Finding Common Ground: Religion and Public Confidence in Science

While science enjoys higher levels of public trust than many other institutions, many Americans still question whether scientists share their values—including religious ones. A newly published study by Department of Communication professors Dr. Isabelle Freiling and Dr. Meaghan McKasy, together with University of Georgia colleague Dr. Michael Cacciatore, explores how perceptions of conflict and harmony between religion and science shape public confidence in science.

 

Confidence in Science and Perceived Conflict

Using two large, nationally representative survey samples of U.S. adults, the study found that perceptions of conflict between science and religion were negatively associated with confidence in science. In other words, when individuals believed that religion and science were incompatible, they had less trust in science. Additionally, those who found issues like homosexuality, abortion, divorce, and sex before marriage being less morally justifiable, had lower trust in science as well.

Yet, the researchers stress that merely being religious is not synonymous with a lack of confidence in science. Across both studies, the importance of religion in one’s life did not consistently predict lower confidence. Instead, the decisive factor was whether individuals perceived religion and science as fundamentally at odds.

 

The Role of Environmental Stewardship

The second study introduced another factor: whether people believed that religion endorses protecting the planet. Here, the findings were striking—when individuals perceived religion as emphasizing environmental stewardship, their confidence in science was significantly higher. This suggests that highlighting common ground, particularly around shared values like environmental responsibility, may be a promising strategy for strengthening public trust in science.

 

Broader Implications

These findings build on Ian Barbour’s four-category typology of the science-religion relationship: conflict, independence, dialogue, and integration. While much public discourse emphasizes conflict, this research points to the potential of dialogue and integration. In particular, framing science as aligned with religious values, such as stewardship of the Earth, may open doors for mutual reinforcement rather than opposition.

The authors note that perceptions of science and religion are shaped by cultural, social, and identity-based factors. Religious teachings often provide moral frameworks that influence how individuals process new information, while stereotypes (such as viewing scientists as anti-religious or religious individuals as unscientific) can further complicate trust. By recognizing these complexities, communicators and educators may better bridge gaps between faith and scientific understanding.

 

Why This Matters for Communication Scholars

For students and faculty in communication, this research underscores the importance of framing, identity, and values in shaping public trust. Rather than viewing religion and science as inherently opposed, communicators may find more effective strategies by highlighting areas of overlap and shared purpose. As the study concludes, “the present work demonstrates that attitudes toward religion and science are more nuanced than is often acknowledged and that audiences can be confident in science while holding strong religious beliefs,” suggesting that the tension between religion and science is far from a zero-sum game.

Read the full article, “Religious values and confidence in science: Perceived tensions and common ground” at PLoS One to learn more!