A comparative study of the religious views of leading scientists in 1914 and a random sample of scientists listed in American Men and Women of Science showed an amazing constancy over these 80 years. Scientists have taken a variety of philosophical stances when it comes to the debate between science and religion. 3 Ernst Mayr, a father of the modern evolutionary synthesis, simply and clearly explained the differences between science and religion. 8 Science does not invoke supernatural explanations or rely on revelation to understand how the universe operates. Religion does both.
Scientific explanations are open to change when the data support a revision.
Religions are hesitant to revise lest a theological change spawn a new religion. 11 Philosopher and historian W.B. Provine sees it quite differently. The scientifically literate citizen should understand both viewpoints. For this the scientific community must accept some blame. We have done a very poor job of explaining our work to the public, to the press, and even to biology students as dismaying surveys have shown.