Misconceptions of science and religion stunt progress

A new survey has revealed that the public's view that science and religion can't work in collaboration is a misconception that stunts progress.

The study, conducted by Rice University on more than 10,000 Americans, scientists and evangelical Protestants, has found that scientists and the general public are surprisingly similar in their religious practices

Sociologist Elaine Howard Ecklund said that the findings are a hopeful message for science policymakers and educators, because the two groups don't have to approach religion with an attitude of combat.

According to the study, nearly 50 percent of evangelicals believe that science and religion can work together and support one another, and 18 percent of scientists attended weekly religious services.

The study 'Religious Understandings of Science' also found that 60 percent of evangelical Protestants and 38 percent of all surveyed believe that scientists should be open to considering miracles in their theories or explanations.