Science vs. religion : what scientists really think - File PDF

God on the Quad 109to a “man of the cloth” (a religious leader). Gates mentioned that “Einstein,while not being religious in a conventional sense, was definitely not antireligious.”He pointed out that James Clerk Maxwell and Isaac Newton weredeeply committed Christians. Gates reminded the students that we must try tounderstand the nature of the universe with the tools and techniques we have.Science is about what can be measured (and is limited to measurable answers),and faith is not measurable. Therefore, he said, the two cannot conflict.Hutchinson and Gates have both attained an elite status among scientists,and for good reason. They are exceptionally accomplished in their fields. No onecan claim that they aren’t real scientists, and they are clearly interested in morethan proselytizing. But they are also different from one another. Hutchinsonholds Christian convictions, but Gates’s religious perspective is not clear fromhis lecture; he seems most concerned that the general public—religious ornot—remain scientifically literate.6What makes them both boundary pioneers is that they break down the wallsof separation between science and religion, introducing to us new ideas for reconciliation.As pioneers, they are also able to lead others to navigate the rubbleand cross over the areas where the walls once were. 7 Both of these men are ableto handle just about any question thrown at them, because they have spentsome amount of time thinking deeply about this issue. And for Hutchinson,coordinating the intersection of his work and his faith involves more thantreating students and colleagues well. He spends part of his energy engaging hispeers about ways that these two worlds might reasonably connect.Over 40 percent of the scientists I asked believed that religion could playsome positive role on university campuses. 8 Analyzing their collective thoughtsprovides us with new models of how religion could be part of university life ina way that stimulates discovery, enriches students, and benefits the eventualpublic transmission of science.NEW UNIVERSITY MODELS FROMTHE VOICES OF SCIENTISTSScientists’ models for how religion could be part of life on campuses vary in thelevel of legitimacy and necessity ascribed to religion. Those who think religionshould be engaged mainly in a private way see the role of universities as fundingchapels, campus ministries, and other resources to support students’ personalexpressions of faith. 9 This model springs from an understanding of theuniversity as a place that provides emotional care for students.