You have heard of the White and Draper “conflict thesis” about the historical relationship between religion and science, right? It is a myth historians have debunked, but recent scholarship suggests that in debunking it they have missed some fascinating complexity.
Does history show a conflict between religion and science? According to Peter Harrison, a careful study of history finds a very different narrative.
Of course, history reminds us that for every abolitionist like cousin Emily, there is at least one story of a slave owner who was also motivated by faith. The history of Christianity, like any family history, is terribly complex with examples that make us proud and others that remind us of the need for confession and forgiveness. This, of course, is also true of the history of Christianity and science.
Quite a few myths perpetuate the idea that science and religion have long been in conflict with one another. In this book, historian of science Ron Numbers take on this hearsay.
Are prayer and science in opposition to one another when it comes to healing? It turns out the conversation on this topic has been going on for a long time.
The science of eugenics, a misuse of biological science, runs deep in our countries history. Scientists at institutions like Harvard and the University of Virginia played central roles in eugenics. What is less known is that some progressive religious leaders were also active in promoting it.