It's important to clarify that scientific discoveries are not typically "proven wrong" by religion. Science and religion are different domains of knowledge that often address different questions and use different methodologies. While conflicts between certain scientific findings and religious beliefs can arise, it is more accurate to say that religious perspectives may sometimes differ from scientific explanations or interpretations.
Religion often deals with matters of faith, morality, and spirituality, while science focuses on understanding the natural world through empirical observation, experimentation, and evidence-based reasoning. Scientific discoveries are typically subject to scrutiny, peer review, and revision based on new evidence, while religious beliefs tend to rely on faith, tradition, and scripture.
That being said, in the past, certain scientific discoveries or theories were initially met with resistance or skepticism from religious authorities or institutions due to conflicts with prevailing religious beliefs or interpretations. Examples include:
Heliocentrism: The theory proposed by Nicolaus Copernicus in the 16th century that the Earth revolves around the Sun challenged the prevailing geocentric model supported by the Catholic Church. Galileo Galilei faced opposition from the Church for his support of heliocentrism.
Evolution: Charles Darwin's theory of evolution through natural selection, which explains the diversity of life on Earth, faced criticism from religious groups that interpreted creation stories literally. This conflict continues to some extent in certain religious communities today.
Geology and the age of the Earth: In the 19th century, scientific findings in geology suggested an Earth much older than the biblical account of a few thousand years. This conflicted with some religious interpretations of the age of the Earth.
Human origins: The scientific understanding of human evolution, including common ancestry with other primates, has clashed with certain religious creationist beliefs that advocate a literal interpretation of religious texts.
It's important to note that while conflicts between science and religion have occurred in the past, many religious groups and individuals have found ways to reconcile their faith with scientific discoveries. Numerous scientists hold religious beliefs and see no inherent conflict between the two realms. The relationship between science and religion can vary widely and often depends on the specific religious tradition and the interpretation of its texts.