I know this whole thread qualifies as SPAM (those who disagree, please 
see the FAQ, under "BEATING A DEAD HORSE"), but....

   Any relation between magic, science and faith is purely up to
 the author.  For the most part, the many systems I've seen in
 fiction and gaming can be broken down into four categories:

   1)Semantics.  There is no difference.  Magic, faith and science
 are all just different names for the process by which one exerts
 one's will on the surrounding universe.  See the RPG MAGE for an
 explanation of this viewpoint.

   2)Total independence.  Magic and science have no correlation at
 all, and there is nothing, except the learning curve, to prevent
 anyone from mastering both.  In some cases, one may be more
 efficient than the other for certain tasks, and thus the two
 are developed in parallel.
 See the MYTH series, by Robert Lynn Aspirin, for this approach.

   3)Competetive.  Although magic and science operate on totally
 different means, the development of one is likely to retard the
 development of the other, simply because once one gets the
 advantage, it will be more efficient in day-to-day life.
 Check out the TORG RPG for this approach.

   4)Interdependent.  What one gains, the other loses.  The two
 views are so contradictory that any advancement in one forces a
 weakening in the other.


  I'm sure there are more, and I'd love to hear anyone's theories,
 but please, let's move this to private e-mail, 'kay?

--Freemage


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