A new study suggests the general idea that science and religion are not compatible stunts progress.
"We found that nearly 50 percent of evangelicals believe that science and religion can work together and support one another," Elaine Howard Ecklund said in a Rice University news release. "That's in contrast to the fact that only 38 percent of Americans feel that science and religion can work in collaboration."
The team found 18 percent of sciences attended religious services consistently; about 20 percent of the general population attends weekly services. Fifteen percent of these scientists considered themselves "very religious" (compared with 19 percent of the general population).
"This is a hopeful message for science policymakers and educators, because the two groups don't have to approach religion with an attitude of combat," Ecklund said. "Rather, they should approach it with collaboration in mind."
The researcher believes the media has a large influence on the way science and religion is perceived by society.
"Most of what you see in the news are stories about these two groups at odds over the controversial issues, like teaching creationism in the schools. And the pundits and news panelists are likely the most strident representatives for each group," Ecklund said. "It might not be as riveting for television, but consider how often you see a news story about these groups doing things for their common good. There is enormous stereotyping about this issue and not very good information."
The study found evangelical scientists were more likely to practice religion than evangelical Protestants in the general population.
"Those scientists who identify as evangelical are more religious than regular American evangelicals who are not in science," Ecklund said.
"Evangelical scientists feel that they've been put under pressure or they find themselves in what they view to be more hostile environments," she said. "They potentially see themselves as more religious, because they're seeing the contrast between the two groups all the time."
