Sir Isaac Newton, Christian scientist - by Godfrey Kneller

A recent study conducted by a sociologist at Rice indicates that only 15 percent of all scientists operating at high levels in the research community view science and religion as “always in conflict.” Another 15 percent see the two as “never in conflict” while 70 percent see them as “sometimes in conflict.”

The survey showed that approximately half of all scientists hold some sort of religious views, while the other half are atheists. Even among atheists, however, it was common to find respect for their believing colleagues. One scientist surveyed, an atheist who is also a college level teacher, said she makes a serious effort to present topics to her students in ways that allow them to avoid conflict with their religious identity.

Regardless of the scientists’ views on religion however, nearly 100 percent of them did not approve of teaching “intelligent design” in public schools.

In a recent interview with The European, Rolf-Dieter Heuer, director of the European Organization for Nuclear Research said, “Since we are struggling with the limits of knowledge, maybe philosophy or theology struggle also with our research. I think it is important that we open a constructive dialogue. We are currently planning seminars and workshops to do exactly that. My hope is that we can reach a common understanding of what we are talking about.”

The compatibility of science and religion should come as no surprise to Christians, who have acted at the forefront of scientific discovery for centuries. In a commentary on a recent study that claimed to have proven lower IQs among Christian teens, DailyCristo presented a partial list of remarkable scientists who were or who are Christians. Readers interested in the topic may wish to examine the list here.

It stands to reason that there would be no true conflict between science and religion. In their purest forms, undiluted by politics or personal agendas, both fields represent valid avenues for pursuit of exactly the same goal: knowledge of the truth (or Truth, as the case may be).