Religion: What Scientists Really Think About Religion

Rice University sociologist Elaine Ecklund offers a fresh perspective ... in "Science vs. Religion." Rather than offering another polemic, she builds on a detailed survey of almost 1,700 scientists at elite American research universities -- the most comprehensive such study to date. These surveys and 275 lengthy follow-up interviews reveal that scientists often practice a closeted faith. They worry how their peers would react to learning about their religious views.

Fully half of these top scientists are religious. Only five of the 275 interviewees actively oppose religion. Even among the third who are atheists, many consider themselves "spiritual."

From "Science Vs. Religion" Discovers What Scientists Really Think About Religion by Josh Rosenau, May 30, 2010.