Faith and facts: Exploring the intersection of religion and science among anatomy educators

The intersection of religion and science often elicits polarizing views among scientists, though approximately half of American scientists identify as religious. Mounting evidence also supports the role of spirituality in comprehensive patient care. The purpose of this study was to explore the relig...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Anatomical sciences education 2024-11, Vol.17 (8), p.1528-1536
Main Authors: Brooks, William S., Deweese, Joseph E., Wilson, Adam B.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Anatomists
anatomy
Anatomy - education
Beliefs
College Faculty
Faculty - psychology
Faculty - statistics & numerical data
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
mistreatment
Religion
Religion and Science
Religious beliefs
Role of Religion
Spirituality
Surveys and Questionnaires
United States
Universities
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Summary:The intersection of religion and science often elicits polarizing views among scientists, though approximately half of American scientists identify as religious. Mounting evidence also supports the role of spirituality in comprehensive patient care. The purpose of this study was to explore the religiosity of faculty who teach in the anatomical sciences at U.S. colleges and universities. Surveys were administered to anatomists through two professional societies. Two‐thirds (64.9%, 74/114) of respondents identified as religious, 26.3% (30/114) as atheist, and 8.8% (10/114) as agnostic. Most respondents (64.9%, 74/114) disagreed with the statement, “There is no place for religion and science to intersect.” Approximately one in three respondents expressed concern that sharing/disclosing their religious beliefs would negatively affect the perceptions of colleagues (32.5%, 37/114) and students (28.9%, 33/114) toward them. Faculty at faith‐based institutions were more open to disclosing their beliefs (p = 0.045), and highly religious individuals were more concerned (p = 0.001). Fewer than one‐fifth of respondents 17.5% (20/114) personally experienced mistreatment or discrimination within academic settings due to their religious beliefs. Most respondents held politically liberal‐leaning views (71.0%, 76/107). Highly religious individuals were more likely to be politically conservative (p 
ISSN:1935-9772
1935-9780
1935-9780
DOI:10.1002/ase.2400