Science vs. religion; should one trump the other?

I usually try to focus on entertaining posts when I point readers to other blogs.  But I just read two very interesting pieces (here and here) that Orac has written about the ethically thorny situation that has recently arisen in the wake of the tragic brain death of a 12-y.o. Orthodox Jewish boy, and I feel compelled to suggest in the strongest terms that you go read them, as well as the linked articles he's provided.  Read the comments, too.

How to reconcile science and religious beliefs when they come into conflict has always been problematic for those of us who see things in shades of gray.  I know where I stand on the issue, and what I believe to be true, but I also know that I could be wrong.  My "answers", such as they are, might not work for you, just as yours might not work for me.  Recall if you will the adage: Your rights end where my nose begins.  What happens when those rights come into conflict?  And who decides?  If there are extant laws, or even legal precedent, the issue might be settled on that basis . . . but what if acting in accordance with the law violates a person's core beliefs?

I am very glad that I will not be the one who has to make the final decision in this case....

Oh, and just for the record:

 * if my brain stem no longer shows demonstrable electrical activity;

 * if my body requires external assistance to continue to function;

or

 * if I am (in the common parlance) a vegetable due to the (probable) irrevocable cessation of my higher brain functions . . .

Then I am dead.  I do not wish to be kept on extended "life support" as that is not life!  I do wish to have any transplantable organs harvested, and to that end temporary mechanical and/or chemical maintenance would be acceptable.  Otherwise, schlep my corpse off to the morgue and be done with it! 

Just in case anyone's interested.