• Question: Why don't most scientists believe in God?

    Asked by Jake to Áine, Ciarán, Eoin, Lydia, Victoria on 7 Nov 2014.
    • Photo: Ciarán O'Brien

      Ciarán O'Brien answered on 7 Nov 2014:

      The smart answer is because most scientists aren’t Christian, they’re Buddhist or Hindu or Shinto some other religion. If they believed in God, they’d be pretty terrible at their own religion. 🙂

      I remember being told as a child that God made flowers grow. But after learning some botany and genetics, I found out that it was complicated chemistry, not magic. For me, “God” is an easy answer that doesn’t explain much of how something works. It tends to end discussion instead of opening it up to proper scrutiny and criticism, which is what science is all about.

      That said, there are plenty of Christian scientists. The good ones just don’t let their beliefs get in the way of their work.

      EDIT: Actually I found out that there was a poll in April 2009 where 51% of scientists said they believed in God or some other higher power: http://www.pewforum.org/2009/11/05/scientists-and-belief/

      So it would seem most scientists actually DO believe in some kind of god. It’s not terribly important though, and anyone who tells you that science and religion are incompatible is probably lying so they can sell you something.

    • Photo: Victoria Simms

      Victoria Simms answered on 10 Nov 2014:

      I think this might be a “misperception” or an incorrect opinion- and Ciaran has confirmed it! I know quite a lot of scientists who have religious beliefs and lots that don’t, we are a mixed bunch!

    • Photo: Áine Broderick

      Áine Broderick answered on 10 Nov 2014:

      Like Ciarán and Victoria, I have lots of friends who believe in God and those who don’t. I think there is a link to what you grew up with and what your parent’s/family have thought you, this has a huge impact on people’s beliefs later on in life.

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