From Rhetoric to Reality

What are the implications of our results for scientific and religious communities? Drawing on the core empirical patterns discussed in the book, this chapter explains how the rhetoric of New Atheism espoused by celebrity scientists does not square with the reality of atheism experienced by atheist scientists in the U.S. and U.K. Religious communities may not be aware of atheist scientists’ actual views of faith, scientism, their moral orientations, or—for atheists who grew up religious—the reasons why they abandoned past faith. And, there is more common ground between the scientific and religious communities than either group is aware, offering fertile ground for dialogue. A diverse array of stakeholders should be involved in such pursuits, including national organizations, universities, churches, and science communicators. The success of these efforts have implications for public confidence in science and diversity within the profession.