The Relationship between Science and Christianity

Abstract

Abstract How should we conceive of the relationship between science and religion? We often think of this as a theoretical question, pondered in the dispassionate halls of academia. However, the way in which we conceptualize this relationship in the public sphere also impacts the working lives of scientists, as well as the lived experience of laypeople and the concrete decisions they make. The author of this chapter argues that American lay Christians, as well as American laypeople more generally, view the relationship between science and religion as one of conflict. By contrast, conflict is a minority view in the academic literature on science and religion, where most authors defend a harmonious relationship (such as independence, dialogue, and integration). The author places the conflict view in a historical and contemporary sociological context and argues that the disconnect between the academic literature and public perception should lead us to reflect on the social role of the science and religion debate.