Published on December 5, 2023 by Diamond Nunnally, Josh Reeves  
Josh Reeves

The relationship between science and the Christian faith can be complicated. Christians often worry about the objectivity of scientists and the reliability of their findings. At Samford, one professor is studying this relationship and seeking ways to overcome mistrust between scientific and Christian communities. That professor is none other than the Center for Science and Religion director and Biblical and Religious Studies professor, Josh Reeves.  

"Mistrusting institutions, including science, increasingly characterize our society," Reeves said. "While social scientific research has been paying more attention to this trend, theologians and philosophers have yet to address it extensively." 

Reeves received a $160,000 grant from the Templeton Religion Trust for his research project "Trusting God and Trusting Science." It aims to investigate skepticism towards scientific findings within Christian groups and to identify potential solutions to bridge this trust gap. 

"Grants from the Templeton Religion Trust are difficult to secure, so success is a significant endorsement of the research's value and potential impact. The Center for Science and Religion has brought in over $700,000 in grants over the past ten years, an extraordinary accomplishment," said Reeves. 

This grant will allow Reeves to comprehensively study the theological, philosophical and psychological foundations of Christian trust in science from a spiritual and social perspective. In collaboration with psychologist Jonathan Jong from Coventry University and philosopher Jeroen de Ridder from Vrije University Amsterdam, they will conduct workshops with social scientists, theologians and philosophers to discuss Christian trust in science and develop future research questions.  

 Reeves said, "Our goal is to provide a more nuanced understanding of the reasons behind scientific skepticism in religious communities not often found in scientific studies alone." 

The funding will also enable the production of a book to assist clergy in educating their congregations on science and misinformation. 

 

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 5,791 students from 49 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.