The Religious Orientations of American Natural Scientists

Abstract

One means of understanding the relationship between science and religion in contemporary society is to study those persons who are most fully exposed to both systems-scientists themselves. An assessment of the religious practices and beliefs of a representative sample of American natural scientists indicates that they are neo-orthodox in their religious orientation. This pattern is underscored by a rather dramatic shift from the religious affiliations of their parents. Moreover, there is considerable variation in the religious orientation among scientists. Scientists in applied fields and those working outside of major universities are, in contrast to other scientists, somewhat more orthodox in their religious beliefs and practices. It is frequently assumed that in the United States the conflicts between science and religion have lessened in recent decades. But actually we know little about how a modus vivendi (if such can be said to exist) between these two systems of thought has been achieved.1 Some writers speculate that a rapprochement has taken place; others argue that fundamental differences between science and religion remain and that the only way to avoid conflict is to insulate the two systems from one another. One means of understanding the interrelationship between science and religion in contemporary society is to study those persons who are most fully exposed to the norms and values of both systems-scientists themselves. Our main problem herein is to determine just what is the religious orientation of natural scientists in America. Specifically, we shall inquire about the scientists' church membership and attendance patterns, certain religious beliefs and ideas, and the nature of their religious affiliations (including some of the shifts these have undergone). In addition, we examine the variations among scientists by age, occupational grouping, type of employer, and amount of education.