Neil Postman, in "The Second Enlightenment: From the 18th to the 21st Century," warns against interpreting science or scripture as absolute truths. He argues that viewing these fields in this way diminishes their promises and potential, reducing them to mere tools of oppression or despair. When science becomes a form of technological enslavement and scriptures lead to conflict, the hope associated with them is eroded, leaving society in a state of disillusionment.

This loss of hope, according to Postman, has far-reaching consequences. Historical atrocities, such as the Inquisition and the Holocaust, exemplify how rigid interpretations of truth can lead to destruction and suffering. He emphasizes that when people cling too tightly to definitive truths, they may lose sight of the possibility for renewal and a more hopeful future. Thus, a more nuanced understanding of truth in science and scripture is essential for fostering hope and progress.