Religion and Science
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| An Overview of Religion and Science in the United States |
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The relationship between faith and science in the United States seems, at least on the surface, to be paradoxical. Surveys repeatedly show that most Americans respect science and the benefits it brings to society. But strong religious convictions can affect some Americans' willingness to accept certain scientific theories and discoveries. |
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Public Opinion on Religion and Science in the U.S. Views on science, scientists, evolution and related issues. |
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Scientists and Belief In general, scientists are much less religious than the general public. |
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Religion and Science Timeline A history of the relationship between religion and science in the West. |
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Religion and Science: Conflict or Harmony? An event transcript featuring biologist Francis Collins. |
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How Our Brains Are Wired for Belief A discussion featuring columnist David Brooks and radiologist Andrew Newberg. |
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The Debate Over Evolution 150 years after the publication of Darwin's On the Origin of Species, Americans are still fighting over evolution. |
Go to the Bioethics issue page »
More Resources
Q&A
The Evidence for Belief: An Interview With Francis Collins
April 17, 2008
For Francis Collins, head of the Human Genome Project and an
evangelical Christian, scientific knowledge complements rather than
contradicts belief in God.
Report
Science in America: Religious Beliefs and Public Attitudes
Dec. 18, 2007
Survey data shows that while large majorities of Americans respect
science and scientists, they are not always willing to accept
scientific findings that squarely contradict their religious beliefs.
Report
How the Public Resolves Conflicts Between Faith and Science
Aug. 27, 2007
An analysis by Pew Forum Senior Research Fellow David Masci finds that
religious convictions limit many Americans' willingness to accept
controversial scientific theories as well as certain types of
scientific research, such as the potential use of embryonic stem cells
for medical treatments.
Q&A
Federal Court Sends Back Georgia Evolution Sticker Case
May 26, 2006
A short Q&A with Pew Forum Senior Research Fellow David Masci
examines a federal appeals court decision to send back a lower court's
ruling on an evolution disclaimer in Cobb County, Ga.
Survey
Many Americans Uneasy With Mix of Religion and Politics
Aug. 24, 2006
An August 2006 survey by the Pew Forum found that the issue of
evolution and the origins of life remains highly divisive. The views of
white evangelical Protestants are very different from those of other
groups, with a majority of this group (65%) rejecting the notion that
humans and other living things have evolved over time and espousing the
view that life has existed in its present form since the beginning of
time.
Event
The Biology Wars: The Religion, Science and Education Controversy
Dec. 5, 2005
At a conference held by the Pew Forum in December 2005, Edward J.
Larson, Talmadge Chair of Law and Russell Professor of American History
at the University of Georgia, discussed the history of the controversy
over teaching evolution in American public schools, from the watershed Scopes trial to the recent legal battle over intelligent design in Dover, Pa.
Event
Courts, Schools and Intelligent Design
Sept. 22, 2005
In September 2005, the Pew Forum, together with the Federalist Society
and the Constitution Project, held an event to discuss the current
state of the law under the Establishment Clause and panelists'
predictions for a ruling in the case Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District.
Legal Backgrounder
From Darwin to Dover
Sept. 22, 2005
A Pew Forum backgrounder traces the legal history of the evolution
debate and outlines key cases, including a challenge to the teaching of
intelligent design in Dover, Pa.
Survey
Public Divided on Origins of Life
Aug. 30, 2005
This August 2005 survey finds that even though nearly half of Americans
believe that humans evolved over time, substantial majorities of the
public favor adding creationism to the public school curriculum.
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Oct. 28, 2009 Oct. 8, 2009 Sept. 27, 2009
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July 9, 2009 July 2009 April 28, 2008 |
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Pew Forum
News
Pew Research CenterPhoto Credits: Bible and science: iStockPhoto; Galileo Galilei: Getty Images; Charles Darwin: Julia Margaret Cameron; Brain imagery: Courtesy of Dr. Andrew Newberg; Religion and science mosaic: Corbis.
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