by Aaron Earls
Most Americans believe religion and science contradict each other. However, highly religious Americans are less likely than others to see a conflict between faith and science, according to a new study from Pew Research.
Almost 6 in 10 Americans (59 percent) say, in general, science and religion are often in conflict. But break those numbers down and you’ll see a significant shift in attitude between the most religious and least religious.
Among the religiously unaffiliated, 76 percent believe religion and science are in conflict. However, only 50 percent of Americans who attend religious services at least weekly agree science and religion are often in conflict.
White evangelicals and Hispanic Catholics are the religious groups least likely to believe a conflict exists. Less than half of each group (45 percent) agrees religion and science are often at odds.
Personal Religious Beliefs and Science
For most Americans (68 percent) personal religious beliefs don’t conflict with science. The Pew study found when Americans consider their own religious views, a minority (30 percent) say science sometimes conflicts with their personal religious beliefs. For the religiously affiliated, the number edges up slightly to 34 percent.
“Our perceptions of others are often different than our perceptions of ourselves and this plays out here,” Cary Funk, associate director for science research at Pew and coauthor of this study, told RNS. “It’s the most striking finding.”
For those who believe their own faith is in conflict with science, Pew asked them where they felt the disagreement exists. More than a third (36 percent) say there is a conflict over evolution and the creation of the universe.
Almost a quarter point to general ideas like the existence of God or miracles. While others cite a conflict between science and their own religious beliefs on abortion and the beginning of life.
The Role of Church in Science Policy Debates
The general public is closely divided in its views about the role of religious organizations in scientific policy debates (climate change, genetic modification, animal testing, etc.). Overall, half of adults say churches should express their views on policy decisions about scientific issues, while 46% say churches should keep out of such matters.
White evangelical Protestants and black Protestants are more inclined than people in other major religious groups to say churches should express their views on such topics. A majority of those with no religious affiliation say churches should keep out of science policy debates.
Recent polling by Lifeway Research finds Americans, even the nonreligious, see evidence for a Creator in the universe.
In the past, Christians have opposed scientific exploration in areas like human cloning.
AARON EARLS (@WardrobeDoor) is online editor of Facts & Trends.
