Recent research from Brunel University of London challenges the common assumption that science and religion are incompatible. The study found that people who perceive their scientific and spiritual beliefs as compatible tend to have higher levels of life satisfaction, optimism, and overall well-being. This is especially true in non-Western countries, where religious and scientific worldviews often coexist harmoniously. The findings suggest that easing the perceived tension between science and faith could have significant implications for public health and well-being. Religion and science may not be as conflictual as commonly believed.
Building Bridges between Science and Religion
A new study by researchers at Brunel University of London and the University of Oxford has dispelled the widely held belief that science and religion are mutually exclusive. The team reached this conclusion by surveying more than 55,000 people across 54 countries and finding that those who believe their scientific and spiritual beliefs are compatible also report higher levels of life satisfaction and overall well-being.
This is especially so in non-Western countries, wherein people often can combine religious and scientific world views together, as lead researcher Dr. Michael Price explains. ‘ In fact, across many non-Western countries (especially in Asia and Africa) — people have evolved to where their religious and scientific beliefs work together effortlessly,” he said. A life of seeing the world this way is related to higher levels of optimism, purpose in life and overall well-being.
Why Belief System Compatibility Matters
The study, which appears in the journal Religion, Brain & Behaviour, focused on a notion called “belief system compatibility,” or the extent to which people see their religious and scientific beliefs as compatible. What the researchers learned was that this compatibility was a much better indicator of well-being than which side — religious or scientific — the individual identified with more.
‘When we examined how science and religion get along together — intense-ified that belief system compatibility — they work in concert with physical examination of the brain’s ‘on-their-knees’ side. This is gir-big-infatuated love,’ Dr Price said. Religious belief was assessed with the 2-item ‘Belief In A Higher Plan’ scale and well-being with a combination of sense of purpose in life and optimism. These are both like really central elements of mental health from a psychological perspective, that is in itself one of the biggest predictors of physical health.
Implications for Public Health Benefit
The researchers suggest that this could spell big things for public health and overall happiness — especially with regard to treating mental illness such as depression. Major depression is one of the most significant public health problems in the world. Therefore, we probably have a lot to learn from cultures where science and faith live together more peacefully,” Dr. Price said.
According to the researchers, this sort of work would allow science and religion to co-exist without conflict leading to a happier, healthier society. The results of this study might have broad implications for public health and well-being. This could bring those much-needed benefits for happier and healthier communities,” he said.
