"In the interest of reconciling science and faith, a helpful distinction would be to say that science deals with things and religion deals with words," the Rev. Henry Brinton, pastor of Fairfax Presbyterian Church in Virginia, writes in yesterday's USA Today. "When scientists perform their experiments, they are making measurements of the physical properties of things, and no words are allowed to change the results of their research. When religious people use words, on the other hand, they are attempting to create new realities by expressing their understandings, experiences and deepest convictions. There is nothing empty or cheap about religious words used well. In fact, they can influence numerous lives and change the course of history."