. Dubious Truths: An Examination of Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle. strangehorizons.com. March 24, 2013. Web. April 23. 2014