Post by Maggie on Sept 17, 2013 10:57:36 GMT -6
This is fairly old news in itself. But it is so tiresome hearing the same nonsense from atheists that most scientists are not believers and that only some small percentage of the National Academy of Scientists identify themselves as believers. Those that are believers are suffering a form of cognitive dissonance (or whatever other fancy disorder they can dream up). This is simply not true. Here for our viewing and polemical pleasure, are some statistics that shed better light on the subject.
1. How many scientists are employed in the United States? "In 2011, there were 5.9 million scientists and engineers employed in the United States, accounting for 4.6% of total U.S. employment." (From the Congressional Research Service)
3. How many scientists belong to the National Academy of Sciences? The NAS membership totals approximately 2,200 members and 400 foreign associates (NAS membership)
3. How many scientists are believers? Half the scientists at our research universities are in one form or another (Ann Arbor)
The reality is far more varied and interesting than any atheist appears to be able to recognize. Those poll masters at Pew had this to say in 2009: "The Pew Research Center poll of scientists also found that levels of religious faith vary according to scientific specialty and age. For instance, chemists are more likely to believe in God (41%) than those who work in the other major scientific fields. Meanwhile, younger scientists (ages 18-34) are more likely to believe in God or a higher power than those who are older." (Pew survey) I believe Pew only surveyed the NAS-- not all the working scientists in the nation, which yields a far higher number of believers.
Belief has remained nearly constant since a survey done in 1914 (I think it was)-- about 51% of scientists are believers. Here is a nice blog post that puts it in perspective.
1. How many scientists are employed in the United States? "In 2011, there were 5.9 million scientists and engineers employed in the United States, accounting for 4.6% of total U.S. employment." (From the Congressional Research Service)
3. How many scientists belong to the National Academy of Sciences? The NAS membership totals approximately 2,200 members and 400 foreign associates (NAS membership)
3. How many scientists are believers? Half the scientists at our research universities are in one form or another (Ann Arbor)
The reality is far more varied and interesting than any atheist appears to be able to recognize. Those poll masters at Pew had this to say in 2009: "The Pew Research Center poll of scientists also found that levels of religious faith vary according to scientific specialty and age. For instance, chemists are more likely to believe in God (41%) than those who work in the other major scientific fields. Meanwhile, younger scientists (ages 18-34) are more likely to believe in God or a higher power than those who are older." (Pew survey) I believe Pew only surveyed the NAS-- not all the working scientists in the nation, which yields a far higher number of believers.
Belief has remained nearly constant since a survey done in 1914 (I think it was)-- about 51% of scientists are believers. Here is a nice blog post that puts it in perspective.
