[Sopater]

The one from the dictionary you cite been the definition for the 40 years I've been a scientist.

Webster seems to be defining NATURAL SCIENCE as a subset of SCIENCE, notice that the definition of NATURAL SCIENCE takes you to a new definition. Strangely enough, that definition says absolutely nothing about requiring the data to be interpreted within any one philisophical framework. Therefore, why would any scientist want to restrict the framework in which objectively measureable evidence can be interpreted?

[Dimensio]

Therefore, why would any scientist want to restrict the framework in which objectively measureable evidence can be interpreted?

How would supernatural "evidence" be objectively observed and measured? How would a scientist even discern between natural and supernatural observations?

[Rudder]

...the definition says absolutely nothing about requiring the data to be interpreted within any one philisophical framework. Therefore, why would any scientist want to restrict the framework in which objectively measureable evidence can be interpreted?

The interpretation of empirical data is up for grabs, i.e., any given scientist can interpret the data anyway he wants. The limitation is imposed not upon the interpretation (save for the obstacles of peer-review) but upon what qualifies as data. The usual qualifier is that data must be observable and empricially obtained. Hence, owing to the unobservable aspects of the creator or "spirits" science has placed the supernatural off-limits.

[Coyoteman]

Therefore, why would any scientist want to restrict the framework in which objectively measureable evidence can be interpreted?

If you can't measure it, is it science? Or is it conjecture, divine revelation, astrology, tarot cards, superstition and/or opinion?

Really, what would you have scientists do? Come into your church and examine your belief system (which presumably is not restricted to objectively measurable evidence)?

Any objection to leaving the two fields separate and going about our merry ways?