Science vs Religion: What scientists really think.

by Matt Slick

Science and Religion are often portrayed as incompatible belief systems.  The former is based on testing, logic, and materialism where knowledge about the universe is sought through observation, experimentation, and theorization.  The latter is a diverse cacophony of gods, goddesses, pantheism, deism, and theism as varied as there are different people groups and cultures around the world.  But according to the Washington Post that reviewed the book "Science vs. Religion:  What Scientists Really Think" by Elaine Ecklund, science and religion aren't that incompatible.  The author, Elaine Ecklund, surveyed almost 1700 scientists at "elite American research universities." The conclusions were surprising.  There were 275 follow-up interviews with the scientists which revealed that many of them have religious beliefs and that they have to be careful how they voice their beliefs in their scientific circles.  According to the Washington Post's review, "fully half of those top scientists are religious."  Only five of the 275 interviewees actively oppose religion.  That means that less than 2% of those interviewees opposed religion.  This is an encouraging sign, especially in a media based culture that seems to degrade religious beliefs on a regular basis.