Content Matters: Perceptions of the Science-Religion Relationship

Science and religion are often portrayed as monolithic entities in perpetual necessary conflict. We explore the extent to which perceptions of conflict or compatibility between science content dependent associated with participants’ own religious non-religious social identities. In doing so, we develop a novel Religion Conflict/Compatibility Scale. Across three studies (n = 1,506), consistently find group differences atheists, agnostics other individuals, individuals. Religious individuals reported highest levels atheists religion. Additionally, were divided into two distinct areas. The first included items concerning big-picture explanations, such understanding origins human life. second area formed around that describe interactions humans world, treating mental illness. conclude research examining needs adopt more nuanced approach, takes account individuals’ identities context relationship is discussed.