Religion vs. Science: What Religious People Really Think
Elaine Howard Ecklund and Christopher P. Scheitle
Abstract
Religion vs. Science: What Religious People Really Think busts today’s common myths about science and religion. It reveals several interesting and perhaps surprising realities. The book shows that religious people love much of science. They perceive conflicts only with the forms of science that seem to have implications for God’s role in the world and the value and sacredness of humans. Yet, they are often suspicious of scientists, thinking that scientists generally do not like religious people. Many religious people claim to be young-earth creationists, but they are actually much more open to ... More
Religion vs. Science: What Religious People Really Think busts today’s common myths about science and religion. It reveals several interesting and perhaps surprising realities. The book shows that religious people love much of science. They perceive conflicts only with the forms of science that seem to have implications for God’s role in the world and the value and sacredness of humans. Yet, they are often suspicious of scientists, thinking that scientists generally do not like religious people. Many religious people claim to be young-earth creationists, but they are actually much more open to evolution than this initial label might suggest. Not all religious people deny that the climate is changing, and that it is changing because of humans. And political views more than religious views are really the best predictor of what Americans think about climate change. Further, religious people want to support the environment, as long as love for the environment does not replace love of people. Finally, religious people are supportive of technological advancements, including typically controversial ideas like reproductive genetic technologies and human embryonic stem-cell research, but they want scientists to reflect more on the moral implications of their work. The book ends with practical suggestions and ideas for collaboration among all individuals and communities.
Keywords:
religion,
science,
scientist,
evolution,
creationism,
climate change,
reproductive genetic technology,
stem-cell research,
Francis Collins,
Richard Dawkins
Bibliographic Information
| Print publication date: 2018 |
Print ISBN-13: 9780190650629 |
| Published to Oxford Scholarship Online: September 2017 |
DOI:10.1093/oso/9780190650629.001.0001 |
Authors
Affiliations are at time of print publication.
Elaine Howard Ecklund, author
Herbert S. Autrey Chair in Social Sciences, Professor of Sociology, Rice University
Christopher P. Scheitle, author
Assistant Professor of Sociology, West Virginia University
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