We must not confuse religion with God, or technology with science. Religion stands in relationship to God as technology does in relation to science. Both the conduct of religion and the pursuit of technology are capable of leading mankind into evil; but both can prompt great good.

Robert Winston’s quote, "We must not confuse religion with God, or technology with science," explores the distinction between the tools or systems humans create and the deeper, more universal truths they seek to understand. Winston warns against equating religion—as a human institution or set of practices—with God, or technology with the broader field of science. The core idea is that while religion and technology can be powerful forces, they are only vessels through which humans attempt to connect with divine or natural laws, not the ends themselves.

Winston goes on to explain that religion and technology, like science, have the potential to produce both good and evil outcomes. He notes that just as science can be used for the benefit of humanity (such as advancing medicine or solving environmental issues), it can also be misused, leading to harm or destruction (e.g., nuclear weapons). Similarly, religion, which is meant to guide people toward goodness and spiritual growth, can sometimes become a tool of oppression or conflict. Both religion and technology, in this view, are not inherently good or evil—they depend on how they are used by human beings.

The metaphor Winston draws—comparing religion's relationship to God with technology's relationship to science—highlights the idea that both are human constructs that help us navigate larger, more complex truths. Science is a systematic pursuit of understanding nature, and technology is the application of that understanding. In a similar way, religion serves as an attempt to understand spiritual truths and divine forces, while the concept of God transcends any one specific religious tradition or practice.

The origin of this quote is rooted in Winston’s background as a leading scientist and public figure who often bridges the gap between science and ethics. His work, especially in areas like genetics and medical research, is marked by a deep concern for the moral implications of technological advancement. In this quote, Winston calls for a balanced view of both religion and science, urging us to recognize their potential for both positive and negative impacts, depending on how they are applied in the service of humanity.