Half of Brits think science and Christianity are incompatible

 (Photo: Getty/iStock)

Research by the Theos think tank reveals that around half of Brits think science and Christianity are incompatible.

Just over a third (36%) felt that they are compatible.

When it came to science and 'faith', nearly half (47%) said they were incompatible, compared with 41% who said they are compatible.

Asked about the compatibility of science and 'religion', those saying they were incompatible rose to 57%, compared with only 37% who said they were compatible.

Men (60%) were much more likely than women (55%) to say that science and religion are incompatible.

Over a third (38%) said that the theory of the Big Bang made it hard to be religious, compared with 31% who disagreed.

But nearly half of respondents (48%) agreed that "all religions have some element of truth in them".

And half (49%) agreed that "humans are at heart spiritual beings".

The survey was carried out by YouGov on behalf of Theos and asked the views of 5,153 UK adults.

The data has inspired the launch of an online survey about science and religion called the Science and Religion Compass, run jointly by Theos and the Faraday Institute.

Over 8,000 people have taken part in the survey so far.

Nick Spencer, Senior Fellow at Theos, said, "People hold different views on science and religion – but they also hold them for different reasons.

"For example, some people think that science and religion are compatible because modern science has proved religious beliefs true.

"Others think they are compatible because they have nothing to do with one another.

"The Science and Religion Compass will hopefully encourage people to think and talk more deeply about two of the most important areas of human life."

News
Church of England bishops delay final decision on same-sex blessings
Church of England bishops delay final decision on same-sex blessings

The Church of England's House of Bishops has postponed a final decision on the Living in Love and Faith process as it continues to work on proposals. 

Faith in the festive chaos: how you can sustain your family’s faith this Christmas
Faith in the festive chaos: how you can sustain your family’s faith this Christmas

Anna Hawken, Parenting for Faith from BRF Ministries, has some helpful tips for families to connect with God in the midst of the "December tornado".

Half of Armenian archbishops have been thrown in jail
Half of Armenian archbishops have been thrown in jail

The Armenian government has been in conflict with the church for a number of years now.

Catholics in Mozambique caring for survivors of Jihadist violence
Catholics in Mozambique caring for survivors of Jihadist violence

International attention on Mozambique is scarce.