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Religious values and confidence in science: Perceived tensions and common ground
Isabelle Freiling1, Michael A Cacciatore2, Meaghan McKasy1
1Department of Communication, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America.
Plos One
|September 19, 2025
Summary
Many Americans question scientists
Area of Science:
- Sociology of Science
- Public Understanding of Science
Background:
- Public confidence in science is high, yet concerns exist regarding scientists' values alignment with the general populace, particularly religious values.
- Common narratives often portray science and religion as conflicting, despite many religious individuals perceiving compatibility between their faith and scientific understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between religious views and confidence in science among U.S. adults.
- To explore how perceptions of harmony or conflict between religion and science influence public trust in scientific institutions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized survey data from two probability samples representative of the U.S. adult population.
- Analyzed how religious beliefs and perceived relationships between science and religion predict confidence in science.
Main Results:
- General perceptions of conflict between religion and science negatively correlated with confidence in science.
- Perceptions that religion supports environmental protection were associated with higher confidence in science.
Conclusions:
- Public attitudes towards science and religion are complex, not solely defined by conflict.
- Individuals can maintain strong religious beliefs and high confidence in science concurrently.
- Highlighting common ground between science and religion may be an effective strategy for enhancing public trust in science.
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