Religion vs. Science: What Religious People Really Think

by Elaine Howard Ecklund, Christopher P. Scheitle

Based on a five year journey to find out what religious Americans think about science, Ecklund and Scheitle tell the real story of the relationship between science and religion in the lives of ordinary citizens. It is a story that is more nuanced and complex than the media and pundits would lead us to believe. As the title of the book suggests, the way religious Americans approach science is shaped by two fundamental questions: What does science mean for the existence and activity of God? and what does science mean for the sacredness of humanity? How these questions play out as individual believers think about science both challenges stereotypes and highlights the real tensions between religion and science. As only good social science can, Religion Vs. Science adds depth and personality to a debate that has remained largely academic and abstract-and thus divorced from the lived experience of real people in the pews.

240 pages, Hardcover

Published October 2, 2017

About the author

Elaine Howard Ecklund is the Herbert S. Autrey Chair in Social Sciences and Professor of Sociology at Rice University, as well as founding director of the Religion and Public Life Program. Her current research addresses how individuals use race, gender, and religious identities to bring changes to religious and scientific institutions. She is the author of dozens of research articles and four books. She has received grants from the National Science Foundation, Russell Sage Foundation, John Templeton Foundation, Templeton World Charity Foundation, and Society for the Scientific Study of Religion. Her research has been cited thousands of times by local, national, and international media. In 2013, she received Rice University's Charles O. Duncan Award for Most Outstanding Academic Achievement and Teaching and in 2018 she will give the Gifford Lecture in Scotland. She has directed over 70 undergraduates in conducting research.

Reviews

[Melinda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Religion vs. Science: What Religious People Really Think by Elaine Howard Ecklund gives some insight to what people who are not theorist or academics. It is interesting to see the answer religious people answer the questions, What does science mean for the existence and activity of God? and what does science mean for the sacredness of humanity? It adds to the discussion and debate information lacking before. It also seems to get rid of the idea that science and religion and God can not coexist. It was compelling reading.

I won a copy thru a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Duane Gosser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not for everyone as it is a serious investigation into the popular belief that all people of faith revile/reject science and that all scientist are cold robotic atheists. The data collected is as good as I have seen on this subject and the conclusions (read this chapter even if you read nothing else) are far from what the media (both sides) would like you to believe.

[Carey Smoak · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thorough treatment on the subject of "religions and science." The author presents the results of a survey of scientists (of all types) from elite universities in the USA. The results are presented in a very unbiased manner. If the topic of "religion and science" interests you then I would highly recommend reading this book.

[Charlie · Rating 1 out of 5]

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[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

As long as the taxpayer is giving them more money these people can spend countless hours "talking" to individuals.

[STEPHEN PLETKO!! · Rating 1 out of 5]

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Did you know that religion and science are best buddies? Praise the (well, you know who)!

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“This is a book for scientists, for religious people, and for those who inhabit both worlds.

It provides insights for each of these groups, while also providing critiques of each group. This book is about the real story of the relationship between science and religion [in the United States and] in the lives of real people—based on data that take us beyond the stereotypes we so regularly hear from the media and pundits.”

The above quote (in italics) comes from this book by Elaine Ecklund and Christopher Scheitle. Ecklund is a sociologist whose research addresses religion in public life. Scheitle is also a sociologist who has examined a variety of issues related to the nature and role of religion in the U.S.

In this book, the authors reveal the results of a comprehensive survey representing a wide range of religious traditions and faith positions. They use this data to check the accuracy of certain stereotypical beliefs (or “myths” as the authors call these beliefs) such as “Religious people do not like science.” The authors provide commentary along the way. At the end of each of the main chapters are “lessons” we are supposed to take away.

I had a large number of problems with this book, four of which I will explain below.

First, we’re told in the acknowledgements that the funding for the research found in this book was provided by the John Templeton Foundation. We’re not told this but this foundation is a philanthropic organization that supports progress in religious and spiritual knowledge as well as research on methods to promote and develop moral character, intelligence, and creativity in people & to promote free markets. There has been some criticism for this foundation’s awards. One criticism is that it mingles religion and science. That is, this foundation seems to have a hidden agenda of reconciling religion and science, or blurring the line between religion and science.

Next, I asked myself why we should even bother to examine these stereotypical beliefs or “myths?” The authors give the answer that the majority of Americans are religious and pay taxes. If these people do not support science research and education, then they may not support the federal science funding. Therefore, science must acquiesce to religion in order to get proper funding. SCIENCE DOES NOT WORK THIS WAY. Science only reports the evidence and if this evidence offends some groups, it’s not science’s fault.

Thirdly, you would think that a book on science and religion would include a definition of these words. But, believe it or not, there are no definitions. “Science” is systematized knowledge derived from observation, study, and experimentation carried on in order to determine the nature or principles of what is being studied. “Religion” is a belief in a divine or superhuman power or powers to be obeyed and worshipped as the creator(s) and ruler(s) of the universe. In other words, science is based on reality whereas religion is based on belief or fantasy. Religion supposedly works if you believe in it hard enough but science works whether you believe it or not.

Finally, the sample size for this study (buried in the first appendix) was “10, 241.” Do these authors really expect me to believe that this small sample size is representative of the entire population of the United States? I don’t think so.

In conclusion, this book has way to many faults, four of which I highlighted above. Thus, I would not recommend it.

(2018; acknowledgements; 8 chapters; main narrative 145 pages; 3 appendixes; bibliography; index)

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[Shawn Mcguire · Rating 2 out of 5]

It felt like I was back in school reading a text book,. Too many stats and comparisons between the religions, which I expected but, I wanted more interviews and quotes about why they thought this and that about the topics not just stats without explanations. It was hard to get through