Being scientists, what are your views on religion?

Question: Being scientists, what are your views on religion?
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Asked by xX_OldmanBamanaboni_Xx to John, Laura, Luke, Rob, Ruth on 15 Jun 2016.
- Ruth Patchett answered on 15 Jun 2016:
  
  I am not religious myself not nessisarily just because I am a scientist but as a result of the way I was brought up I just can’t seem to believe any of it. That said I think it is important that people are allowed to practice their own religion as long as they do no harm to others in the process. I have seen a lot of occasions where religion has really helped people for example my grandparents were christians and their local church community was so helpful in caring for and supporting them in their old age. This in turn helped them stay healthier and live longer and I think was good for their mental well being as it kept their bodies and minds active. Plenty of scienists manage to balance being scientists and having religious faith so don’t think that you or anyone else has to choose one or the other!
- John Fossey answered on 15 Jun 2016:
  
  You can believe what you want – it is your freedom to do so – I will defend that
  But give me the equivalent freedom to disagree with you completely
  
  I wrote a longer answer but this will do…………..
- Robert Williams answered on 15 Jun 2016:
  
  Religion has a place in society.
  Some scientists are very religious.
  Some theologians are very scientific.
  Each can explain some things that the other cannot.
  Science relies on the evidence. Religion relies on belief.
- Laura Finney answered on 15 Jun 2016:
  
  I think it is a lovely idea, although I do not believe in religions myself. There are many scientists who do though. I just think that some people need faith and hope to get through parts of life and if religion provides that then that is a good thing. I love the idea of heaven and meeting your loved ones again but I am not sure what I believe in terms of that.
  I think science is what I believe. But then many people say god gave us that!
  However I 100% believe in the theory of evolution.
- Luke Williams answered on 16 Jun 2016:
  
  I am an atheist, as are my parents and grandparents and all my family that I am aware of.
  
  I strongly believe that religion has been the cause of many wars and strife in the world, and continues to be a major problem for humanity. I live in hope that religion is eventually left behind for more enlightened viewpoints. I do not believe that religious scientists can have true objectivity if they attribute all that they see to the whims of a higher power.
  
  All that being said, people have the right and should have the right to believe as they wish. I don’t say this because I feel religion has any particular merit, justification or special case, but as a matter of principle. Should one forbid a particular religion, why not ban a political party, why not ban a sport? People must be allowed to do as they wish as long it does not harm another.

Question: Being scientists, what are your views on religion?

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