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However, there seems to be the notion among many people that the one [methodological naturalism -- the procedures of science] inevitably leads to the other [metaphysical naturalism -- the philosophy which denies the existence of spiritual phenomena]. This may be true in some cases but it is not necessarily true in general.

As an example showing that one wouldn't generally lead to the other, consider a plumber. All day, as he practices his honorable trade, he deals with pipes and joints and such. Nothing spiritual is involved, by which I mean that there is no parts bin in his truck labeled "spirit." The plumber spends his entire working life dealing only with material objects, which objects are sufficient for the accomplishment of his plumbing tasks. Yet I have never known one to be so impressed by the material nature of his work that he will one day toss his wrenches into the air and declare that there are no gods.